As much as the Seattle Sounders outplayed the Philadelphia Union last week, one lingering issue for the Sounders was the team's need for a better option in its starting lineup for the injured Nate Jaqua than reserve player Roger Levesque.
Seattle may have found that player in Pat Noonan, who signed with the Sounders on Tuesday. The former New England, Columbus and Colorado player can play at forward and the right flank, and while he is not as quick as he once was, Noonan is still a strong technical player who will finish opportunities when they come.
Sigi Schmid, who coached Noonan with the Columbus Crew in 2008, could start Noonan up top with Freddy Montero, or start Noonan on the right wing, where Levesque played last week. Freddie Ljungberg's uncertain status could also create an opening for Noonan to start.
Noonan's signing comes ahead of Seattle's match against the New York Red Bulls, a club Noonan has enjoyed considerable success against in the past.
What do you think of Noonan's signing? Surprised Colorado let him go? Think he's lost too much speed to be a factor?
Share your thoughts below.