The 2009 MLS Cup his hitting Seattle this weekend, and SBI will be there to cover it, as well as to cover all the MLS-related activities associated with MLS Cup weekend.
Real Salt Lake takes on the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday, but the weekend should be filled with much more as reps from all the league's teams converge on Seattle to talk deals (and in some cases, look for head coaches). We'll be sure to fill you in on all the action.
Here are a few items before I start my trek to the Pacific Northwest:
The Washington Post has reported that former Norwegian international Erik Soler is the leading candidate to become the New York Red Bulls new general manager. My sources are telling me that the appointment is essentially a done deal. Should Red Bulls fans be happy? Well, the club's soccer operations will be handled by someone with no tangible experience in MLS, and negligible knowledge of the American soccer scene. So why would the Red Bulls hire Soler? Good question. Does this mean the Red Bulls will follow this up by hiring a coach with MLS experience and knowledge (like Richie Williams)? Don't assume that to be a slam dunk.
If you will be in Seattle for the weekend, be sure to come to the Designated Players Party at Kells Pub on Friday night (9pm until). No, Freddie Ljungberg and David Beckham aren't throwing a party (at least not one that we can get into). We're talking about The Designated Players soccer websites. if you're a reader of DuNord, This Is American Soccer, The Offside Rules and The Original Winger (and let's face it, if you're an American soccer fan you read some or all of them), come out to Kells so you can meet the brains behind each of those operations (As well as yours truly). The pub is charging a $5 cover. If you can, come by and say what's up.
I'm off to Seattle now. If you are heading to Seattle for the weekend, or if you're a Seattle resident with some suggestions on places to go and sights to see, please share your thoughts on the weekend, and the city, below.
Can I come?
I’m good at carrying luggage and arranging iteneraries. Plus it’s my birthday on Monday.
I’m assuming Portland is your kind of town huh?
Won’t be able to make it Friday night, but have a good time. A good thing to do late at night (assuming its not cloudy) is check out Kerry park on Queen Anne Hill for the best view of Seattle. You can do that after you stop at Dick’s for a burger. Perfect late night food.
During the day, you can’t beat Pike Place Market (where Kells is) and watch them toss some Salmon. Get some fish and chips down at Ivars on the waterfront. It’s cheap and the original!
That city is a waste of time.
Daniel’s Broiler on Lake Union. Game over.
There are a bunch of events going on. Check them out: http://www.sounderscouncil.com/summit/. And if are from out of town, stay away from Seattle pizza as if you have been to Chicago, NY or elsewhere Seattle sucks by comparison. Stick to beer (from Seattle), coffee, and fish. Give Dick’s Hamburgers (http://www.seattle-tourist.com/dicks-hamburgers.html) a try, comparable to in-and-out.
http://www.sounderscouncil.com/summit
Saturday night will have several events
Elysian Fields with the Alliance Council hosting several players
Fuel with the ECS
What the hell are you guys doing on Saturday Night? I know a lot of people will not be there Friday cause of the flight or the drive?
Erik Soler?
Wow.
I’ve always been underwhelmed with Kells, it is a good location I suppose.
For pizza downtown you have to try Tom Douglas’ Serious Pie. Or you can come by Spitfire on Saturday to join the crowd watching some futbol americano. Any word on any soccer gatherings Saturday night?
If you want a good sampling of NW beers hit Colin’s in the Smith tower. If you are looking for Bud light it isn’t the place for you.
If your in the Pike Place Market already I recommend Matt’s in the Market. Dinner is a little pricey but lunch is a bargain they use a ton of local ingredients from around Puget Sound.
I’m baffled – perhaps I am not grasping what a ‘Sporting Director’ does. But, I’m assuming that’s equivalent to general manager in NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL.
If so, what’s the key problem here? Problem is market – it’s a NY market. Getting someone without NY-metro area expertiese is a waste of time/effort.
Team Tauren needs to get a highskills/experienced GM from one of the local teams (yup – mongo bucks!) and then bring in Richie as the coach.
Paglacci Pizza…a must.