Harkes Likes Steve-O

[Z.I.P.]

I'm sure I'm not the only Zip who just watched this friendly match on ESPN El Ducero. #11 had several touches on the ball, including a couple semi-breakaways for the Drew Carey crew at Qwest Field, before he was subbed at about 55 mins. ESPN's John Harkes -- the first American to make it onto a Premiership club roster (West Ham, I believe), had repeated compliments for Steve, talking up his pace and repeated runs down the left side for Sounders. Zak had one breakaway that made it inside the penalty area, but when he tried to touch the ball to the center of the box, it was a bit hard and, frankly a too-early touch and was broken up by the Italian sub for Chelsea, Beletti. Steve had a step on the defender, and might have gotten a good SOG, had he gone one more touch up the left lane of the box before shooting or centering to a teammate. Overall, I think Steve judged out as one of the best of Seattle's players on a day where the home squad had many opportunities, but always seemed to make one small mistake that prevented any great scoring opportunites on Petr Cech or the guy who was in goal for the second 45. Oh, Chelsea got a couple of easy chances of their own the first 45 with newcomer Sturridge and Michael Ballack putting balls away on Kasey Keller before mass subs the second half.Hopefully the next friendly, in 2.5 weeks will have a different outcome, though the same effort by the home team, as I will be in attendance on la noche de Barcelona.