I don’t believe that for a second. But that’s the headline atop Ives Galarcep’s column for ESPNsoccernet… even though Ives never really goes quite that far in his own text.

Judging from ticket sales and general buzz, it strikes me that Philly seems destined — at best — to be the next Toronto. Which is good. But it’s well short of being MLS’ next Seattle.

If that comes at all, it will likely come in 2011 in Vancouver.

In any case, interesting reading.

The Sounders keeper turned 40 today.

Here’s a note from his blog.

Naturally, things have slowed down in the Sounders/MLS world since the expansion draft.

And now I’m staring at a couple of UW road trips and some vacation time over the next couple of weeks.

I’ll remain close enough to the blog where I’ll post soccer news as I come across it, but with fewer posts expected for a while here I thought I’d create this as a place where you guys can discuss anything you like … including any suggestions for keeping this blog fresh during the (brief) MLS off-season.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

And speaking of turkey and Ben Franklin and all that, here’s the Philadelphia Inquirerer’s take on the Union’s expansion haul. And here’s something similar from the Philadelphia Daily News.

And here’s a report from the Union’s new official website.

The Sounders waived two of their picks from last season’s SuperDraft today along with free agent Lamar Neagle of Federal Way.

Here’s the release from the club:

The Seattle Sounders FC today waived midfielder Michael Fucito and defenders Evan Brown, and Lamar Neagle.

Brown, 22, and Fucito, 23, were both selected by Seattle in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. Brown was chosen 16th overall from Wake Forest and Fucito was taken with the 46th pick overall from Harvard. Neagle, 22 and a Federal Way native, joined Seattle as a rookie free agent from Nevada-Las Vegas on June 10.

None of the

…

Read more »

The original Sounder is a Sounder no more.

The Philadelphia Union today picked Sebastien Le Toux in the MLS expansion draft.
“With expansion comes the unfortunate consequence that you’re likely going to lose someone,” Sigi Schmid said through a Sounders press release. “Seba is a quality player, and it’s understandable that Philadelphia valued his abilities and brought him aboard. We’re sad to see him go, but we wish him the best with this opportunity in Philadelphia.”

Le Toux had 15 starts and appeared in 28 games (1,457 minutes) with the Sounders. He had one goal and three assists.

“Sebastien Le Toux was a very very good player in USL when they brought him to the Sounders,” Union coach Peter Nowak said. “I watched him in many games this season, and I was very impressed. That’s why I brought him to this team.”

Later Nowak said: “We believe the starting forward position is good for Sebastien where he can score some goals.

Here is Philly’s full list:

Player (Pos.) Former Club

Jordan Harvey (D) Colorado Rapids

Andrew Jacobsen (M) D.C. United

Brad Knighton (G) New England Revolution

Sebastien Le Toux (F) Seattle Sounders FC

Stefani Miglioranzi (M) LA Galaxy

Alejandro Moreno (F) Columbus Crew

Dave Myrie (D) Chicago Fire

Shea Salinas (M) San Jose Earthquakes

Shavar Thomas (D) Chivas USA

Nick Zimmerman (M) New York Red Bulls

Here’s the full Sounders’ press release:
Read more »

While waiting for the official selections, here’s the Philadelphia Daily News’ predictions of who the Union will pick this morning in the MLS expansion draft.

There final selection is:

10. James Riley, defender, Seattle Sounders. At 27, Riley boasts 4 years of MLS experience, his first 3 with New England (2005-07). He fits well as a utility man.

This means they’ll be joining the Heritage Cup competition along with Seattle, Portland and San Jose.

However, the logo and kits will change.

Here’s the word from Canada.