O, magic team sheet on the wall, who are the fairest XI of them all?
As the anniversary year winds up, Sounders FC has invited one and all to weigh in with their picks for an all-time XI. It’s not quite a dream team, since there are rules to follow. But that’s to be expected in these days of salary caps, financial fair play and transfers subject to the ubiquitous ‘upon medical exam, and receipt of P-1 visa and ITC.’
While intensive education and debate will make for a full experience, most people just want to have fun. So enjoy yourself. But there’s nothing more fun than beating Portland, so pledge to make your Sounders XI strong enough to beat the Timbers XI next year, when their 40th rolls around.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to put the best fantasy team on the fantasy pitch, which, of course, is thick, rich natural turf. Remember, it’s a fantasy theme and to replace all divots.
Personally, I twice rewrote my lineup. Then I slept soundly, knowing my side would beat Portland anytime, anywhere. Why, I can hear the singing of Jingle Bells in the distance.
You’re welcome to consult the findings of Sounders coaches past , with even more options in the honorable-mention types in my September 10-12 blog entries. Just as in the NASL days, when managers needed to slot-in requisite Americans or Canadians, you must find spots for at least one player from each decade or era or whatever.
Do what you will, but I convinced myself (OK, van Gaal played a part, too) a 3-4-3 would be sufficient to keep Timber Joey idle on the endline.
Here, then, are the voices of reason in my head, position by position:
Keeper – Keller was all set to go, honest. Then I flip-flopped on my designate from the 90s to adjust the attack. See, it’s complicated. I figure I can’t go wrong putting another Premier League-quality guy in goal, hence Hahnemann’s the man. Plus he went to SPU. Besides, Keller played ‘89 for the Timbers; that’s not cool and, in this tiebreaking case, not forgotten.
Defense – England is simply solid. He’s dominant in the air, great in the tackle and can handle Withe, Clyde Best or that onetime Scottish DP of theirs. On the right, Ray Evans is nails. He tackles, he organizes and he can serve a great ball into the box. Rioch pinches inside and sweeps or can go down the left with lethal effect, as he did with both Derby and Seattle. A cannon of a shot from 35 yards. That’s the Home Countries back three (Wales, England, Scotland).
Midfield – Four primary roles here, beginning with Gabriel, a fiery presence and another firm tackler as holding mid. He played alongside England as center back and once the Sounders tire of scoring he can retreat to bolster the backs. Hudson and Buttle form a great partnership. The ultimate complimentary player, the underrated (outside of Seattle) Buttle does all the little things, from covering and connecting to crossing. Hudson is a box-to-box guy with immense stamina, yet it’s his sublime mind for the game, his ability to find and create space and feed the forwards that made him legend in these parts. Finally, there’s Dempsey. He is willing to do the work, go wide or inside and he loves scoring versus Portland. Enough said.
Forward – Wingers are a must, and Hutchison is a handful. He’s bigger than most outside backs can handle, not that they can catch him. He flies downfield and can also cut inside for the shot. Ward is that quick, sneaky lil devil who delivers the unexpected. He can create as well as finish (and he finished 5 times in 3 games vs. Portland). Finally, Roger Davies is the 5-tool forward. Exceptional at pressing defenders in possession, solid target/hold-up play, and he can score from near and far with either foot or head.
Sounders All-Time XI – Hahnemann; Evans, England, Rioch; Gabriel, Hudson, Dempsey, Buttle; Ward, Davies, Hutchison
Four Seattle captains in that team, plus skipper of USMNT. Ten played in England’s top flight. Class and character.
In the 18 – Alonso, Daley, Gillett, Hattrup, Keller, Martins and a player to be named later. Got to sleep on it. And yes, I can be bribed.
Now go fill-out your team sheet, never mind the hecklers, and tell your boys to get stuck-in.