The high numbers are of less concern for me. I just don’t see how anyone can judge that a certain player is worth $600,000 or $100,000 a year, until that year is over. One goals worth is not equal to another goals worth and one save is not equal to another save, so until you see how that player performs over the entire season, you don’t know what they could have been paid for.

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Needless to say, the MLS and U.S. Soccer Federation have a problem. The quality and consistency of their officials is lacking and may not be able to be patched up with new “guidelines” and “training seminars”. Once again an MLS match is spoiled by bad officiating and blown calls. This is why NONE of the MLS referees were selected to officiate the 2010 World Cup, not even as Assistant Refs.

If you haven’t seen the call, it came in the 3rd minute of stoppage time (why was their 3 minutes of stoppage time by the way?). Terry Vaughn called the foul against either Alonso Hurtado or Gonzalez, it’s hard to tell because they were both playing legal defense. A Penalty kick was awarded (for the second time) and Cunningham scored. End of game.

Why were none of the US referees selected for the World Cup? Obviously FIFA sees a problem many fans have been seeing for years in the MLS. It’s time for a change in the world of U.S. soccer referees.

I’ll have more on the actual Sounders FC vs FC Dallas game soon… it will focus on the game and not the poor officiating. What did you think of the games officiating and do you think the MLS should fire referees who fail to perform?

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You may love it, you may hate it, but either way, the Seattle Sounders 3rd Jersey is here. The 3rd Jersey is available now at the Sounders ProShop and sells for the standard price of $90.

So far the reception to the new color has has been mixed. Many who attended the unveiling were quite impressed, while commentators online seemed bewildered at the bright glare coming off of their computer screen. Perhaps the color is more impressive in person?

Personally, I like the color, but thought they could have gone with a grey tone to match the Seattle area better :)

Official Sounders Jersey’s

The Sounders Electric Jersey is going to be used in the friendly matches this coming summer and may also see some light during the Open Cup tournament.

I’ll end with a couple of color combo’s that would have been nice alternatives to the Hi-Lighter yellow. Leave a comment below on what you think of the new Sounders kit. If you don’t like the color what color would you have liked to seen?

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On Wednesday, February 4th, Brad Evans will be joining the U.S. National team in a friendly match against El Salvador. The last time the U.S. National team took on El Salvador it resulted in a 2-2 draw. Evans was not with the squad then.

In the past, Evans has came on as a substitute defender for the U.S. National team, but hopefully this year he will move into a more central role with the team. Here is the roster for the U.S. this coming Wednesday.

FORWARDS

• Conor Casey (Colorado)
• Brian Ching (Houston)
• Jeff Cunningham (Dallas)
• Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake)

MIDFIELDERS

• Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake)
• Geoff Cameron (Houston)
• Brad Davis (Houston)
• Brad Evans (Seattle)
• Eddie Gaven (Columbus)
• Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA)
• Dax McCarty (Dallas)
• Chris Pontius (D.C. United)
• Robbie Rogers (Columbus)

DEFENDERS

• Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA)
• Clarence Goodson (IK Start)
• Chad Marshall (Columbus)
• Heath Pearce (Dallas)
• Marvell Wynne (Toronto)

GOALKEEPERS

• Troy Perkins (D.C. United)
• Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake).

Who do you want to see in the starting 11 for the U.S.?

The minimum right now appears too be $20,000 and a few Sounders in fact made that much playing in the MLS last year. Interestingly, players in the MLS are employees of the league and are not technically employed by their respective teams.

This is where the MLS asserts it’s rights over how players are payed and how they can move within the league.

This is unique to the MLS only, all other leagues function in a more localized setting and do not assert dictatorial rights over their teams and players. Back to my original question though, do MLS players deserve more money?

Lets see, I could go find a job tomorrow that pays $11 a hour for moving pallets with a forklift, or I could get $20,000 a year playing for a MLS team. Err maybe I will just take that electricians job and make twice as much as either of the two positions.

My point is, I see why the MLS has not gotten the recognition around the world that it could deserve. The problem right now is a lack of transparency. The league refuses to share the books on what they make with the league, so the players have no way of knowing if they are getting a fair deal.

If the league could prove they simply can’t afford to pay the players more then fine, but until that day, the players simply deserve more money.

Here are a few other great items from the Sounders FC Pro Shop that would make great holiday gifts.

1. Sounders Fleece Pants – Fleece pants have to be one of the most comfortable items ever made by man.
2. Sounders Training Jersey – For $45 you can get a man’s adult training jersey and a free scarf by using the promo code above.
3. Away Tee Capital Blue – At $25 dollars the Sounders FC away tee is a simple and affordable Christmas gift.
4. Fleece Knit “stocking cap” – For the younger crowd you can go with a “beenie” cap for the cold winter ahead.
5. Mini Soccer Ball – Sounders FC mini soccer balls make great stocking stuffers.

We must accept that this season was more then we could have ever hoped for. A great winning season, a Open Cup Trophy, and making to the playoffs. All are great accomplishments for a expansion team.

Now we must look forward to next year and hope that will be the year we win the Open Cup as well as the MLS Cup.

The last time the Sounders FC faced KC was at home and resulted in a 1-0 loss. Lets hear a little redemption song!

The race to the playoffs is on and the Sounders are right in the mix. If the playoffs started today, the Seattle Sounders would be taking the second wildcard slot.

The MLS playoffs include 8 teams that are made up of the top two teams from each conference and the 4 teams with the next-most points from either conference. Right now there are 7-8 teams reaching for those 4 Wildcard spots.

The Teams racing for those Wildcard spots; Colorado, Seattle, Real Salt Lake, Chivas USA, New England, DC United, and Toronto FC are all within just 5 points of each other. Colorado leads the pack with 36 points and Toronto FC trails with 31 points. The Sounders are right in the middle with 34 points.

Here is a break down of this weekends games and the game tonight when Kansas City takes on DC United.

• On Saturday, Kansas City beat New England which helped the Sounders remain ahead in the playoff race.
• Also on Saturday, DC United tied FC Dallas. 3 points for DC United would have put them ahead of the Sounders
• Unfortunately, Colorado beat Toronto FC for 3 points which puts them 2 points ahead of the Sounders.
• Tonight’s game will be in DC where Kansas City is taking on DC United. Kansas City is coming off a big win over New England and should give DC United a run for the money. Game starts at 4:30 today.

Hopefully they can break the streak this Saturday against Real Salt Lake!