Zakuaki in New York

[UAZipster0305]

http://www.mlssoccer.com/content/ironclad-...ets-qwest-field

"For Seattle, Steve Zakuani led the charge, who had his way with New York right back Jeremy Hall. On several occasions, Zakuani beat him one-on-one and sent in dangerous balls for Seattle to attack. None found the net, though, and Seattle didn’t have anything to show for its franchise-record nine corner kicks in the first half.

In the second half, New York stepped on the gas. Kandji forced a diving save from Kasey Keller off some excellent buildup play in the 52nd minute. And Coundoul continued his unbeatable performance. Zakuani turned in a superlative individual effort on a blazing run down the left, but Coundoul, one of the best pure shot-stoppers in the league, tipped the low effort past his far post."

Attendance of 36,000+...impressive.

[Z.I.P.]

http://www.mlssoccer.com/content/ironclad-...ets-qwest-field

"For Seattle, Steve Zakuani led the charge, who had his way with New York right back Jeremy Hall. On several occasions, Zakuani beat him one-on-one and sent in dangerous balls for Seattle to attack. None found the net, though, and Seattle didn’t have anything to show for its franchise-record nine corner kicks in the first half.

In the second half, New York stepped on the gas. Kandji forced a diving save from Kasey Keller off some excellent buildup play in the 52nd minute. And Coundoul continued his unbeatable performance. Zakuani turned in a superlative individual effort on a blazing run down the left, but Coundoul, one of the best pure shot-stoppers in the league, tipped the low effort past his far post."

Attendance of 36,000+...impressive.

For those who saw the game, you know that Steve-o was not the only ex-Zip who excelled. In fact, with the exception of the goal scorer Kandji, the MVP for the Red Bulls was ex-Akron midfielder Sinisa Uviparipovich (Maury's nephew I think). Sinisa did a great job from the same Left Wing position as Zakuani for New York, holding court in Seattle's offensive half for much of the first stanza -- maintaining ball control and executing many offensive runs as playmaker for RBNY. Sinisa has taken over from former all-star Dave VanDen Bergh who was traded early last season to Dallas as the ARBee's point forward. His centering passes and right-footed corner kicks were beautiful, as New York kept Seattle's defensive feet full for the first 45. Both Zakuani and Uviparipovich were subbed early in the second half, but were the stars of this game for their teams.

As far as attendance in Seattle, the game was played in a sub-50 degree drizzle, perfect London or Seattle football weather. The Sounders have sold out every game they've played -- forcing management to increase seating from 23k to 31k now to 36k. I think the announcer said they have 32 thousand season ticket holders. The Mariners can't beat that #. I think I saw, when I looked last year, that season tix are available at <$20/game. Damn cheap for a pro sports franchise.