The loss wasn’t anything terrible. 1-1 in a bad NFC West doesn’t take Seattle out of it. Now, with back ups forced into starting action it’ll be tough to stay in the race.

Seahawk fans have gone through this song and dance before. After a promising opener to the season, injuries pile up and derail the campaign. 

This week, Seattle welcomes the Chicago Bears to Qwest. The Bears also have their injury problems, but were still able to knock off the defending champs last week. Jay Cutler is making the most of his receivers and running that offense fairly well. It’ll be a tough home game for Seattle.

Wallace will have more work with the #1 offense this week, and he is a capable quarterback. He might also be able to get Deion Butler more involved in the offense, given their connection in the pre-season. But if its a close game, I don’t like the Seahawks without Matt Hassselbeck or Lofa Tatupu on the field. 

Chicago 20, Seattle 14 (Chicago is a 2,5 point favorite)

Now to the other games…

BALTIMORE (-13.5) over Cleveland

Joe Flacco is enjoying playing in a more open play book and the Ravens defense looks as good as ever. Meanwhile, Cleveland is Cleveland.

New York Giants over TAMPA BAY (+6.5)

Eli Manning has done a great job of moving the Giants offense despite not having the weapons he’s had in the past. Brandon Jacobs is running with a chip on his shoulder and Mario Manningham has emerged as a good threat at wide receiver. Meanwhile, Raheem Morriss looks a bit overwhelmed as head coach in Tampa Bay. These things haappen when your head coach hasn’t even been a coordinator at the NFL level.

Green Bay over ST. LOUIS (+6.5)

If they weren’t a divisional rival, I’d pity St. Louis. The Rams hold Washington to 9 points, keep them out of the endzone…and still lose.Rough times. In the meantime, the Packers have found a nice punching bag to make up for dropping one to a surprisingly game Bengals squad last week.

PHILADELPHIA (-8) over Kansas City

Even with the questions surrounding the Eagles at quarterback, Kansas City can’t score and its defense can’t get out of its own way. I don’t think I need to say more.

Atlanta over NEW ENGLAND (-5.5)

I know I’m supposed to just assume that a week after laying an egg, the mighty Patriots will blow through anything, win by 30 and prove their dominance. Except, they laid an egg against Buffalo and got bailed out by a special teams fumble and then never showed up against the Jets. Meanwhile, Matt Ryan shows no signs of slowing down and the Patriots have old corners. 

MINNESOTA (-8) over San Francisco

Guess whose defense isn’t as banged up as Seattle’s? Minnesota. Good luck, Frank Gore. Even though, the Lions did have some success in the early goings, it should be a different story this week for the Vikings.

HOUSTON (-3.5) over Jacksonville

And I do a walk of shame back to the Texans bandwagon. 

Washington over DETROIT (+6.5)

There had been talk that this is the week that the Lions will win a game. The Redskins had a bad week, the Lions only sucked for three quarters. The Big Lead went over this earlier this week. As they point out, the Lions aren’t getting good quarterback play and probably aren’t capable of playing four full quarters. The Lions may tease their fans, they may even lead in the second half. But, this has Washington scoring two sucker punch TDs in the fourth written all over it.

Tennessee over NY JETS (-3.5)

Obviously, the Titans can move the football. Mark Sanchez is playing well, but the Titans will have something to prove against New York. Should be a fun one, but I’ll take Tennessee. At least against the spread.

New Orleans over BUFFALO (+6.5)

Really? Really, Vegas? This is your line? Drew Breese has set the world on fire, and you give them 6.5 points? 

Pittsburgh over CINCINNATI (+3.5)

Similar to the Lions maybe winning, there’s been some talk that the Bengals could pull an upset on Sunday. Because, when Jeff Reed has a fluky game its cause for concern for the entire football team. The Steelers should be 2-0 and they’ll be 2-1 after Sunday. 

Denver over OAKLAND (+2)

Fine, I’ll pick Denver to win. As if a probable 1-2 Seahawks start wasn’t bad enough, how about 3-0 Denver? Kyle Orton is playing well, that defense is doing well. Who cares if its against bottom feeders? The Broncos are winning, their division is terrible, and they’re doing fine without Cutler.

Miami over SAN DIEGO (-4.5)

San Diego hasn’t been all that impressive and Miami really deserved better last week. The Dolphins can control the ball and the Wildcat still appears to be working. So, why not?

ARIZONA (-3) over Indianapolis

So, remember when Kurt Warner was officially washed up again and the Cardinals were playing on the east coast? Remember that? Yeah, none of that mattered and Arizona appears to have gotten their offensive kinks worked out. If the Colts’ defense can’t get off the field, they won’t be able to stay in this game. Arizona will score touchdowns.Payton manning needs help from the other side of the ball and I don’t see it coming this week.

DALLAS (-7.5) over Carolina

Its another Primetime game for Dallas, but the pressure of opening night in Jerryville is off. I think Tony Romo can come out, have another great game and get Dallas somewhat back on track. Carolina is in a fun, and Jake Delhomme isn’t coming around anytime soon.

Enjoy the games.

Last week: 7-9                                                                                                                 Season: 15-17

Washington at Stanford: Thanks Stanford athletic department for not changing the start time for this to accommodate TV. Wouldn’t want to give your football team any exposure when they’re 6 point favorites to a ranked team playing in your revamped stadium. Since sarcasm doesn’t translate well into the written word sometimes, yes, that was it.

This is a big test for Washington. Its their first road game and the first time where there’s pressure to win (it was expected against Idaho). This team still has its skeptics and a win on Saturday answers a lot of questions. But, if the Washington of a few years ago shows up they’ll be even more.

Stanford 24 UW 21

Washington State at USC

You get your first win of the season in OT and what is your reward? If you’re WSU its seeing your starting running back suffer a possible career ending muscle injury and a trip to LA to face an angry USC team. At least the road unis get a national audience for their debut, so that’s something?

USC 64 WSU 10

Cal at Oregon

The Ducks have done a good job of supplying offense since their best running back threw a punch in Boise. Never do know what will be the spark. Cal is good against the run so it will be interesting to see what Oregon’s offense can do. The Duck defense has been pretty good as well, but it probably won’t be enough to stop Jahvid Best.

Cal 28, Oregon 17

Arizona at Oregon State

Beavers blew a chance with a ranked team at home last week. They’ll have to contain Nic Grisby if the Beavs are to open up conference play with a win. Of course, the Rodgers brothers aren’t to shabby for OSU. Expect a shootout in Corvallis.

OSU 38, Arizona 33

Arizona State at Georgia

Georgia is a step up from the cream puffs the Sun Devils have been playing. Idaho State and Louisiana Monroe probably (sarcasm here) don’t have the same speed as Georgia does. Especially with the game in Athens, the Bulldogs can score quick and then run ASU out of the building early.

Georgia 42, Arizona State 24

Vegas has instilled San Francisco as a 1.5 point favorite. Seattle is a bit banged up, being without the services of LeRoy Hill and Chris Spencer. Without one of their bigtime linebackers in, it may come down to the offense to set the tone. Last week, San Francisco’s defense shut down Arizona’s rushing attack (attack used rather loosely) and then didn’t let Kurt Warner really get going. 

If Matt Hasselbeck is to utilize his weapons to the extent he did in Week 1, Julius Jones and the running backs will have to carry the load. Jones ended up having over 100 yards rushing against the Rams, but over 60 of that came on one play. Seattle needs to display a more consistent threat on the ground if they can get going.

On the defensive side of the ball, its hard to complain about the Seahawks. They earned a shut out, no easy task in the NFL, and did a much better job of getting to the quarterback. The Cardinals did sack Shaun Hill 4 times last week, so the 49er are a team that Seattle can pressure. Seattle’s defense could have another big day, as San Francisco doesn’t really have a dangerous play maker (they gained only 203 yards last week).

If Seattle can overcome their usual road troubles and play a sound defensive game, they have an excellent chance of starting 2-0. The offense doesn’t need to be flashy but does need to hold on to the ball. Three turnovers in a half won’t win many football games, and its best not to tempt fate to many times.

I’ll take the ‘Hawks to beat the spread and the 49ers, 20-14.

The rest of Week 2 in the NFL. Home team in CAPS.

ATLANTA (-6) over Carolina

John Fox is apparently the only person that needs to watch Jake Delhomme struggle a few more times before trying something, anything else at the qb position. Meanwhile, the Matt Ryan Sets the World on Fire Tour is still going strong.

St. Louis over WASHINGTON (-9.5)

Neither team is going to be very good, and as bad as the Rams were I just didn’t see anything from the Redskin’s Week 1 loss to think they’re 10 points better than anyone. Besides, won’t Steve Spagnulo, the former Giants defensive coordinator and current Rams head coach, know a thing or two about the Washington offense?

TENNESSEE (-7) over Houston

And the wheels fall off the Houston bandwagon. 

New Orleans over PHILADELPHIA (+1.5)

No McNabb, Vick not playing yet and Drew Breese being Drew Breese. Seems like a good time to take a road favorite.

New England over NY JETS (+3.5)

Tom Brady and company got their swagger back in the fourth quarter on Monday Night, and the Patriots defense should have something in store for rookie Mark Sanchez.

Oakland over KANSAS CITY (-3.5)

Oakland got robbed of a late touchdown in their opener and looked fairly decent for a Raiders team. Kansas City isn’t a strong club and was fairly bad on defense in week 1. JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden could have nice games, though Russell has to find his wide receivers a bit more to make the Oakland offense somewhat threatening.

JACKSONVILLE (-5) over Arizona

Jacksonville should play a little better at home. Last season Arizona did not play well at all on the East Coast, and this year are in danger of falling to 0-2.

GREEN BAY (-9) over Cincinnati 

How long until the Bengals get over the Brendan Stokley sucker punch. It won’t be week 2, especially against an Aaron Rodgers who proved on Sunday Night that he can play.

Minnesota over DETROIT (+10)

At some point this season I will pick the Lions to beat the spread. Not this week. The worst part about this game is the Lions are so bad that Favre will throw for 3 TDs and boys in Bristol will rave about how the “‘ol gunslinger’s still got it!” May have to watch NFL Live on mute.

Tampa Bay over BUFFALO (-5.5)

The Bills let one get away on Monday night and I’m not willing to bet that Dick Jauron can get the troops refocused. 

Pittsburgh over CHICAGO (+2.5)

I repeat: Devin Hester is not a number 1 receiver. Jay Cutler has no one to throw to and not much of a running game. Plus, the Bears are dinged up defensively. Pittsburgh is not a team you want to try to find your identity against.

Cleveland over DENVER (-3.5)

I’d love to peak into the bizarro world where Kyle Orton gets picked off at the end of the game or Brandon Stokley doesn’t catch the ball and see where the line for this game is. Denver got lucky and literally stole a game on the road. I’m not jumping on their bandwagon yet. If you take away Stokley’s catch, Orton didn’t even have 200 yards passing in this game. I think Cleveland played better against a better opponent and I think that will be reflected on Sunday.

Baltimore over SAN DIEGO (-3)

I see LT listed as doubtful and Philip Rivers’ shaky game on Monday Night and think that Joe Flacco on the road doesn’t seem bad.

DALLAS (-3) over NY Giants

You may have heard that Tony Romo enjoyed throwing the ball to people not named Terrell Owens. And who can blame him? He set a career high, Dallas won the game, and there was no pouting in the locker room from anyone. A win, win for Dallas. The Cowboys, at home, should be able to counter the Giants non existent passing game a wee bit better than Washington.

Indianapolis over MIAMI (+3.5)

I’m taking the Colts even with the injury to Anthony Gonzolez because Indy can make adjustments to their game plan well. Plus once the Wildcat is shut down (and it will be, its NFL novelty is wearing off) Miami won’t have anything to offer to seriously challenge the Colts.

Last week: 8-8                                                                                                                                                                                                                Season: 8-8

Enjoy the games in what should be a solid Week 2 of NFL Action.

Washington vs USC

The Huskies are 20 point underdogs at home and some are betting that not only can UW beat that spread, they can outright win the game. I’m not nearly that bold. Given USC’s question mark at quarterback it remains unseen if they can take advantage of Washington’s struggling secondary. If Washington can keep its emotions in check and hold on to the football, they can keep it interesting, but in the end I think the Trojans pull away.

USC 35, UW 20

Oregon vs Utah

The theme going into this game is that it will be the true measuring stick of where Oregon is on the season. If the Ducks win, the Auzten faithful can chalk up the Boise State loss to a bad game, but not an indicator of the season. If the Utes win though, Oregon is in trouble this season. They definitely won’t go to a BCS game and they’ll head into the conference round robin with a lack of confidence. I don’t envy first year coach Chip Kelley. 

Utah is 2-0, but its not that impressive given wins over Utah State and San Jose State. The Utes can move the ball but they can give up yards as well. It could be a track meet in Eugene and the Ducks will have a slight edge at home.

Oregon 30, Utah 27

Washington State vs SMU

To be honest, I see signs of improvement in this year’s Cougar team. Last year was beyond awful and two wins (over 1-AA Portland State and winless Washington) masked just how bad it was. A lot of people are putting Paul Wulff on the hot seat (and rightfully so). Others, like Seattle Sportsnet want him to be employed forever. There are signs that its turning around. It was never going to be a rapid bounce back to the Mike Price days once Doba left. It will take years (thanks for not recruiting anybody, Doba) before WSU is where they are capable of being. For now, I hope the Cougars stay the course and let Wulff get more of his guys in. 

That said, if the Cougs are going to get a win this season, this is the week to do it. Thats one of the reasons the move to bench Lopina is a head scratcher. He hasn’t played all that bad (completing 58% of his passes and a qb rating of 111).  The problem is more on the defensive side of the ball, where WSU still struggles tackling and in a bad omen for this week, stopping the pass. 

SMU 31, WSU 14

Cincinnati at Oregon State

Oregon State is ranked 96th in pass defense. The Bearcats are ranked fifth in passing yards. I’d be willing to wager the ball will be in the air a lot in Corvallis. 

Cincinnati 34, Oregon State 23

Enjoy the games, NFL pick ‘em to come later.

Home teams in CAPS, I will use the Las Vegas Hilton line, as provided by covers.com.

PITTSBURGH (-6.5) over Tennessee

I think Tennessee will have a decent season, but I don’t have enough faith in Kerry Collins to keep it within a touchdown. Seems like a 10 point Steelers win. Besides, its the defending champs at home in prime time. Pittsburgh will come ready to play.

ATLANTA (-4) over Miami

Forgive me for not feeling the Chad Pennington fever that is carrying over from last year. Yes, that was sarcasm.

BALTIMORE (-11) over Kansas City

I’m really excited to see how Joe Flacco does in year two. He’s a good quarterback and the Ravens should open the playbook a little bit more. He may get some chances against a KC team that is, at its best, just not that good.

Philadelphia  over CAROLINA (+2.5)

This line moved nearly six points since its opening, with the Panthers moving from three point favorites to more or less three point dogs. I’ll take the Eagles, if only because I think McNabb has things to prove this season.

CINCINNATI (-4.5) over Denver

It will be tempting to not pick against the Broncos each week, if only because each Denver loss gets the Seahawks that much closer to a top 5 quarterback. Maybe I shouldn’t think this, but I really want Colt McCoy. At any rate, we can pull for a bad start to Denver’s season. The inevitable implosion with that team is going to be spectacular to watch, doubly so since Seattle benefits.

Minnesota over CLEVELAND (+4.5)

Why do I get the feeling that if Favre wasn’t the quarterback in Minnesota, this line would be higher? He doesn’t really help a team thats defending a division title. If anything, his habit of forcing throws and throwing interceptions hurts the Vikings. Plus, he might not go the full 16 games this season. Between this and Ricky Rubio, Minnesota just had a fabulous summer.

HOUSTON (-4.5) over New York Jets

Count me in the group of people excited for the Texans season. I think they can be an exciting team. I don’t think they make the playoffs, but they’ll come close. 

Jacksonville over INDIANAPOLIS (-7)

I needed an upset, and I think the Jags can provide one. Indy will win this game, but I think that the Jags can make a game of it. 

NEW ORLEANS (-11) over Detroit

Detroit may set a record for most double digit lines this season. They will win some games this year, if only because they have to. But, not in week one against an explosive Saints offense. Reggie Bush might even score a touchdown!

Dallas over TAMPA BAY (+6)

Its time for Tony Romo to, you know, earn the admiration thats been bestowed on him. Granted, he needs to earn it in the postseason, but in a tough NFC East each game counts and he’ll need to put on a good showing in week 1.

ARIZONA (-6.5) over San Francisco

You know how a lot of people wanted the Seahawks to draft Michael Crabtree? So glad we didn’t go that route. If, in Seattle’s war room, it came down basically to Crabtree’s foot injury, how much did that Jones fracture save the Seahawks in headaches? 

NY GIANTS (-6.5) over Washington

It’ll be interesting to see what the Giants do in their passing game, but even if thats flat they have enough to push past the ‘Skins.

SEATTLE (-8) over St. Louis

I am a bit nervous with this game, as I am with most season openers. Maybe its the streak that the Seahawks have over the Rams and the desire to see that continue. Maybe its the fact that Walter Jones isn’t there. Then I remember that the Seahawks defense is stacked and the Rams look shaky on offense. Let the games commence.

Chicago over GREEN BAY (-3)

An upset! I didn’t pick many this week. I think that the Bears can outright win this game. I don’t think they will be as good as people advertise, but Cutler will probably want to put on a show, if only to prove Denver wrong. Might as well cement the love he’s getting in the Windy City in Week 1.

NEW ENGLAND (-11) over Buffalo

Its been quite the dysfunctional 10 days in Buffalo. They fire the Offensive Coordinator and cut their starting left tackle. The offensive coordinator accuses Dick Jauron of wanting a “pop warner” offense. If they can pull it together and beat the spread, Disney should make a movie about the game to inspire today’s youth.

San Diego over OAKLAND (+9.5)

How is this line this low? Oakland is terrible. San Diego is a Super Bowl favorite in some circles. Even without Shawne Merriman, the Chargers have enough to blow the Raiders out of the water. I’m debating starting Derren Sproles in fantasy this week, if only because LT might be out of the game by half time. Its really time for the Raiders to stop getting prime time games, especially in week one. In the mean time, as someone who still hates Oakland, I can handle watching them get shellacked. 

Enjoy the weekend and enjoy the games. College pick ‘em coming tomorrow.

Oregon at Boise State

Boise State hosts the Ducks tonight in a game that may very well have national implications. Oregon thinks they can spoil USC’s PAC-10 title run and make a BCS game and the Broncos love to crash the BCS Party. BSU went to Eugene last year and upset Oregon, and don’t call it an upset when it happens again this year.

1. Boise State is wicked good at home. 61-1 this decade. Ranked teams don’t dare go there, and Oregon will find out why. Boise Stadium is an intimidating place to go. Reports indicate that the students are ready and the place should be amped up. 

2. Kellen Moore. All-WAC a year ago, Moore torched the Ducks for 386 yards and three touchdowns. He’s back under center tonight.

3. New head coach in Oregon. It’s the first game for Chip Kelley and though he’s been with the program awhile, it will be interesting to see how he handles things if the game starts to turn sour. Oregon is also inexperienced on offense (Kelley’s specialty), so its not like he can lean on his veterans to pull the Ducks through a tough first half or so.

4. Contrast that with BSU’s six returning starters on offense and the Broncos could explode out of the gate. BSU plays a very direct, attacking style of football that is relentless. Defense could be adventuresome for the Broncos (just one returning starter) but add in the crowd and other factors, and it adds up to a BSU win.

Boise State 31-Oregon 20

Washington vs LSU

It is a new era in Huskies football and it starts with possibly the toughest match-up on the schedule. LSU makes the trek up to Seattle. The Tigers promise to be arrogant, as SEC teams are wont to do. UW is hoping that arrogance will help play a role in an upset.

Eh, won’t happen. LSU is big and fast (its an SEC thing) and while they may not click all the time, they’ll be good enough to counter a Huskies offense that through training camp has had a shaky ground game and watched as Jake Locker not be as accurate as one would like. The Huskies will be improved this season, and they may even show it in game 1, but it won’t add up to a win. 

LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson has played well in his two starts last year: 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. The numbers aren’t huge (just 46 attempts in those two games) but he was a true freshman as well. With spring and fall camp under his belt, expect Les Miles to air it out a bit more, especially if the Husky defense hasn’t shored up its secondary play. 

LSU 42-UW 14

Washington State vs Stanford

As a Cougar fan (lets get that out of the way now) there’s part of me that wants to believe that WSU can upset Stanford, turn some heads and be on their way to a nice campaign that gets everyone talking bowl game for next year. I also can close my eyes and see pass after pass hit the ground or get intercepted as it was a year ago. 

Wazzu comes into the 2009 campaign with a lot of questions, and the season and conference opener will give a lot of answers, but I don’t expect them to be the kind that Paul Wulff wants to see. Yes, younger players got playing time last year and that should be a benefit. But, the Cougs also lost 58-0 to Stanford last year and are still trying to find their footing.

Reports out of Pullman are that the team is positive and more physical than last year, so maybe that will translate into competitiveness. Maybe not wins, but losses won’t be as bad this year. 

The key to stopping Stanford is containing Toby Gerhart. If Washington State can somehow force the Cardinal to the air, they may have a shot. Not that the Cougars’ secondary is exactly feared. And even if the defense steps up its game, there are so many questions on offense that its tough to decide where to begin. 

The answers will come, but it’ll be Stanford who gets the win.

Stanford 33-WSU 10

No pick for the Seahawks this week, as they are still in pre-season. 

NCAA Quick hits

Pick the underdog: Maryland is a 21 point underdog to Cal. Surely the Terrapins can keep it within a few scores, right?

Surefire favorite: Nebraska is 22 point favorites, at home, against Florida Atlantic. 

Head scratching line of the week: New Mexico State only favored by 3 against Idaho. Vandal games are over by halftime, aren’t they?

Under the radar game of the week: Wake Forest (-2) hosting Baylor. I’ll take Baylor and Robert Griffin for the win. 

Those are the picks for week 1. Enjoy the games.

The ball, much like the Sounders performance, went slowly wide of its goal. It wouldn’t have counted, Montero received the card for the maneuver, but it still in a way summed up the night for Seattle.

On the night, the Sounders couldn’t finish their scoring chances, gave away the ball in the midfield, and all in all seemed unusually flat in front of the ever-passionate rave green clad Seattle fans.

True, Seattle was missing Freddie Ljungberg. The Swedish star’s calming influence in the middle was felt. Perhaps if the doctors gave him the go-ahead for the match Seattle gets a few more chances to score. Maybe he buries the penalty kick that Montero rang off the crossbar.

Maybe its time for the Sounders to step up and play like they’re capable of. An expression used for rookies as seasons begin their mad dash to the postseason is that “he shouldn’t play like a rookie anymore”. That player has experience, he knows what to do in game situations.

As an expansion team, a few first season bumps are to be expected. But, this time of year the players should have a feel for one another. Instead, the fluid play that the Sounders showcased at the beginning of this season, when they shocked MLS with wins over New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake, and Toronto FC has been replaced by bad turnovers, uncompleted runs, and missed chances. The scoreboard reflects it with just two goals in five matches, both coming in a 2-0 win over the Galaxy.

With dangerous strikers like Montero and Nate Jaqua set pieces should be more threatening. Against New England, Reis was rarely challenged. Miscommunication and bad balls into the box made for a relatively calm night in front of the Revolution net.  Seattle was not credited with a shot on goal. They shot at goal 11 times, but in terms of making Reis work, it didn’t happen.

Now, the Rave Green head out on the road as they try to wrap up a playoff birth. Eight games remain on the season, five of them are away from the friendly, and vocal, confines of Qwest Field.  The road is not exactly the place that the Sounders want to be as they find themselves in a mid-season form crisis, but it’s the road where they’ll have to figure out how to finish their chances and score like they are capable of.

The next chance is Sunday, when the Sounders visit Western Division leading Houston. Seattle could use points. Forget about catching Houston for first place, Seattle is seven points back for that. SFC now finds itself in a dogfight for the postseason positioning, as they hold just a two point advantage over Colorado and Chivas USA.

If there was ever a time for the Sounders to stop playing like an expansion team, that time is now.

8th minute: Donovan on the corner for the Americans, nothing happens as the kick goes long, but the US keep control in their half.

8th minute: DAVIES SCORES! Took a beautiful ball from Donovan to get behind the defense and left no doubt on the finish. 1-0 USA.

12th minute: The Mexicans are trying to maintain possession, but aren’t able to get close. Tim Howard is able to scoop up the long balls. He’s made one big save so far, but other than that has had a calm quarter hour.

13th minute: Mexico takes the corner, but its harmless resulting in a throw for the Americans.

14th minute: the Famed  Azteca is quiet, but may get loud again as the Mexicans earn a corner.

15th minute: Nothing doing on the corner, but Mexico keeps possession this time. Tighet defense for the USA (who needs a catchy nickname. Yanks doesn’t count) .

16th minute: Nifty set play from Mexico results in a drive from the top of the box. But, Howard has little problem with the 30 yard drive.

18th minute: Mexico has the run of possession but can’t find the gapes in the US defense, who is seemingly content to just clear it out to midfield.

20th minute: Lacastro scores for Mexico. A long range shot beats Howard, hits the bar but goes in. 1-1. USA needs to try to break out of their own half instead of getting the ball out to the midfield stripe.

22nd minute: Now the Mexicans are moving the ball with confidence. and now has the crowd behind them once again.

24th minute: Donovan’s run disrupted by a shirt tug, but no call.

24th minute:  A shot from Mexico just goes wide as the Green Shirts have the run of play.

25h minute: Since the goal back in the 8th minute, the US has not had an extended run of possession.

26th: Onyewu gets a yellow for a deliberate handball.

29th minute: Demeritt gets a yellow for a dangerous tackle, and the US midfield is in trouble. Howard makes a great save off the set piece as the Mexicans have dominated the last 20 minutes.

32nd minute: A dangerous tackle from Mexico but there is no card.

33rd minute: USA still content to clear it to the midfield stripe and then take another wave of attack. There has been no attempt at a counter.

34th minute: A trip from mexico gets a free kick for the USA, but no card from the ref.

35th minute: Onyewu just misses getting a head on Donovan’s free kick.

38th minute: Howard seems to be upset with the defense as the Mexican attack is relentless.

40th minute: A Mexican corner goes well wide and the US tries to counter. They get a free kick near the midfield stripe.

41st minute: Donovan’s long free kick results in a corner for the US. Maybe the Yanks can generate some offense off of set pieces.

42nd minute: Corner is harmless. A Mexican player gets knocked down in the box and the Green Shirts work it down the field.

45th minute: US gets a throw at the midfield, but can’t get into an attacking position.

45+: Bocanegra gets a card for a late tackle. those of you scoring at home, thats 3 cards for the US, 0 for Mexico and its been physical on both sides. Just saying.

HT: There’s the whistle for halftime. USA needs to 1) get more possession and put the Mexican defense on their heels a bit in the second half and 2) be real careful with 3 players carrying yellow cards.

HT: So…mun2 is the English version of Telemundo? Fun fact: Deodorant commericials in Spanish are kind of awesome.

HT: Also, Spanish soap operas look kind of awesome. I would watch them, if only because the sappy dialouge that plagues English soap operas would be replaced by Spanish, thus allowing me to come up with my own plots. I’ll talk about the soccer next, promise.

HT: 6-4 SOG advantage for Mexico. Mon2 doesn’t tell us the possession stats, but if it was 60-40 Mexico, I would not be surprised.

46th minute: Game on. Mexico kicks off.

47th minute: So this is fun, Mon2′s clock is counting up from 0 again, not 45:00. This will require some math to get the timing right.

49th minute: Blanco is having himself a ballgame and has wreacked havoc at times. Hope the Americans aren’t just hoping for him to wear out, because he looks great.

50th minute: Mexico taking quick throw-ins, wanting to keep the Americans moving and not giving them a chance to catch their breath.

51st minute: Mexico gets off a dangerous shot off the corner, but it goes wide. USA hasn’t had a lick of possession this half outside of a few clears.

56th minute: Kind of a quiet start to the half, but still nothing building from the US.

56th minue: Howard cleans up the mess in the box as Blanco comes off for Mexico. He’s been dangerous all game, so maybe the Mexican attack won’t be as organized.

58th minute: Holden comes on for the USA, Clark is off.

59th minute:  Howard makes a terrific point blank save. He may have to take control if the US are to get a draw out of this match.

61st minute: Some offensive life for the Americans, but nothing really threatening.

62nd minute: Dear USMNT: Work on your clears. Demeritt gives up a terrible ball, but the Mexican shot sails over the net.

65th minute: The US definition of offense is a long ball to a double teamed Davies and hope.  Color me unimpressed.

67th minute: hey, a counter from the Americans! It didn’t result in anything, but there were consecutive passes and everything.

69th minute: A run of fouls called on the US. It hasn’;t been a well officiated match.

71st minute: Davies dives to get a header but can’t quite connect. One of the few flashes of creativity from the US today.

72nd minute: then Davies is JUST offside on a run. Where has this been?

73rd minute: Free kick from Mexico in a dangerous spot. Taken from just outside the box, and its deflected wide.

74th minute: There’s a scuffle, and someone is getting carded. A Mexican player tried to drag Davies up after he was injured.  One Mexican player got the yellow, but no indication as to who. Meanwhile. Altadore comes in for the final 15 minutes.

80th minute: A corner for Mexico is pushed out. The second corner is swallowed up by Howard.

81st minute: Mexico just attacked Onyewu and somehow there is no card. A player literally shoves Onyewu in a dead ball position and doesn’t get a card.

83rd minute: Mexico scores as they get behind the defense. Sobah was unmarked in the box and buried it.

84th minute: mexico now wasting a bit of time. US needs possession, but Mexico is “cramping up”.

85th minute: Dos Santos gets a yellow for…who knows. Late make up calls? A poor reffing performance today.

87th: Not that the Americans are victims in this game. They played to conservatively, and didn’t try to make anything happen offensively.

88th minute: A corner for the US is punched out harmlessly by Mexico.

89th minute: Nothing doing for the Americans as stoppage time looms.

90+:  Full time as Mexico goes on a break. 2-1 final.

Recap: A well played match, but some bad officiating at times. The US need to be more aggressive on offense. To much complacency on the clears. Maybe a little more effort put into counter attacks and they get another goal or two. Just wasn’t the Americans day. They now have four more WC qualifiers to punch their ticket to South Africa.

caffeinatedsports-vick2

I don’t want to say it. No team ever wants to say that they’re out of it. Not when the standings show just 6.5 games between Seattle and the Wildcard. Conceivably, the 7.5  games that the M’s sit back of the Angels are not insurmountable. Except that this is a mountain this club cannot climb.

This isn’t a knee-jerk reaction to two blowout losses to one of the worst teams in baseball. This is noticing watching the Angels win eight in a row to pull away. This is knowing that the Angels and Red Sox will make moves to prop up their clubs for late season runs, and that realistically there’s nothing Seattle can dangle out in front of other clubs to get another reliever or a good left-handed bat. 

It’s possible that if Adrian Beltre had not gone down with injuries, this column wouldn’t be written. Maybe the Mariners win a few more ballgames. Maybe with his bat and steady glove, the current hole the M’s find themselves in doesn’t look so bad. It’s tough to say. 

The club entered this season with more question marks than answers. Starting on the bench with Dan Wakamatsu, who has proven himself more than capable. After a few years of managerial turmoil, the Mariners have found a skipper that can lead them back to the post season (albeit eventually). Felix Hernandez has lived up to the hype that accompanied him when he started his career. Franklin Gutierrez has proven himself in center field. Russell Branyan is what we always wanted Richie Sexson to be and then some.  Ichiro doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, in fact adding a bit more power to his game. 

There are still questions. Will Beltre be able to go at third next year? Can Seattle bring in a shortstop that can hit? Who will play in the proverbial rotating door that is left field? Face it, despite the love affair this city has with Ken Griffey Jr. he isn’t the answer in the field, and his numbers don’t justify a DH spot. (His .211 batting average was lower than Yuniesky Bentancourt’s. His batting average on balls in play worst on the team. He’s below the league average in slugging and on-base percentage. I don’t mean to sound like a Griffey hater, but those are not DH numbers.)

In addition, the bullpen could use some work, and a quality third starter would be nice. The M’s have another busy off-season ahead of them, but at least now some of the pieces are in place. GM Jack Zduriencik showed that he could get decent players in and build a solid team. Now the work begins on making that solid team one that can run down the Angels and contend for an AL West crown.

The job won’t be easy, not by a long shot. The Angels have become one of the best organizations in baseball. But, for the first time in awhile, there is a plan in Seattle. There’s no sense on putting off the next stage of that plan when the preparation for 2010 can begin right now.