Friday, August 31, 2012

Sounders defeat Caledonia AIA 3-1; Close in on a second straight Champions League Quarterfinal birth

By Money Mike


The Seattle Sounders have inched closer to a second straight CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal birth. Last night, the Sounders defeated Caledonia AIA 3-1 and are only one win away from clinching a place in the Quarterfinal stage of the Champions League. The Sounders next Champions League match won't be until September 19th when they travel to Honduras to take on C.D. Marathon. Both these teams have faced eachother twice in the group stage of the 2010-11 Champions League. The first meeting was in Honduras with Marathon coming out on top 2-1. The second match was here in Seattle with the Sounders returning the favor and winning 2-0.

In the 10th minute of the match, the Sounders should've been a goal up. Mario Martinez was making his first competitive start for the Sounders and he whipped in a great cross to the far post for a free header from Sammy Ochoa, but his header was saved by Glenroy Samuel as it bounced off his face.

In the 25th minute, Caledonia failed to clear the danger and they gave the ball away in their own area as Ozzie Alonso stepped in and from about 19 yards away fired his shot low and hard with his left foot, but it didn't trouble the goalkeeper and it was an easy save for Samuel.

In the 36th minute, Michael Gspurning found himself under a bit of pressure. Kareem Joseph whipped in a high lofted ball to the far post which started to dip as it came down, and Gspurning had to punch the ball away because there was a player ready to head the ball into the goal or at least put home the rebound if he had any chance.

A few minutes later, Alex Caskey took the corner kick for the Sounders. Glenroy Samuel came out and tried to punch the ball away and the ball bounced to Marc Burch at the far post. Burch looked to take advantage of the goalkeeping mistake but his shot was blocked as Caledonia had four guys on the line to clear the ball away.

In the 45th minute, the Sounders found the breakthrough. Zach Scott made a run forward from his right back position and worked a give and go with Sammy Ochoa, although it was nearly broken up after Ochoa nearly had trouble controlling the ball. Scott got the return as squared the ball across to the near post for Alex Caskey to tap it in for his third goal in all competitions this season and the Sounders took the lead in Trinidad 1-0.

About five minutes into the second half, Caledonia should've pulled level. There was nice through ball played into the area. I don't know who played that ball, I think it might have been Stephan David. Anyway, there was a ball played through and Cornelius Stewart got onto it, but somehow he put it wide.

In the 60th minute, the Sounders doubled their lead and looked to be walking away with all three points. Fredy Montero picked up the ball from Ozzie Alonso and made a nice cut to get past Radanfah Abu Bakr before laying the ball off to Sammy Ochoa. Ochoa received the ball, settled and from the top of the penalty area ripped his shot into the top left hand corner to make it 2-0 in favor of the visitors.

That was until the 67th minute when Caledonia were awarded a penalty. There was a chip into the penalty area that was intended for Jamaal Gay and Zach Scott appeared to have pulled him down in the area. Referee Javier Santos pointed to the spot immediately, but I didn't think there was enough for that to be a penalty. I thought Gay went down rather easily there. Much like in MLS, CCL officiating has been controversial to say the least. And just like the first Champions League match, Kareem Joseph stepped up to the spot and took the honors for Caledonia AIA and he put his kick inside the left post to cut the Sounders lead in half.

The Sounders responded quickly however and in the 69th minute, they would add a third goal. Alex Caskey made a nice move to get away from Aubrey David and squared the ball across toward the near and Fredy Montero was right there once again to add to his goalscoring tally in all competitions this season and that was the decisive goal for the Sounders as they defeated Caledonia 3-1.

The Sounders turn their attention back to MLS play on Sunday as they head to Frisco to take on FC Dallas.  The Sounders have come away victorious in their last two visits and will look to make it three in a row at FC Dallas Stadium as they chase the San Jose Earthquakes for the Supporters Shield.  Kickoff time is 4pm and will be televised on KONG-TV.


Scoring summary:

Seattle Sounders FC - Alex Caskey (Zach Scott, Sammy Ochoa) 45'

Seattle Sounders FC - Sammy Ochoa (Fredy Montero) 60'

Caledonia AIA - Kareem Joseph (penalty kick) 67'

Seattle Sounders FC - Fredy Montero (Alex Caskey) 69'


Misconduct summary:

Caledonia AIA - Walter Moore (caution; foul) 17'

Caledonia AIA - Densil Theobald (caution; foul) 29'

Caledonia AIA - Jamaal Gay (caution; foul) 71'

Caledonia AIA - Radanfah Abu Bakr (caution; foul) 87'


Lineups:

Seattle Sounders FC - Michael Gspurning; Zach Scott, Patrick Ianni, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Marc Burch; Mario Martinez (Cordell Cato 29'), Osvaldo Alonso, Brad Evans, Alex Caskey; Sammy Ochoa (Christian Tiffert 86'), Fredy Montero (Leonardo Gonzalez 74')

Caledonia AIA - Glenroy Samuel; Aubrey David, Nuru Abdullah Muhammad, Radanfah Abu Bakr, Walter Moore; Kareem Joseph, Densil Theobald, Stephan David, Cornelius Stewart (Conrad Smith 72'); Jamaal Gay (Abdallah Phillipsa 84'), Kerlon Ferguson (Trevin Caesar 63')

Huskies takes on Aztecs for the first time since 1997

By Kshell

The Washington Huskies(7-6,5-4 last year, 4th in Pac-12 last year) kick off the fourth season under Steve Sarkisian against the San Diego State Aztecs(8-5, 4-3, 4th in Mountain West last year) at home. This year home for the Huskies will be at Century Link Field home of the Seattle Seahawks. Last season the Huskies won their first season opener since 2007 when they narrowly defeated D-1AA Eastern Washington Eagles 30-27. Sarkisian is 1-2 in season openers at Washington but has won his last two home openers. There will be plenty to be excited about in this game. The Aztecs like the Huskies are a bowl team who lost some key pieces but also return some key pieces. The Huskies will also have some anticipated debuts from some super freshman as these teams square off for the first time since 1997.

In the previous meeting between these two teams back in 1997 the #3 ranked Washington Huskies were coming off a big win at #19 BYU Cougars and were set to take on eventual national champion Nebraska Cornhuskers the following week. This was their home opener against San Diego State which they won 36-3 led by Brock Huard who was 16-26 passing for 313 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. While Rashaan Shehee ran for 72 yards on 16 carries and Maurice Shaw ran for 79 yards on 14 carries. Huard started the game off with a 12 yard touchdown pass to Jerome Pathon in the first first quarter as the Huskies led 7-0. In the second quarter after a  Huskies field goal it was Huard again who connected with Fred Coleman for a nine yard touchdown as the Huskies led 17-3 at halftime.

In the second half the Huskies kept the scoring up as Huard hit Pathon on a slant which he took for a touchdown 53 yards. Then in the fourth quarter Huard hit backup tight end Reggie Davis for a 12 yard touchdown as the Huskies won 36-3. Pathon finished with eight receptions for 182 yards with two touchdowns while Coleman had three for 70 yards with a touchdown. The Huskies held the Aztecs to negative seven yards rushing on that day something these Huskies are hoping they can duplicate.

The Aztecs return six starters on offense and five on defense. They lost quarterback Ryan Lindley who threw for 3,153 yards last year with 23 touchdowns and 8 int's. They also lost running back Ronnie Hillman who ran for 1,711 yards with 19 touchdowns. They do return both starting wide receivers. They return junior wide receiver Colin Lockett who had 56 receptions last season for 970 yards(16.8 YPC) with eight touchdowns. They also return Dylan Denso who caught 49 passes for 634 yards(12.9 YPC) with three touchdowns.

The Aztecs tight end Gavin Escobar who had 51 receptions for 780 yards(15.3 YPC) with seven touchdowns. The running game will see Adam Muema start who played in six games last year. Muema in those six games rushed for 253 yards(6.0 YPC) with three touchdowns. Backing him up is Walter Kazee who in nine games ran for 339 yards(4.6 YPC) with four touchdowns. The Aztecs have ready guys to replace Hillman and they feel like they have a ready guy to replace Lindley as he is a familiar face.

The starting quarterback will be former Oregon State Beavers quarterback Ryan Katz. Katz as a sophomore in 2010 had a solid first year as a starter. Katz threw for 2,401 yards(6.8 YPA) while completing 213 of 355 passes(60.0%) for 18 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. Katz struggled in the famous loss to Sacramento State and after hardly playing against Wisconsin the following week his Oregon State career was over.

 Katz has faced the Washington Huskies before playing in a game back in 2010 which the Huskies won 35-34 in double overtime led by Jake Locker throwing five touchdown passes. In that game Katz struggled he was 17-31(54.8%) passing for 206 yards(6.6 YPA) with one touchdown but three costly interceptions. He also added a rushing touchdown in that game. The Huskies are a much different team than two years as only Desmond Trufant and Talia Crichton started that game who will start this Saturday. That game was also at Husky Stadium while this game will be played at Century Link. The Aztecs are a bowl team with some key offensive pieces back plus a Pac-12 caliber quarterback facing a defense who is starting a former walk-on at corner. The Aztecs offense will look to put up some points but will it be enough against this potent Huskies attack led by Keith Price?

The Huskies team will go where Keith Price takes them. Price is a quarterback very few teams can stop especially a mountain west type team. Last year Price completed 242-362(66.9%) of his passes for 3,063 yards(8.5 YPA) with 33 touchdowns(school record) to only 11 interceptions while rushing for three touchdowns. He was at his best in the 67-56 Alamo Bowl loss to Baylor. Going up against heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III it was Price who stood out that day despite the loss. Price was 23-37(62.2%) passing for 438 yards(11.8 YPA) with four touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran for 39 yards with three touchdowns. Price is hoping to build on that game and that season this year.

Price may have lost some weapons but he does return some key guys as well. His main target will be Kasen Williams who caught 36 passes for 427 yards(11.9 YPC) with six touchdowns which put him in a three-way tie for second place. He was also only a true freshman last season as he was a five star recruit coming out of high school. Another target Price will have is Austin Seferian-Jenkins who likeWillliams didn't disappoint as he was all pac-12 honorable mention for tight end. Seferian-Jenkins this past season caught 41 passes for 544 yards(13.3 YPC) with six touchdowns. He was also a five-star recruit true freshman last season. Price will also have two guys making their first career starts in their first career games as Huskies. The Huskies will also be having the debut of another heralded five-star recruit in Shaq Thompson.

Shaq Thompson will be making his highly anticipated debut for the Huskies. He is a five-star #1 safety in the nation and #3 player overall in the nation coming out of Sacramento California. He'll also play some offense as he ran for 1,134 yards with 15 touchdowns on only 120 carries as a senior. As a junior he ran for 1,882 yards with 25 touchdowns on 164 carries. He'll be a much added addition to the defense as well as the offense.

The Huskies are also starting four-star wide receiver Jaydon Mickens. Mickens is the 45th ranked receiver in the nation on scout and 11th ranked receiver in the nation on rivals. During his senior year Mickens was an all around athlete as he caught 32 passes for 558 yards(17.4 YPC) with seven touchdowns, he also ran the ball 82 times for 378 yards(4.61 YPC) with 13 touchdowns. He even attempted 32 passes on the year for 238 yards passing. The other starter is true freshman Kendyl Taylor who is a three-star recruit out of Arizona. During his senior year he caught 87 passes for 1,132 yards with 16 touchdowns. He also ran for 558 yards on 68 carries as he led his team to the state championship game where they lost snapping a 53 game winning streak. This Huskies recruiting class was pretty good as they were ranked for the third straight year but these three guys will be making their debuts in the starting role this Saturday.

The big question mark on offense this Saturday could be who replaces Chris Polk? Well for now not even Steve Sarkisian knows he has listed Jesse Callier and Bishop Sankey as co-starters. Callier as a freshman had 413 yards rushing (5.4 YPC) with 18 catches with 98 yards (5.4 YPC).  As a sophomore Callier battled injuries and thus his production fell off. Callier had just 260 yards rushing (5.5 YPC) with a touchdown. He had seven receptions for 65 yards and had 576 kickoff return yards.

While Sankey is a four star running back and 17th rated back in the 2011 class.  In his first season with the Huskies Sankey ran for 187 yards (6.7 YPC) with a touchdown. He also added six receptions and 134 yards in kickoff yards. With the Aztecs running a 3-3-5 nickel defense which is set up to stop the pass look for the Huskies to try and establish the run game. Many of their big passing plays came on play action passes which can only work if the run game is going. In short spurts both Callier and Sankey proved they can get the job done. Now there is no more Chris Polk to bail them out we'll see how these two can handle the work load. Those questions will be answered tomorrow in the first game in the post Chris Polk era. I think the Huskies are in good shape with these two plus others like Kevin Smith, Mickens and Thompson who will add to the running game.

The Washington Huskies look to win their second straight season opening game for the first time since the 2006 and 2007 seasons. The Huskies also look to win their third straight home opener since winning four straight from 2000-03. The Huskies are favored by 14.5 points and should win this game without needing some sort of miracle like last season. I think Sarkisian has learned his lesson from the Eastern Washington game as he dialed back the offensive playbook quite a bit which almost cost him. I think the Huskies will treat this game like any other game so look for them to pull out all the stops. The Huskies are 1-1 all-time at Century Link Field will take the field against a hungry Aztecs team as both teams are coming off bowl seasons. If the Huskies hope to continue to grow as a program they will take care of business as they prepare for a tough match up the following week at LSU. For now the Huskies hope to start the season off 1-0 for the second straight year and give their fans a victory to open the season for a third straight year.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Fredy Montero's Hat Trick leads the Sounders to a 6-2 beat down of Chivas USA

By Money Mike


The Seattle Sounders showed once again that they are a dangerous second half team. On Saturday, to know that this guy is the greatest goalscorer in the club's young MLS history, it's hard to believe that this is the first hat trick of Fredy Montero's career as he struck three times in the Sounders 6-2 blowout win over Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center. With the win, the Sounders climb into second place ahead of Real Salt Lake who knocked the Sounders out of the playoffs last season. If the regular season were to come to an end last weekend, the Sounders and RSL would face eachother again in the Western Conference semifinals with RSL hosting the first leg.

Chivas USA found some openings early on in the match. In the third minute, former LA Galaxy player Tristan Bowen who was making his first start of the season for Chivas was found on the near side with some space. Bowen worked a give and go with Nick Labrocca and looked to strike the ball on goal, but the angle was tight so instead he threaded the ball through to Miller Bolanos who tried to place his shot into the far corner, but instead he hit it straight at Michael Gspurning.

Two minutes later, Miller Bolanos played in a low ball toward the near post for Juan Agudelo who tried to direct it into the far corner, but the final outcome of that was another missed opportunity.

The Sounders first opportunity of the game didn't come until the 10 minute mark and they had no problem making it count. Eddie Johnson flicked the ball on for Fredy Montero who brought the ball down and played an excellent through ball to Brad Evans who got in behind James Riley and Evans calmly slotted the ball into the far corner for his second goal of the season and the Sounders took an early 1-0 lead.

In the 15th minute, Chivas USA had another opportunity to score. After a giveaway, Ante Jazic worked a give and go with Agudelo on the far side before whipping in a good cross for Casey Townsend to got in front of Jhon Kennedy Hurtado but he couldn't head the ball on target. There were so many openings on both side of the field all game long. As for Casey Townsend, he should've scored there. He was in perfect position to head the ball home and he ends up missing it. This is why Chivas USA have scored the fewest goals in the league.

In the 27th minute, Chivas loses possession and the Sounders pour down field in a counter attack and make them pay. Christian Tiffert sent Brad Evans in behind with a brilliant long ball. Evans was looking to try and score another goal, but James Riley tracked back and didn't give him any chance at that and had to wait for support. And he got it as he played the ball back to Mauro Rosales who slid the ball through to Fredy Montero and the Colombian did the rest as he turned and hit it low and hard into the far corner to double Seattle's lead with his ninth goal of the season and his 12th in all competitions. As for Mauro Rosales, remember in mid June he began to struggle on the right hand side and he only had a goal and two assists at the time? It's been a different story since than, that assist on Montero's goal was his 11th in 2012 and there was still more to come later on in the game.

What do I mean by later you ask? Well, let's say the 34th minute when he sets up Fredy Montero again for another goal. Fredy Montero picked up the ball from the near side and he stumbles a little bit and loses his footing, but he did very well to use his strength and maintain possession before James Riley could break up the play. The Sounders worked the ball around outside the area before Mauro Rosales played another excellent through ball to Montero who was all alone and Montero chipped the ball over Dan Kennedy and in to make it 3-0. That goal also put Montero into double figures yet again with his 10th league goal of the season.

A couple minutes later, Chivas USA were awarded a penalty kick. Juan Agudelo chipped the ball to the near post looking for Casey Townsend. Now as Townsend was about to volley the ball goalwards, I thought at first he caught one of the defenders with a high boot. I don't know why, I just did. But Townsend never made contact with any defender, and the ball apparently came off the hand of Jeff Parke and referee Jose Carlos Rivero pointed to the penalty spot. Juan Agudelo stepped up and calmly slotted the ball low into the right corner, sending Michael Gspurning the wrong way to cut the Sounders lead to 3-1.

In the 56th minute, Chivas USA let yet another chance slip away. Juan Agudelo played the ball back to Nick LaBrocca who whipped the ball in first time and getting up was Tristan Bowen for a snap down header which bounced just wide.

In the 64th minute, Chivas were able to finish their chance and what was once a 3-0 Sounder lead has now become a 3-2 Sounder lead. Tristan Bowen fed the ball to the near side for Miller Bolanos. Bolanos had a bit of space to decide whether to pass the ball or strike it from distance. He had Ante Jazic making an overlapping run, but Bolanos decided to go for it alone as he cut inside of Jeff Parke and struck the ball low and hard and it skipped underneath Michael Gspurning and into the back of the goal to make it a one goal game. So things started to look pretty interesting in this match as Chivas USA looked like they were down and out earlier in the game before they scored two unanswered goals to get back in this match.

That is until the 67th minute when Seattle restored their two goal lead and began to pull away from there. Mauro Rosales was once again the set up man as he played another brilliant ball to Fredy Montero. Montero avoided the sliding challenge from John Valencia and rifled his shot into the far corner to complete his hat trick and more importantly to extend Seattle's lead to 4-2. Montero is the fourth Sounders player to record a hat trick in the clubs young history. Blaise Nkufo did it on the road against the Columbus Crew in 2010, Lamar Neagle did at home in 2011 which was also against the Columbus Crew, of course David Estrada did it against Toronto FC in the Opener back in March and now Fredy Montero finally joins that list with three impressive goals against Chivas USA.

The Sounders weren't done there. In the 80th minute, the Sounders put together a lot of passes in this move as they worked the ball out wide to Christian Tiffert who looked and curled the ball near post for Sammy Ochoa and the big man got in on the act with a terrific header to make it 5-2 Seattle.

The Sounders would get one more in the 91st minute. Fredy Montero waited for support and chipped the ball into the area looking for Mario Martinez who was making a run toward the far post and Ante Jazic headed the ball into his own net to make it 6-2 and that's how it would end.

The Sounders road trip continues. Right now they're in Trinidad and Tobago preparing for their Champions League match tomorrow against Caledonia AIA. After that they will head to head to FC Dallas Stadium this Sunday to, well take on FC Dallas. Their confidence should be really high right now the way they've played lately. As for Mario Martinez, if you never heard of him, he's a Honduran international who joined the team on loan from Real Espana following the Olympics. This was his debut match for the Sounders, coming on in the 78th minute. In his short time on the pitch, I thought his movement on the ball was good, he's a good passer, he's got a great vision and he's a fast paced athlete. I think the Sounders need to get Martinez completely involved in these late stages as the Sounders get set for another playoff run.


Scoring summary:

Seattle Sounders FC - Brad Evans 2 (Fredy Montero 5) 10'

Seattle Sounders FC - Fredy Montero 9 (Mauro Rosales 11) 27'

Seattle Sounders FC - Fredy Montero 10 (Mauro Rosales 12) 34'

Chivas USA - Juan Agudelo 2 (penalty kick) 38'

Chivas USA - Miller Bolanos 2 (Tristan Bowen 1) 64'

Seattle Sounders FC - Fredy Montero 11 (Mauro Rosales 13) 67'

Seattle Sounders FC - Sammy Ochoa 1 (Christian Tiffert 1, Brad Evans 3) 80'

Seattle Sounders FC - Own goal (Ante Jazic) 91'+


Misconduct summary:

Seattle Sounders FC - Osvaldo Alonso (caution; foul) 54'

Chivas USA - Miller Bolanos (caution; off the ball foul) 93'+


Lineups:

Seattle Sounders FC - Michael Gspurning; Adam Johansson, Jeff Parke, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Leonardo Gonzalez; Mauro Rosales (Mario Martinez 78'), Osvaldo Alonso, Christian Tiffert (Steve Zakuani 84'), Brad Evans; Eddie Johnson (Sammy Ochoa 73'), Fredy Montero

Chivas USA - Dan Kennedy; James Riley, John Valencia, Bobby Burling, Ante Jazic; Tristan Bowen (Jose Erick Correa 69'), Shalrie Joseph, Nick LaBrocca, Miller Bolanos; Juan Agudelo, Casey Townsend (Juan Pablo Angel 86')

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Washington Huskies football 2012 season preview

By Kshell

The Washington Huskies enter the 2012 season under fourth year head coach Steve Sarkisian looking to take the next step as a program. The Huskies are coming off another bowl season which saw the team go 7-6 while bringing in yet another ranked recruiting class. Unlike previous years this Huskies team made some coaching changes particularly on the defensive side. This team also lost quite a bit of talent from last year in Chris Polk, Jermaine Kearse, Alameda Ta'amu and Senio Kelemete. The Huskies also two-year starter offensive lineman Colin Porter due to injury. Don't let that fool you though as this team returns plenty of talent headlined by quarterback Keith Price. Sarkisian who is also in his fourth season has stock piled the talent so the Huskies will be replacing those talented players with new talented players.

Unlike the 2010 season last year the Huskies got off to a fast start even saw themselves ranked 22nd when they started off 5-1. At one point the Huskies were 6-2 and riding high. Then came a three game losing streak  including a disaster to Oregon State on the road. After a third straight apple cup win over the Washington State Cougars 38-21 the Huskies were awarded the Alamo Bowl against #12 Baylor. In that game despite having a 42-24 lead and Price accounting for seven touchdowns the Huskies lost 67-56. The offense which scored the second most points in school history could only go 7-6 the same as 2010 because the defense allowed the most points in school history. No Husky defense had ever been so bad in the schools history and that bowl loss was the rock bottom moment for Steve Sarkisian. Sarkisian cleaned house as defensive coordinator Nick Holt was fired while former Tennessee Vols and Boise State defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox was hired. The big move was the Huskies hired former California Golden Bears defensive line coach and recruiting ace Tosh Lupoi and he brought in some key recruits. Now the Huskies who ended the season losing four out of five begin this next season facing four ranked opponents in their first six games. Still there is reason for hope for the Huskies as you'll read in this upcoming post. In this following piece I'll break down the Huskies by position as they have plenty of depth at certain spots while others they are counting on guys stepping up.

Offense:

Quarterback:


Last year the question mark heading into the season was quarterback Keith Price. Well there will be no questions this year as Price is coming off a record setting season at Washington while only being a sophomore last year. Price who was also named team captain this year based on his great leadership and the fact he had a terrific season last year.  Price completed 242-362(66.9%) of his passes for 3,063 yards(8.5 YPA) with 33 touchdowns(school record) to only 11 interceptions while rushing for three touchdowns. Price had a monster season beginning his year throwing for at least three touchdown passes in his first six games. In four games last year Price threw for four touchdown passes in a game and showing how bad the defense was the Huskies went 2-2 in those game.

He was at his best in the 67-56 Alamo Bowl loss to Baylor. Going up against heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III it was Price who stood out that day despite the loss. Price was 23-37(62.2%) passing for 438 yards(11.8 YPA) with four touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran for 39 yards with three touchdowns. Price was banged up most of the year and was only healthy in the bowl game. Look for him to be more active this year in the running game. Price set the single season record for completion percentage, TD to INT ratio, touchdowns passing in a season and total touchdowns in a game has a chance to start setting career records. He was also second in passing yards for a single season behind only Cody Pickett who threw for over 4,000 yards as a junior in 2002. He threw two touchdown passes in 2010 which gives him 35 for his career while the school record is 53 set by Jake Locker and Cody Pickett which Price should be able to shatter when it is all said and done. The school passing yards record is 9,916 set by Cody Pickett while Price has two more years left he is sitting at 3,227 yards which isn't that far fetched that he could pass up Pickett. At the very least Price when all said and done will be all-time in passing touchdowns while being top two in passing yards.

Backing up Price will be redshirt freshman Derrick Brown, true freshmen and four star recruits in Jeff Lindquist and Cyler Miles. The Huskies are also bringing in another four star recruit at quarterback next season in Troy Williams. The quarterback position appears bright for a long time under the former quarterback himself Steve Sarkisian. Price who was only a three star recruit himself last year went from possible weakness to now he is the smiling face of the program for the next two years. Don't be surprised if Price starts getting some Heisman talk this year and will receive some going into his senior year of 2013.

Running Back:


Last year the Huskies had to replace Jake Locker at quarterback and this year it is Chris Polk. Polk who was a three-year starter ran for 4,049 yards(5.1 YPC) with 26 touchdowns. He also 79 passes for 683 yards with four touchdowns. The Huskies are going to miss him a lot. They hope the combination of Jesse Callier and Bishop Sankey can ease the pain of losing such a terrific runner like Polk who ranks 2nd all-time in Huskies history in rushing yards and 8th in rushing touchdowns.


Callier is a junior now who has spelled Polk the last two years. Callier came in as a three star recruit in the 2010 class and produced right off the bat as a freshman. Callier as a freshman had 413 yards rushing (5.4 YPC) with 18 catches with 98 yards (5.4 YPC). Callier ran for a career high 107 yards against UCLA in a 24-7 win on a special ESPN thursday night game.

Callier also started off the Holiday Bowl upset with a 16 yard pass to Jake Locker. Callier also had 733 kickoff return yards. As a sophomore Callier battled injuries and thus his production fell off. Callier had just 260 yards rushing (5.5 YPC) with a touchdown. He had seven receptions for 65 yards and had 576 kickoff return yards.

Callier I believe doesn’t have the build to be an everydown back but he is versatile, as he has proven his first two years at Washington.

While Bishop Sankey is a four star running back and 17th rated back in the 2011 class. Sankey committed early to the Washington State Cougars but decided he wanted to play in some bowl games and went to Washington. In his first season with the Huskies Sankey ran for 187 yards (6.7 YPC) with a touchdown.

He also added six receptions and 134 yards in kickoff yards. Sankey runs like a young Polk and I think Sankey will eventually be the starter but at first him and Callier will split carries.

I think the Huskies with the combination of Sankey and Callier will be just fine this year at running back. I also look for Sarkisian to use talented true freshman Jaydon Mickens who is a wide receiver on fly sweeps as Mickens ran for 13 touchdowns last season in high school. I also think Sarkisian will use 5 star safety Shaq Thompson for some carries as Thompson was also an excellent running back in high school. Thompson as a senior ran for 1,134 yards with 15 touchdowns on only 120 carries. As a junior he ran for 1,882 yards with 25 touchdowns on 164 carries. I think the Huskies running game will be more than fine and look for Sankey to emerge like Price did last year in replacing Locker.

Wide Receiver:


The Huskies lost plenty of record setters at this position in Jermaine Kearse and Devin Aguilar who graduated. For Kearse he caught 180 passes for 2,871 yards(16.0 YPC) with 29 touchdowns plus one rushing. Kearse ranks 2nd all-time in receiving yards, 2nd in touchdowns and 2nd in receptions. While Aguilar caught 131 passes for 1,802 yards(13.8 YPC) with 13 touchdowns. Aguilar ranks 7th all-time in receiving yards and receptions while ranking 11th in touchdowns. The Huskies also will be missing James Johnson to start the season and possibly Kevin Smith so it appears this unit could be hurting.

I think this unit is actually in great hands led by sophomore wide receiver Kasen Williams. Williams was a five star recruit, parade magazine player of the year and #2 receiver in the nation coming out of high school. He didn't disappoint either last year catching 36 passes for 427 yards(11.9 YPC) with six touchdowns which put him in a three-way tie for second place. Williams who is entering his true sophomore season is poised for a breakout season with Aguilar and Kearse graduated plus the injuries to Johnson and Smith. The Huskies are in good hands with Williams who showed flashes of what could be especially against both rivals. In a 34-17 loss to the Oregon Ducks, Williams caught a career high six passes for a career high 79 yards with a touchdown. In the 38-21 win over the Washington State Cougars, Williams was a star with his famous leap over the Cougar defender. He also had five receptions for 74 yards with a career high two touchdowns. He caught a touchdown in the first ever game he played in when the Huskies defeated Eastern Washington 30-27. Look for Williams to have a monster season.

Williams isn't the only talented Huskies wide receiver. James Johnson will come back eventually and when he does look out. As a freshman Johnson caught 39 passes for 422 yards(10.8 YPC) with three touchdowns including a touchdown on his very first catch in his first game against #11 LSU Tigers. As a sophomore he struggled catching only one pass for three yards. Then as a Junior he emerged again catching 28 passes for 366 yards(13.1 YPC) with four touchdowns. His breakout game was at Nebraska where he caught six passes for 108 yards with two touchdowns. Johnson will be going into his senior year and will bring much needed experience to an inexperienced group.

Another wide out looking to have a big year is junior Kevin Smith the former four-star recruit. Smith as a true freshman had just one catch for 18 yards as he was mainly used for kickoffs. Last year he was terrific on kickoffs again and added to the offense. He caught 15 passes for 208 yards(13.9 YPC) including a 53 yarder at USC. He also rushed for 71 yards with a touchdown vs Colorado. Senior Cody Bruns is returning after redshirting last season as he is also a former four-star recruit. Bruns in 2010 had seven receptions for 102 yards including a 43 yarder at Arizona. He also had a career high three receptions in the opening game at BYU. Junior DiAndre Campbell is there as well and last year he had two receptions for eight yards.

The Huskies are also bringing in talented receivers including four-star recruit Jaydon Mickens, three-star recruits Dwayne Washington, and Kendyl Taylor(who is starting this Saturday due to injuries). Plus the Huskies redshirted three-star recruits Jamaal Jones, Josh Perkins and Marvin Hall who will all be redshirt freshman this year. So the Huskies receiving position looks to be in good shape. They also signed the two best receivers on the west coast in Demorea Stringfellow and Darrell Daniels.

This position may have lost some talent but there is plenty of talent left on this roster. If not already I look for Kasen Williams to be a household name by the end of the season. Price loves to spread the ball around too so there will be games where Johnson, Smith, Mickens and Bruns will have their opportunity to shine for the Huskies.

Tight End:


Last year the Huskies were returning zero tight ends from their roster. Now this position has three guys they like quite a bit headlined by future NFL tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Seferian-Jenkins who also played basketball came in with plenty of hype. He was a five-star recruit and the #2 tight end in the nation. He like Kasen Willliams didn't disappoint as he was all pac-12 honorable mention for tight end. Seferian-Jenkins this past season caught 41 passes for 544 yards(13.3 YPC) with six touchdowns. Did I mention that he was only a true freshman last year?

Seferian-Jenkins last year in his second career game made a name for himself with three receptions for 91 yards with a touchdown against Hawaii. Twice he caught multiple touchdowns in a game and in the bowl game snatched five passes for 59 yards. Seferian-Jenkins is 6'6" 266 lbs and is athletic enough to be in the rotation on a Pac-12 championship team in basketball. Last season as only a freshman Seferian-Jenkins caught the 4th most passes by a tight end in Huskies history and with the career record being 95 receptions there is an outside chance he could break that record this year. If not he will surely break it as a junior as he is going to re-write the record books. His season also ranked 3rd all-time in school history for a tight end in receiving yards while ranking 2nd in a season for touchdowns. In fact Seferian-Jenkins already ranks 4th all-time in career touchdowns and with the record being at 10 good chance he breaks that this year. Seferian-Jenkins will probably be named first-team all conference this year and gives the Huskies a mismatch every week as they can line him up on the outside or in the slot as he will be an impossible match up.

If not for Seferian-Jenkins Huskies fans would be excited about redshirt sophomore 6'6" 255 lb tight end Michael Hartvigson who many are saying had the best offseason. Last year Hartvigson caught eight passes for 30 yards with a touchdown against the Oregon Ducks. He also had a 31 yard reception taken away due to a horrific call last year against Arizona. Hartvigson was a three-star recruit and #20 tight end in the nation when he came to the Huskies. He is a great blocker and due to that he will play plenty. He might even start as the Huskies look to go with the two tight end set. Another guy the Huskies are high on is redshirt sophomore Evan Hudson who is 6'5" 262 lbs who caught a touchdown last season against Stanford.

The Huskies have three tall tight ends who will be in the program for this year and the 2013 season so the position of weakness as recently as 2010 is now a position of strength. Every program in the nation would kill to have a Seferian-Jenkins who appears destined to be an NFL first round draft pick after the 2013 season. For now look for Price to exploit plenty of match ups as he looks to his big athletic tight end Seferian-Jenkins on key third downs and in the red zone.

Offensive Line:


This unit lost the most talent than any other unit on the team. The Huskies graduated three-year starter and two-time captain Senio Kelemete who was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals. They then expectantly lost two-year starter Colin Porter due to injury. To make matters worse Sarkisian had two high profile offensive lineman in his backyard in Zach Banner and Joshua Garnett who he failed to sign either as they left to teams in the conference. This group has the most questions marks on the team and especially on the offense. This team does feature some talented guys though. Everyone on this line was a high recruit who teams coveted and the Huskies still return three starters including a guy who has started the last three years.

At center the Huskies will return redshirt senior captain Drew Schaefer at center. In 2009 as a freshman Schaefer started the final four games of the season at left tackle and played in all 12 games. In 2010 he switched to center starting 11 games at center while starting the other two at tackle. Then in 2011 he started all 13 games at center. Schaefer the former three-star recruit and #32 tackle in the nation has started 30 games in his career at Washington while starting 24 at center. He has played in all 38 games he has suited up in so far.

The Huskies are now moving true junior Erik Kohler back to guard as he'll start at right guard. Kohler came in as a four-star recruit and 5th rated tackle in the nation. As a true freshman he played in 11 games while starting four games at guard and another as a tackle. He made his first career start at home against the Nebraska Cornhuskers and also started the Apple Cup win. Then in 2011 he started all 13 games at right tackle. Kohler just like that has 18 career starts under his belt. On the other side of him is redshirt sophomore Colin Tanigawa who started the first 11 games last year at left guard where he'll be again this year. He was injured in the Oregon State game but has since recovered meaning he should be ready to go week one.

The question mark will come at the tackle positions as the Huskies will be starting two guys who have never started before. Starting at left tackle is redshirt sophomore Micah Hatchie who was a four-star recruit and #25 tackle in the nation in the 2010 class. Hatchie played in all 13 games last year including seeing some significant time during some games. The other tackle will be redshirt sophomore right tackle Ben Riva out of  O'Dea who was a three-star recruit coming out of high school. He is the biggest mystery of the group as he only played on the field goal team last year. Redshirt sophomore James Atoe and redshirt freshman Dexter Charles appear to be the main backups in case of an injury.

This unit has the most question marks as they lost two starters while only having one senior. This unit has a combined zero career starts from both their tackles combined which can be a recipe for a disaster. The good news is on paper four of these five guys should be returning for the 2013 season while three should be starting for their third straight year plus in 2014. The line has some talent but it's just a matter of how quickly can they grow up and come together as a group which will ultimately determine how far the Huskies go this season.

Defense:

Defensive Line:


The Huskies must replace Alameda Ta'amu who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. They are also hoping that Hau'oli Jamora can return from injury which ended his season. The man expected to step up big this year is sophomore defensive tackle Danny Shelton. Last season Shelton played in all 13 games including starting the Apple Cup win. He also had five tackles in the bowl loss to Baylor. Shelton is a three star recruit, #32 defensive tackle in the country who the Huskies had to beat Oregon out to sign him. He is 6'1" 317 lbs and will play nose tackle in the new 3-4 defense that Justin Wilcox is bringing to the Huskies. Backing him up and getting some play in the rotation will be senior Semisi Tokolahi who is 6'2" 340 lbs. As a freshman Tokolahi played in five games then as a sophomore he played in 12 games. During his sophomore year he started the final three games which the Huskies won before getting injured in the Apple Cup. During the 2011 season he played in 10 games while starting seven. He will bring plenty of experience and will be a natural fit at nose tackle in the 3-4 defense.

At defensive end the Huskies will start redshirt sophomore Andrew Hudson who was a three-star recruit coming out of high school. Last year as a redshirt freshman Hudson played in all 13 games including starting two games. He recorded four sacks last year but 2.5 game in the last two games. He had 1.5 sacks against the Cougars in the Apple Cup and sacked Heisman trophy winner RGIII while forcing a fumble in the Alamo Bowl. Starting opposite of Hudson the Huskies are hoping is medical redshirt sophomore Hau'oli Jamora who had a great freshman season can return. In 2010 Jamora played in all 13 games while starting the final seven games. He recorded four sacks and in the Holiday Bowl upset over Nebraska had three tackles for loss including a sack. Last season he only played in four games recording a sack before tearing his ACL missing the entire season. If Jamora can return him and Hudson can form a great pass rush plus with Wilcox blitzing more the Huskies could actually create some sacks.

If Jamora can't go look for senior Talia Crichton to start in his place. As a freshman Crichton played in nine games including making four starts. In 2010 he started the first six games of the year recording two sacks before injuries to his knee finished his season. In 2011 he started the first three games while playing in 11 games. Another guy who could fill the void is junior Sione Potoa'e who came in as a four-star recruit and #4 defensive tackle in the nation. Potoa'e as a true freshman played in 11 games while starting two against BCS teams Oregon and Stanford. He recorded two sacks that season. In 2011 he played in 11 games including making a start against California.

The big question with this unit is the health of Jamora. If he is healthy the Huskies rush ends can make some noise this year. They have the big guys up the middle headline by Shelton and I think their ends will create some pressure this year. If the Huskies wish to be elite they need to get better in the trenches so this unit will be under the microscope as they were the huge let down last season.

Linebacker:


With the Huskies switching to a 3-4 defense that means more speed on the field. The Huskies will now have four linebackers on the field and the man who appears to benefit the most from this switch is rush  redshirt sophomore outside linebacker Josh Shirley. Shirley was a late signing in the 2010 class after being dismissed from UCLA. Shirley came in as a four-star recruit and #12 rated outside linebacker. Last year Shirley played in all 13 games while starting in seven games. He recorded nine sacks last season including three in the bowl game against Heisman trophy winner RGIII. He also had 1.5 sacks and forced a fumble in the win over the Cougars in the Apple Cup. Shirley in the 3-4 will be standing up some this year and rushing the quarterback much like Joey Porter and James Harrison have made a living doing in the NFL. Shirley could lead the conference in sacks this year as a sophomore with this  new defense.

With the new 3-4 look and being loaded at safety the Huskies are moving former safety Nate Fellner to outside linebacker. Fellner has been an off and on starter for the past two seasons for the Huskies. In 2009 as a true freshman he played in nine games including making three starts while recording a sack. In 2010 as a sophomore was a break out season for Fellner as he started all 13 games at free safety where he made 79 tackles and led the team with five interceptions. In 2011 he missed four games due to injury as he played in nine games, making four starts including a key interception against the Arizona Wildcats. Fellner, however broke his foot and will miss the first three games at least. Starting in his place is redshirt freshman Travis Feeney who like Fellner came to the Huskies as a safety. In the 3-4 you typically have one outside linebacker rush the quarterback which is what Shirley will do while the other is out in pass coverage which is what Fellner is more than capable of doing.

In the middle will be true sophomore captain John Timu who played in 12 games last year while making eight starts. Timu has bulked up to 231 lbs which will help him being in the middle. Last season Timu recorded 52 tackles, including seven for loss while forcing two fumbles and recovering a fumble. The other linebacker will be junior Princeton Fuimaono. Fuimaono as a freshman played in all 13 games while making a start at #1 Oregon. Then in 2011 as a sophomore Fuimaono started all 13 games. In the Apple Cup Fuimaono recorded nine tackles, four for loss while recording a sack and forcing a fumble. Fuimaono had 64 tackles last year with three sacks while having nine tackles for loss.

The Huskies four linebackers have combined started 42 games in their collegiate careers. Last year I felt the weakness of the entire football team was the linebackers. With the switch to the 3-4 and returning four guys who have starting experience the Huskies should be in good shape. The #2's who will be tested early since Fellner will miss the first three games have experience as well which is good to see. Just like with every other unit the Huskies have they have some experience and some talent. This particular unit if Justin Wilcox can turn it around will buy the Huskies an extra win or two.

Secondary:


The secondary features plenty of experience in Desmond Trufant, Justin Glenn and Sean Parker. The secondary will also get quite a jolt with the additions of safeties Shaq Thompson and James Sample.

The secondary will be led by senior captain Desmond Trufant who will be entering his fourth season as a starter for the Huskies. As a freshman in 2009 he played in all 12 games starting the final nine games. He recorded 47 tackles, two interceptions and recovered a fumble for a 17 yard touchdown at Notre Dame. He earned honorable mention all Pac-10. As a sophomore in 2010 he started all 13 games recording 48 tackles. He had one interception and one sack as a sophomore. In 2011 he once again started all 13 games recording 64 tackles, two interceptions, one sack. He also forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles as he was named once again all Pac-12 honorable mention. He was named Pac-12 defensive player of the week in week one win over Eastern Washington where he had 11 tackles, forced a fumble and had the game clinching interception. Trufant has played in 38 career games while starting in 35 games. He brings a ton of experience to the Huskies secondary.

Another player in the secondary expected to do big things is junior captain strong safety Sean Parker. Parker was a big land for Sarkisian on signing day as he was a 4-star recruit who was the 6th ranked safety in the nation. As a true freshman he played in nine games as the Huskies nickel back and even recorded an interception. The last year as a sophomore he started all 13 games making 91 tackles while intercepting four passes. With Parker the Huskies have a guy who has 13 starts under his belt and 22 games while also being a talented player. Parker is the type of safety who will play in the NFL someday and look for him to have a break out season this year.

The other safety spot has two veterans in senior Justin Glenn and junior Will Shamburger. For Glenn as a freshman in 2009 he started four of the first fives games before being out for the season due to injury. He had two fumble recoveries that season including a touchdown at Stanford. As a sophomore played in eight games after recovering from the broken leg. Then last year in 2011, as a junior he played in all 13 games including five starts. He recorded 52 tackles including three for loss. Shamburger who is a junior, played in 10 games as a freshman in 2010 mostly on special teams. Then last year as a sophomore in 2011 he played in 11 games making four starts. He had 36 tackles while forcing a fumble. Both these guys bring experience to the safety position.

There is a good chance those two are backups to true freshman Shaq Thompson who will start the opening game at free safety. Thompson is a great athlete as you read earlier with his rushing stats and will play some offense. However, he will make his money on defense as he was the consensus #1 safety in the entire nation coming out of high school. Thompson the five-star recruit from Sacramento, California was regarded in some rankings as either the 3rd or 4th best player overall in the entire country when he signed with the Huskies. Thompson is 6'2" 215 lbs and very versatile. He will play some corner for the Huskies, he will play some outside linebacker even and he will contribute on offense. Thompson is the most talented safety the Huskies have had since Lawyer Milloy.

The Huskies are also gaining back another talented safety in James Sample who played in only two games last year before being hurt. The former 4-star recruit and #22 safety in the nation in the class of 2011 brings more talent to the secondary. Sample is another big guy at 6'2" that the Huskies can put out there and he also played in the U.S. Army All-American game for the top high schoolers. Sample along with Thompson are two freshman who will make an impact this season.

Starting at the other corner spot could be redshirt freshman Marcus Peters who was a 3-star recruit in 2011. The Huskies beat out nine schools for him including seven Pac-12 schools. The Huskies beat out Oregon and Boise State for him as he has shown he has talent. Peters will be battling Gregory Ducre who came into Washington as a three-star corner in the 2010 class. As a freshman he played in all 13 games intercepting a pass even. Then in 2011 as a sophomore he played in all 13 games making six starts where he recorded 37 tackles, a sack and an interception. Another corner who looks to factor in is true freshman Brandon Beaver who was a 3-star recruit on scout.com and a 4-star recruit on rivals.com .

For now redshirt junior Tre Watson will start at corner for the Huskies. Watson who was a walk-on last year was rewarded a scholarship as he sat out due to transfer rules. He played in 2010 at Central Washington University where he played in all 11 games making 10 starts. Watson recorded 28 tackles while recording an interception. The previous year as a freshman he played at West Hills College where he played in all 10 games while making two interceptions. This is a surprising move for Sarkisian but he'll get the start.

The Huskies secondary has experience and talent. Wilcox looks to be more aggressive than previous coordinator Nick Holt was so look for the secondary to be put on an island more often. I think the secondary will rise up and make some plays this year. They return five guys who have made starts along with two high profile recruits coming in. If this group can play up to their potential then the Huskies defense can blitz more which should make for a special season at Montlake.

Kicking:


This is a huge question mark for the Huskies as they lost place kicker Erik Folk who was reliable for them the last three seasons. They also lost two reliable punters Will Maham and Kiel Rasp. Replacing them will be junior college kicker Travis Coons and Korey Durkee.

For Coons he kicked the last two years at Mt. San Antonio College. He will be a junior and was the #3 ranked field goal kicker. Then the Huskies signed out of Gig Harbor 3-star punter Korey Durkee. Durkee was all-state in high school averaging 45.9 yards per punt. The Huskies for the first time since Sarkisian got here won't be having Folk. So far under Sarkisian's watch the kicking game both sides has been pretty reliable. As of right now this could be a huge question mark heading into the season. These kickers will be tested early as the Huskies face four ranked opponents in their first six games.

Coaching:


Steve Sarkisian is entering his fourth season as Huskies head coach with a record of 19-19(14-13 in conference, 1-1 in bowls) which doesn't appear to be that strong. He did inherit a program that hadn't had a winning season since 2002. Unlike the previous three years Sarkisian made some changes with his coaching staff. He brought in Justin Wilcox from Tennessee and Boise State who have always had great defenses under his watch. He also brought in Tosh Lupoi to be his defensive line coach and ace recruiter from California. Sarkisian has realized the honeymoon period is over after his defense destroyed a great season by the offense. The Huskies unlike 2010, faltered down the stretch in 2011 losing five of their last seven games to finish 7-6.

Sarkisian, as you read in this preview you can tell has built up the talent level. He has posted three straight ranked recruiting classes while currently having the Huskies ranked yet again this year in recruiting. His specialty is offense, which appears to be thriving and only getting better under his watch. Sarkisian has made winning at home a tough challenge for visitors as he is 13-6 at home with five of those losses coming to ranked opponents. If he is to grow as a coach he must improve on the road where he is only 5-12 as a head coach beating only two teams with a winning record. If the Huskies plan on taking the next step with him as head coach they must win games on the road.

The Tyrone Willingham dark cloud over this program is finally over and Sarkisian should receive all the credit for that. The Huskies have gone to back to back bowl games under his watch while producing a winning conference record the last two seasons. Sarkisian has addressed the problems of the team and hired some top notch defensive coaches. The talent is their with the players and I believe in the coaching staff. I don't think this is the best coaching staff in the conference but I'd rank it in the top four which can be good enough to win a Rose Bowl once in a while. Sarkisian has acknowledge to grow as a program you must beat those elite teams. There will be no excuses from him which I like and I do believe the program is moving in the right direction.

Outlook:

The Huskies will once again for the third straight season go to a bowl game. The early schedule is tough and already having injuries doesn't help with that. I think this team survives that six game stretch to go 3-3 as they upset Stanford at home who has lost quite a bit of talent themselves. I think this team will be very strong on offense led by Keith Price who will have plenty of weapons when this team is healthy. I think the offensive line will grow and become a good unit especially up the middle where they appear the strongest. I see the Huskies having plenty of difference makers on offense which they haven't had a few years back. Price is the straw that stirs the drink but he has plenty of offensive help as well.

I think the talent on defense is there, they just underachieved last year. I think Wilcox will have some growing pains but the defense has quite a bit of returning talent not to mention some impact freshman. I think the defense will create more big plays whether that be sacks, forced fumbles or interceptions. I think this team due to their youth at certain spots will struggled early but grow as the season progresses.

For now I'll say this Huskies team goes 8-4 and 6-3 in conference which is good for second place in the north division. I think they start off 3-3 then finished 5-1 before going to a bowl game for the third straight year under Sarkisian. This team returns plenty of talent while bringing in some impact freshman. Not to mention Sarkisian redshirted 19 guys and will probably redshirt plenty in this class as well. The Huskies for the most part are a deep team. Even now with injuries at the wide receiver position plus graduation nobody is pressing the panic button due to the depth created. This is a rising program who takes that next step and wins eight regular season games something this program hasn't done since 2001. That should be good momentum heading into 2013 which could be a big year for this program on paper.

As you've read in this preview the future appears to be bright for the Huskies. I feel like all the talk of 2013 is under selling this team which has a chance to make a name for themselves.  This team can change the identity and return the Huskies to a solid defensive program once again. This team hasn't won eight games since 2001 and has only done it four times since Don James retired in August of 1993. If the Huskies had a healthy Price last year vs Oregon State or an average defense vs Baylor or Nebraska the Huskies could have won eight or nine games last season. I think this team is deeper and more talented than any team Sarkisian has had so far. I'm very excited for this season to finally begin and I can't wait until Saturday's to cheer on my Huskies! I think 2012 is the year the Huskies make some progress as they build momentum in what could be a very huge 2013 season.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Magical night at Safeco Field

By Kshell

Seattle proved that those who say Seattle is not a great sports city are dead wrong. On a Tuesday night game in August between the Cleveland Indians(54-68) and the Seattle Mariners(59-64) the house was packed. Over 39,000 fans came out to show support for our ace Felix Hernandez who was making his first start since throwing a perfect game. Two teams below .500 and you would have never known it while at Safeco Field. It was magical to be in that ball park that night as the Mariners of course won 5-1. Felix Hernandez didn't disappoint as he went 7.2 innings allowing only one run while striking out five. The crowd for the first time since I was in high school(graduated in June of 2004) was rocking. Every two strikes the crowd would stand up chanting "K" over and over. It was very hard leaving the ball park that night feeling negative. In fact I couldn't go to bed I was on a Mariners high for the first time in forever. You would have thought the Mariners were playoff bound with that win. That game proved that if the Mariners can build a team yes Safeco Field can be magical again. This game proved that despite many of us being annoyed with Chuck Armstrong and Howard Lincoln we still have that passion burning inside us. This game proved more importantly the fans still care about this ball club.

To honor Felix Hernandez the Seattle Mariners decided to have the greatest promotion they've had since the Buhner Buzz cut night. They extended the "Kings Court" to have the "Supreme Court" where the first 34,000 fans received a yellow "King perfection" T-Shirt while everyone got a "K" card. You knew it was going to be a special day when parking was full and instead of parking at the McDonalds for free I actually had to pay $25 for parking. I paid $80 to sit behind home plate and the place was rocking before an official pitch had even been thrown. Fredy Montero of the Seattle Sounders threw out the first pitch then took off his Mariners jersey as he had the King of Perfection shirt on then did the "Felixing" pose. Felix then took the mound as Safeco blasted Zombie Nation as the crowd started to go nuts. The place was alive and going crazy. I was taking the moment all in and hadn't planned on going to the game. Then I read Dave Cameron's column, then several other big time media guys going to the game. I decided this game was going to be more than a game so I bought my ticket at 4:55 p.m. online something I haven't had to do in forever.

The game got interesting in the 7th inning as the Mariners led 1-0. Due to a tricky hop Brendan Ryan couldn't field the ground ball for a double play as the Indians tied it up. Thankfully they ran themselves out at the plate on a failed suicide squeeze play. Hernandez then got out of the jam. In the bottom of the 7th with the game tied at one John Jaso delivered a clutch RBI double to give us the lead 2-1. Jesus Montero who Jack Zduriencik acquired in the offseason by trading away Michael Pineda blew the roof off as he belted an upper deck home run to deep left field to give the Mariners a 5-1 lead which they would win. When Hernandez got in a jam in the 8th he was pulled but not before the crowd gave him one last standing ovation. Then the crowd stayed and supported Lucas Luetge a guy Zduriencik acquired via the rule 5 draft. Luetge got out of the jam and finished the game picking up the save. We learned a lot about Hernandez this week at least I did watching him at the game in person.

When Eric Wedge came to pull Hernandez, Jaso spiked the ball as he and Hernandez have grown close. As Wedge pulled Hernandez he went over to Ryan who is having a gold glove season but made two defensive mistakes in the game to show it was all right. He gently tapped Ryan  on the cheek to cheer him up then tipped his cap to him. Then as he walked off he tipped his hate to the crowd but turned around so he tipped to everyone in the crowd showing his appreciation. The Mariners have had great players before in the past but it is very rare to have a super star who is also the leader of the team. He is the heart and soul of the team while still being one of the guys. When I went to a game in April on a Friday night they couldn't even draw 20,000 fans for a bobble head game while the dugout had no life. The dugout was alive like this was a playoff game. You take on the personality of your leader and when your leader is stoic and only about himself that reflects. Now with Hernandez here is a guy who is all about team why he never complains about all those tough losses. Hernandez is one of the guys and he also picked up his teammate Ryan so everyone in the crowd will realize Ryan has had a good year defensively.

The Mariners closed the home stand on an eight game winning streak. This will eventually end like all streaks but hopefully the passion for this team doesn't go away. Although it's more convenient to park at McDonalds for free then walk up at 6:45 p.m. for a 7:05 p.m. start time buy a $7 ticket then snipe some kickass seat cause the stadium has less than 20,000. I'd be willing to give that up for good baseball as going to games in recent years has been depressing. The team sucks and there is no energy at the games. The team in the dugout looks like they don't give a shit. This was only the second game all year I had gone to. I can support this team as they are winning with youth and good role guys. Finally Ichiro is gone, Miguel Olivo and Chone Figgins never play anymore this is a team I can back. The crowd was into it too like I said, hell I lost my voice at an August game between two losing teams. Typically you look around the stands nobody is there and the few who are aren't even paying attention or on their smart phones. I'm addicted to my phone and I left my phone in my coat pocket the whole game. I don't recall anyone trying to get on their phone too much and those who did couldn't get service cause the place was so damn packed! I loved that after the game the fans were hooting and hollering like we had won something important. For so many of us this was the one day we finally got to let out our emotions and be fans again!

This was a magical night in Safeco Field. The best game I've ever gone to. I was 10 in 1995 so I grew up with the Mariners always packing the house and being good. Sometimes you have to be humbled to appreciate things and that is what has happened. Many say I'm negative on Seattle sports but we haven't exactly had good teams in the last several years. For one night there was no being negative the Mariners atmosphere was amazing. I hope Chuck Armstrong and Howard Lincoln realize that we do still care. I hope they realize if they give Jack Z some freedom with the payroll which in turn gives us more wins we'll show up. If the team is halfway decent every fifth start with Hernandez the place should be rocking. I think it's safe to say we are no longer a crappy ball club. Is this game going to be playing in the postseason anytime soon? Who knows? One thing I do know is the passion in this city is still alive for this team.

I would love to see Felix Hernandez throw a playoff game and I would pay $1,000 if I had to just to see him pitch in the playoffs. I never thought back in 2001 when the Mariners won 116 games that would be our final playoffs. I miss caring about whether we win or lose, I miss scoreboard watching where I get excited if a team we are chasing loses or upset when they win. I miss giving a shit about this team more importantly! I really do hope Jack Z is the guy that would make life so much easier as he has proven he can find great values in guys. Eventually he will need to prove he can land that big time guy(something he has yet to prove he can do) via trade. I don't think free agency is the way to go and possibly Jack Z pulls a Michael Pineda-Jesus Montero type of trade where he trades one of Danny Hultzen, James Paxton, or Taijuan Walker for a young first baseman/elite first base prospect. This team is knocking on the door for the playoffs and should have the best starting pitching and bullpen in about two seasons for over a few years after that. The Mariners were the talk of the city in the middle of football talk and I'm proud to have been at the game. Hopefully this game is the start of something big as the fans start to come back to Safeco and we return to the days where we sell out every game regardless of the opponent or who our pitcher is. I can't wait! I'm so jacked up on the Mariners and Safeco Field was magical that Tuesday night. I can't wait until every home game is like that as that is going to be a treat especially for those younger fans who missed the 2000-2003 run at Safeco Field.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Montero and EJ power the Sounders past the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-0

By Money Mike


The Seattle Sounders bounced back from a difficult week and came away with a huge win against their Cascadia Cup rivals from the North. On Saturday, the Sounders defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-0 in front of 55,718 fans at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. Fredy Montero continued his scoring streak as he found the net for the third straight game and has scored four goals in his last five matches. Eddie Johnson's goalscoring frenzy also continued as he picked up his team leading 11th goal of the season.

Through the first 10-15 minutes, the Whitecaps looked like they were the better side from the kickoff. In the 6th minute, Darron Mattocks tried to play a through ball to Kenny Miller who got in behind Jeff Parke and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, but Michael Gspurning came all the way out to meet it. The ball fell to Dane Richards who tried it from a long way out with Gspurning way off his line, but he missed wide. Richards was making his sixth appearance for the Whitecaps since coming over from the New York Red Bulls for former Sounder Sebastien Le Toux.

In the 19th minute of the match, the Sounders troubled goalkeeper Joe Cannon. Eddie Johnson had possession of the ball on the right hand side. Johnson cut inside to with left foot after a couple of step overs and gave it a go from outside the area and Joe Cannon just punched it over the bar, but it was close to going into his own net.

A couple minutes later, the Sounders gave the ball away in their own half and Kenny Miller played a great through ball to Darron Mattocks in the penalty area, but he pulled his shot wide of the far post. Both Miller and Mattocks combined well in this game, causing a few problems here and there.

Shortly after, the Sounders had another great opportunity. Leo Gonzalez made a nice turn to get away from Dane Richards and Lee Young-Pyo who were double teaming him. Gonzalez fed the ball to the top of the area for Mauro Rosales. Rosales pushed the ball to the right side of the area to Brad Evans just as he was being dragged to the ground by Carlyle Mitchell and I think this is where Evans should've tried to hit the ball first time with his left foot because he had a defender tracking back and cutting down the angle. Instead, Brad Evans let the ball drop to his right foot and forced a save from Joe Cannon.

In the 50th minute of the match, the Sounders gave the Whitecaps another scare. Jeff Parke chipped the ball into the Whitecaps area. Eddie Johnson chested the ball down for Ozzie Alonso for a first timed hit from a long way out and Joe Cannon got down and deflected his shot wide.

In the 64th minute, the deadlock was broken and it was Fredy Montero who opened the scoring shortly after coming off the bench. Mauro Rosales floated the ball into the box for Jeff Parke who chested the ball to Montero and the Colombian international poked the ball inside the far corner for his eight goal of the season and the Sounders took a 1-0 lead. So once again, Montero came on and answered all the unnecessary critics regarding his performance on the pitch.

With three minutes left in the contest, the Sounders put the game out of reach. Ozzie Alonso played a brilliant long ball to the near side for Brad Evans who was all alone on the right hand side. Evans made no mistake on this play as he slid the ball across and Eddie Johnson was there, making a run to the far post for an easy tap in and the Sounders put their Open Cup final defeat against Kansas City and their heartbreaking 2-1 loss on the road to San Jose behind them and get three points against their Cascadia rivals.

Now, I just want to apologize to all of you for not keeping you guys up to date on the Gold Medal run for the U.S. women's soccer team during the 2012 Olympics. I had a lot going on that was more important than this, so I just want to make sure you guys understand. Also I'm gonna be taking a break from blogging for a little while, so I'm not gonna cover the Sounders-Chivas USA game this weekend.


Scoring summary:

Seattle Sounders FC - Fredy Montero 8 (Jeff Parke 1, Mauro Rosales 10) 64'

Seattle Sounders FC - Eddie Johnson 11 (Brad Evans 2, Osvaldo Alonso 2) 87'


Misconduct summary:

Seattle Sounders FC - Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (caution; foul) 58'

Vancouver Whitecaps - Gershon Koffie (caution; foul) 91'+


Lineups:

Vancouver Whitecaps - Joe Cannon; Lee Young-Pyo, Andy O'Brien, Carlyle Mitchell, Alain Rochat; Dane Richards, Jun Marques Davidson (John Thorrington 89'), Gershon Koffie, Camilo Sanvezzo (Russell Teibert 74'); Kenny Miller, Darron Mattocks (Atiba Harris 89')

Seattle Sounders FC - Michael Gspurning; Adam Johansson (Zach Scott 79'), Jeff Parke, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Leonardo Gonzalez; Brad Evans, Osvaldo Alonso, Christian Tiffert, Alex Caskey (Fredy Montero 61'); Mauro Rosales (Andy Rose 88'), Eddie Johnson