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Post by Pea on Feb 27, 2013 12:37:23 GMT -8
I'm too caught up in the NFL playoffs and too mad at the Sounders and MLS right now to talk about soccer. I'll be back in late February. AWWWWWW SHIT!!!!! Mah fuckas we back!!!! Along with the two huge signings of designated player Shalrie Joseph and Djimi Traore, it sounds like we are literally a few signatures away from one of the biggest signings in Sounders' history. With a reported $4-4.9 million dollar transer fee and a guaranteed $2.5 million a year salary (plus goal and tournament bonuses) for 3 years, the Sounders look to be acquiring Nigerian national striker Obafemi Martins, that currently plays for Spanish La Liga club Levante, and has played for teams in the English Premier League, Bundesliga, and Russian Premier League. If this goes through it has the potential to make the Sounders a ridiculously scary threat this season. I'm pissing my pants with excitement over here. |
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Post by Fig on Feb 27, 2013 13:54:24 GMT -8
Dude I can't fucking wait for my first Sounders game.
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Post by Pea on Feb 27, 2013 14:47:12 GMT -8
Oh yea dude we're going sooner than later. I was going to say we should go to the home opener this Saturday, but my buddy already bought me a ticket. It's easy to find them day of game for $20-25 so it shouldn't be a problem to go whenever we want.
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Post by badchoices on Mar 11, 2013 13:12:34 GMT -8
From what I am reading Obafemi Martins is the shit. I admit that I didn't have a clue who he was before the rumors were circulating. Youtube videos and articles about him have got me stoked.
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Post by stamper on Mar 11, 2013 13:24:27 GMT -8
Not trying to be a hater, but this is a prime example of why I have a hard time embracing the MLS... The fact that a player like Obafemi Martins is considered a big deal is enough for me to say, 'nah, I'm good.'
Admittedly, if I lived in a town that had a MLS team I might look at things a tad differently. But I don't, so the thought of getting excited about him just makes me laugh.
I am happy that you guys are stoked, though.
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Post by Pea on Mar 11, 2013 13:44:45 GMT -8
Sorry Stamper, but I think that's kind of a bullshit way to reason. You know damn well the MLS is an extremely young league that is attempting to grow and flourish in a country that historically hasn't embraced soccer. This signing is causing much bigger waves in Spain, and La Liga followers seem to be scratching their heads right now. Obviously with the salary cap and current reputation of the MLS, we aren't going to sign a Messi, but for a little team in a young and little league to land a top scoring starting striker from the same league Messi plays in is a good indication of where this league is heading. I'm going to to support the hell out of that and continue to get excited everytime something like this happens because it means great things for the future of professional soccer in this country.
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Post by stamper on Mar 11, 2013 14:25:32 GMT -8
Like I said, I'm happy that you're excited. I wish I could join in your enthusiasm.
Unfortunately, Martins is not the type of player that excites me and could ever get me to watch a MLS game. To be fair, I'm not entirely sure what player could. Hell, New York has one of my all-time favorite players in Thierry Henry and I still don't watch the MLS. The overall quality of the league just isn't strong enough for me and this deal doesn't impress me much. I'm fairly sure many neutral fans feel the same way.
As for Martins, in my eyes, he's a player that peaked 6 years ago when he was a young Nigerian striker. Granted the guy is probably only in his late 20s now, but those are some well-worn legs. Throughout his career he's been transferred like 15 times between the Premiership, La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga and has suffered injuries throughout his career. He's just not the same player he was back when he played for Inter and Newcastle. He's gonna score you some goals, sure, but he's also going to spend a lot of time injured... and as his history has proven, he'll most likely be gone in about 3 seasons.
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Post by stamper on Mar 11, 2013 14:38:03 GMT -8
I totally recognize MLS is a young league and don't have as deep of pockets as its European competitors. It's unfortunate for the MLS, because they lose a lot of viewership due to that harsh reality. It's not the fault of the league. It's just the way it is.
I totally embrace the idea of Major League Soccer - just not the quality it has shown thus far. And until the day comes that 1. I live in a city that has a MLS team or 2. the MLS improves their overall product, I'm just never going to fully embrace the league.
Not everything is debbie-downer, however... I predict that in about 15 years, MLS will be bigger in the United States than the NHL (and probably the NBA too).
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Post by Pea on Mar 11, 2013 14:53:41 GMT -8
I don't blame you for any of that. I didn't follow the MLS either until it came to Seattle. If you ever find yourself out here I'm going to take you to a match. Even the biggest soccer haters I've ever met come away from a Sounders match with a new perspective. There's something special going on in this region with soccer and I'm really fucking happy to be a part of it.
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Post by stamper on Mar 11, 2013 15:05:12 GMT -8
Funny you mention being in that area... I just had an opportunity to move to Spokane. Had the Austin thing not happened, I'd probably be living up there taking in Sounders games with your crew.
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Post by Pea on Mar 11, 2013 15:19:31 GMT -8
HHHHNNNNNNGGGGGGG
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Post by wonk on Mar 11, 2013 15:34:48 GMT -8
Funny you mention being in that area... I just had an opportunity to move to Spokane. Had the Austin thing not happened, I'd probably be living up there taking in Sounders games with your crew. Although the locals will tell you how beautiful Spokane is, with its waterfall, and casino, and whatever else they think is neat about it, Spokane is a shit hole. Not only is it a shit hole, it's a 5+ hour drive to Seattle. |
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Post by emptyfox on Mar 11, 2013 15:58:10 GMT -8
... and a major methamphetamine distribution point full of gang members to boot.
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Post by Drew on Mar 11, 2013 21:32:57 GMT -8
Spokane is seriously the worst. Total dearth of culture.
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Post by badchoices on Mar 12, 2013 20:09:42 GMT -8
WOW! Seattle Sounders faithful were just rewarded for enduring the two scoreless games to start the season. The second leg of the CCL against Tigres (Mx) provided three great goals. I know it was 11v10 in the second half but you can't take those goals away from those players. 2 defenders with deep shots and Eddie doing what Eddie should be doing. Rad game. Wish I was there. Advancing 3-2 aggregate and I am stoked!
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Post by Pea on Mar 12, 2013 21:37:36 GMT -8
That match was fucking gut-wrenching, but holy helllll what an amazing result!!! Djimi Traore is fitting in beautifully, and what a world class goal that was from him. DeAndre Yedlin will be named rookie of the year. Calling it now. He's a fucking star in the making and his goal was almost as amazing as Djimi's.
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Post by Pea on Mar 12, 2013 22:14:13 GMT -8
THESE FUCKING GOALS  |
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Post by wonk on Mar 12, 2013 22:21:31 GMT -8
Man, that goalie sucks. Why is he wearing Sounders colors again?
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Post by Pea on Mar 12, 2013 22:24:37 GMT -8
This is me not feeding the troll.
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Post by badchoices on Mar 13, 2013 6:17:58 GMT -8
DeAndre Yedlin will be named rookie of the year. Man, he doesn't look like a rookie out there at all. On the play that Tigres scored he got a little wake up call (but you could argue a foul on that play as well). I tried to stream the Montreal and away Tigres games while I was in Mexico but it was too choppy. Can't wait for Saturday!!! |
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