Posts from the ‘Soccer’ Category
Please be my assistant for a day.
If you’ve ever dreamed about being on the sidelines of a Seahawks game or a Sounders FC match at CenturyLink Field, you now have your chance.
One caveat, you have get to do so with me.
Thanks to both teams, my good friend Mike Gastineau of Sports Radio 950 KJR-AM in Seattle is auctioning off opportunities to join me on the sidelines as part of his 17th annual Kares-a-Thon. There are myriad great sports memorabilia and once-in-a-lifetime experiences up for auction, with the proceeds going to charity.
One of those charities is Gloria’s Angels, of which I have a special affinity. Jerry Brewer, a great friend and former co-worker, wrote a book about young Gloria Strauss, who died of a rare form of cancer, but not before she touched the lives of the local community at large.
If you come to work with me, you’ll work as my assistant, which has about three total duties — carry an extra body and lens, carry a towel if it’s raining, and laugh at my jokes.
That said, there are some great benefits, too. You’ll see football (either our kind, or the rest-of-the-world kind, depending on which item you bid on), from a very unique vantage point. You’ll get to experience genuine media food and eat as much of it as you like (c’mon, you’ve seen some portly members of the media and wondered, “what the hell do they eat?” — no, not you, Gasman). Sure, you can bring your camera and try your hand at what I do as well (it’s alternately very easy, and very hard, as you will see).
At a Seahawks game you’ll be working right next to the Sea Gals (yes, they will smile at you, and no, not because they think you’re cute, but because they have to), and you’ll be amazed at both the speed and power that NFL players have to bring to the table each and every time they take the field.
If you bid on the Sounders match, we’ll be less than five yards from the pitch, and you’ll get to witness the grace of Mauro Rosales, the tenacity and leadership of Kasey Keller, and the finishing skills of Fredy Montero and Lamar Neagle.
Come join me on the sidelines. I promise you’ll have a blast.
Bid on the Sounders FC package
Sounders FC: U.S. Open Cup Champions Again.
Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 zoom lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/400th sec.,f4.0)
Sounders FC made history as the first M.L.S. team to repeat as U.S. Open Cup champions with a 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew on a memorable night at Qwest Field. After the game, I took a somewhat risky position right beneath the players as they received their medals. Most of the photographers were 20 yards away shooting straight on with telephotos lenses, and I sought something “different”. The only place I found was behind a sign, lying on the turf right below the players. For the most part, I was basically looking right up their noses, but when the confetti cannons let loose, Steve Zakuani raised his arms and the photo was right in front of me.
Sounders FC: Fucito Wins It.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 240mm, ISO 800, 1/1600th sec.,f4.0)
Seattle Sounders FC Michael Fucito celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal in the 92nd minute against Kansas City at Qwest Field in Seattle.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 220mm, ISO 800, 1/1600th sec.,f4.0)
Fucito substituted late into the match, then scored when he took a quick throw-in from teammate Brad Evans and one-timed a low hard shot past the diving Kansas City goalkeeper.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 240mm, ISO 800, 1/1600th sec.,f4.0)
One of the key components of a successful sports photo is a clean background. You can see in the first photo that the background is clean. It would have been a better frame if I would not have had to crop out his feet (it feels awkward the way it is currently cropped), but the background is better than in the third photo (directly above). The orange of the Home Depot sign, combined with the two photographers, seem to take away from the moment, and this is the second best frame of the series.
It was a great goal – and while I shot 18 frames during the entire sequence with my Nikon 200-400mm zoom lens, only one frame “jumped out” as the one with the best combination of emotion, clean background and solid (while certainly not perfect), composition.
Sounders FC: Montero Leads the Way
Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 zoom lens @ 70mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
Soccer has returned to the Pacific Northwest, and the Seattle Sounders opened the regular season with a 2-0 win over the expansion Philadelphia Union in front of a sellout crowd at Qwest Field and a national television audience. Fredy Montero, scored in the 43rd minute and ran to the corner of the Xbox Pitch to celebrate with teammate Steve Zakuani.
Sounders FC: Barcelona’s visit was a kick in the grass.
Yowch. That’s a bad pun.
Sorry. Couldn’t help it.
Actually, this is a kick in the AIR. Famed FC Barcelona footballer Thierry “I have no interest in playing for the Sounders FC at this time” Henry contorts and fires a bicycle kick shot back over his head and that of Seattle Sounders FC defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado during their international friendly earlier this month. The shot sailed high, but he made it look soooooo easy.
And seriously, while we are talking about bicycles. I have friends who are crazy about the Tour de France. Skinny guys on bikes. Yes, I get that they’re super-human. Still, people who argue that watching golf is boring, shouldn’t also argue that watching baseball and cycling is any more exciting. Got that, Jim?
On Top of the World with Messi.
Thanks for finding me yet again after another, and hopefully final move of my blog and website. Special thanks to my amazing wife Kari for the redesign, and for my friends Grover and Allen over at Photoshelter for the integration of my archives.
Trust me when I say that I haven’t been slacking over the past month, despite the absence of posts.
There is so much for me to catch you up on. (And yes, that’s me, the former English major ending with a proposition, but really, these days a sentence reading “There is so much upon which to catch” is even more awkward, isn’t it?)
Is there a rule against starting three straight sentences with the letter “t”?
Many of you pointed out to me how cool my job can be after witnessing the midair refueling of a jet fighter over the Pacific Ocean. If you’re a soccer fan at all, the photo shoot I’m going to share with you might even be cooler.
The shoot came about in a cryptic phone call from Suzanne Lavender, the awesome director of corporate communication for the Sounders and Seahawks. Would I be available for a quick shoot at the Space Needle? Had to be low-key, because it would attract attention from the media and the public, and while that was the goal, all parties involved wanted the shoot to be quiet until the photos were taken.
Sounds good to me. FC Barcelona was in town to face the Seattle Sounders FC in an international friendly, so I assumed it had to do with Barcelona. Then I found it not only involved Barcelona, it involved Lionel Messi. Not only did involve Lionel Messi, it involved Messi on TOP of the Space Needle.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Messi, he’s currently regarded as the best player in the world right now. Need proof? Check out this video. Need more? Search “Messi” on YouTube.
Met Suzanne and my now-good-friend Gabe Gabor at the base of the Needle at the appointed time. Gabe is this awesome PR man from Miami, who is multilingual and is a “get things done” kind of guy. He’s working with FC Barcelona on their international tour, so he’s also a little freaked out. To put it in perspective, to the rest of the world, FC Barcelona’s soccer team as popular as the Chicago Bulls of the Michael Jordan era, the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys. They do EVERYTHING big. And they want to do it perfect. Gabe is feeling the pressure.
So the first thing Gabe says to me as he hops out of a still moving car, is, “We are NOT going to f*ck this up, right?”
Uh, no?
Looks at me. “You up for this? We gotta be PERFECT!”.
Okay, I get it. Best soccer player in the world. Top of the Space Needle. Let’s go.
Messi and his handlers aren’t due for 45 minutes. Gabe wants to make sure everything is in order. Security, path, sightlines, photo angles. There will also be a helicopter circling shooting as well.
We start to discuss the shoot when it becomes clear to me — Gabe thinks we are only going to the Observation Deck of the Needle. I am under the impression we are going to the TOP of the Needle — somewhere people rarely get to venture.
I tell him, hey, aren’t we taking Messi to the top? Yeah, he replies. To the Observation Deck. That aint’ the top, I tell him. I think we’re going to the roof.
Dave Mandapat, marketing director for the Space Needle arrives and says, yes, we’re going to the top. Gabe is more than a little freaked out. Needs to scout it.
Up the elevator we go to the Observation Deck. Through a back door and up a steep metal ladder. Tight turn, then another ladder. Gabe is behind me, muttering, “No way, man. No way. Do you who this guy IS?”
Through a trap door and we are on the square roof of the Space Needle, right below the spire. The city spreads out before us. There is an inner railing around the trap door, then another outer railing. I skip through the inner railing to check out the photo possiblities. Gabe is clinging to the inner railing.
It will be perfect for Messi, I tell him. The light is a little hazy, but it will work. They’d planned to have him juggle a soccer ball, but it is a bit gusty, and no one wants a ball falling from the top of the Needle onto the ground below. Even if it was last touched by the best soccer player on earth.
So it’s a go. Gabe warns, “now if Messi says no, it’s a no!”
Dude. It’s Lionel Messi. He’s 5’6″ of badass who battles through huge defenders for a living. He won’t be scared.
Messi shows up, and we head up the elevator.
FC Barcelona has brought their photographer, and we have a video guy as well. Messi doesn’t blink an eye headed up the ladders. I go first, so that when we emerge from the trapdoor, I can go to the outer railing and he will follow.
He’s not nervous at all. Leans on the outer railing and starts taking pictures with his cell phone. Total badass. Everyone else but me and him are near the inner rail.
We’re waiting for the helicopter to arrive from Boeing Field, but it’s delayed. Gabe is asking, “what could the hold up be?”. Oh, some small group of pilots named the BLUE ANGELS is waiting to take off first (they’d been in town for Seafair).
Meanwhile, Messi chills. He could be sitting anywhere — his living room at home, another hotel suite, the team room at Camp Nou. Only he’s on top of Seattle, most of this soccer-rabid city unaware he’s perched on the city’s most-recognizable landmark.
Helicopter shows up. Messi holds up commemorative scarf like we’ve shown him. He walks the outside of the roof, making a circle for the helicopter while we hide behind the base of the spire so as not to get in the shot.
It works out great. Easy pictures to shoot because, hey, it’s Messi, and you’re on top of the Space Needle.
We head down to the Observation Deck for some more photos. Dribbling, juggling, the works.
By now, the crowd knows someone important is around. How fast they figured it out was Messi is beyond me, but by the time we get down there (about 15 minutes, tops), there are hundreds of fans with jerseys, scarfs, posters and cameras waiting for a glimpse of him.
Back down the elevator and Messi hops into a waiting Suburban, back to their hotel. He’s been at the Space Needle less than 30 minutes.
Gabe is finally relaxing.
The photos get released to the media. My former colleagues at the Seattle Times initially don’t want the photos. “Who is this guy?” they ask.
Meanwhile, the photos are a hit worldwide. Clips start coming in from everywhere.
Best part? While we were up waiting for the helicopter, FC Barcelona’s photographer grabs a shot of me with Messi.
Two little guys on top of the world.
Sounders FC: Another colorful match.
Seattle soccer fans saw bright blue skies on Saturday, Sounders players only saw the black of Chicago keeper Jon Busch's jersey, and Freddie Ljungberg saw red, courtesy of referee Baldomero Toledo.
Sounders FC played to a 0-0 (that's "nil-nil" to those of you in the know) draw with the Chicago Fire at Qwest Field, despite having multiple chances to score.
Before the game, I saw some kids with great painted faces. They were in the shade of the tunnel where the players enter the field, and the open shade made for a soft light.
Check out this dude's ears — how about that contrast from the paint?
(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 180mm, ISO 200, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
Love this guy's face — eyes, teeth, smile, paint.
(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 150mm, ISO 200, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
One of my duties for the team is to document pregame. This procession of players in the starting lineup walking with local kids is always fun.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/500th sec.,f4.0)
At midfield, captains C.J. Brown of Chicago and Kasey Keller of Seattle met for the coin flip with referee Baldomero Toledo.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/250th sec.,f4.0)
Seattle controlled much of the pace of play in the first half, and only great stops by Chicago keeper Jon Busch kept the Sounders from scoring.
Busch denied Fredy Montero along the right side of the net.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4 lens @ 290mm, ISO 500, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
On a corner kick, one of eight for Seattle, Busch came out and leapt among the big bodies of Chicago's C.J. Brown and Seattle's Nate Jaqua.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4 lens @ 310mm, ISO 400, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
Later in the first half, Jaqua fired point blank, only to have Busch make the stop on the left side.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4 lens @ 300mm, ISO 500, 1/250th sec.,f4.0)
Chicago's Cuauhtemoc Blanco's free kick in the second half hit a wall of Sounders, denying the Fire a chance.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4 lens @ 300mm, ISO 400, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
Tempers flared through out the match because of rough play. With Chicago playing a man down due to a red card issued to John Thorrington, Seattle looked to have an advantage. However, that advantage was quickly negated when Seattle's Freddie Ljungberg was issued a yellow card for "simulation" (i.e. "flopping"), which was quickly followed by another yellow for "dissention" (i.e. "arguing"). Love how polite the language is, don't you?
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4 lens @ 290mm, ISO 500, 1/2000th sec.,f4.0)
Ljungberg's ejection left both teams with ten men, and he left to a mixture of cheers and jeers.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 35mm, ISO 200, 1/500th sec.,f4.0)
Seattle had more chances in the second half, but couldn't break through. Fredy Montero hit the corner of the post with a shot and Nate Jaqua had another great chance in the second half. After getting by Chicago's keeper Busch, Jaqua had the ball knocked away by another defender before Jaqua could put it home.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4 lens @ 220mm, ISO 200, 1/1600th sec.,f4.0)
A tough draw for Seattle, but they maintain second place in the west. Players and fans alike were frustrated by the draw — missed goal opportunities and the red card for Ljungberg dulled what otherwise was a beautiful afternoon at Qwest Field.
Sounders FC: Getting Friendly with Chelsea
Sounders FC played a "friendly" (read that, "exhibition" match) against Chelsea FC, one of the most famous clubs in the world. Chelsea plays in the English Premier League, arguably the top league in the world.
As this was a friendly, action photos from the match were not as important to me as capturing the atmosphere of the event.
The day was perfect. Bright sunny skies and temperatures in the high 70's. Qwest Field was packed.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 14-24mm/f2.8 lens @ 14mm, ISO 400, 1/1000th sec.,f8.0)
Shooting "color" was not a problem.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/250th sec.,f7.1 + fill flash)
This fan's shades were not only Rave Green, they also reflected the distinctive arches of the stadium.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm f4.0 lens @ 400mm, ISO 400, 1/640th sec.f4.0)
The notoriously loud and raucous fans in the south stands were in full effect with their flags and chants. Note — the flags make a great photo. The chants? Not so much.
(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 125mm, ISO 200, 1/1250th sec.,f4.0)
World-famous glass artist Dale Chihuly was on hand to receive the Golden Scarf before the match. He also donated an original glass piece to each club to commemorate the event.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 270mm, ISO 400, 1/800th sec.f/4.0)
One of my duties in working for the Sounders is to document things other than the team. For example, the club has begun selling seats that are right next to the pitch. That's right. For the right price, you and friends can sit on along the sidelines, right along the midfield stripe, with food and drink served to you all game long.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/640th sec.,f5.6)
Not only do you get the view and the food, you're also so close to the players that they'll come over and pose for pictures. Pretty cool. (And no, I don't get a commission for selling them, even if that did seem like an ad…)
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/250th sec.,f4.0)
The game started, and there was plenty of action, even for an exhibition. Chelsea's Frank Lampard had no problem taking down Freddie Ljungberg in the first half.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 400, 1/1250th sec.,f4.0)
Seattle did a decent job of keeping possession and applying pressure near the Chelsea goal. Chelsea's Michael Ballack heads a cross back out of his team's area.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 400, 1/1250th sec.,f4.0)
Kasey Keller was very busy back in goal for the Sounders. Chelsea scored in the 12th minute and made it look easy, but Keller kept flying around to make saves.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 400, 1/1250th sec.,f4.0)
Post-match, Ljungberg, who used to play for Arsenal in the Premier League, visited with friends who play for Chelsea.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/250th sec.,f4.5 + fill flash)
Always great with the fans, he also stopped to sign autographs for fans near the tunnel leading to the locker room.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/250th sec.,f13 + fill flash)
The Sounders, juggling three different commitments, face the Houston Dynamo on Tuesday night in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup. Yes, that's the same team they face last week in M.L.S. competition. For those of you keeping score at home, the Sounders are involved in league play (Major League Soccer), tournament play (U.S. Open Cup) and exhibition play (friendlies against Chelsea and Barcelona).
Sounders FC: That Winning Feeling Again.
After seven weeks without a win, Freddie and Fredy came to the rescue and each scored a goal to lead the Sounders FC to a 2-1 win over the visiting San Jose Earthquakes.
It was another great evening with pleasant temperatures in the 70's and a full house of fans decked out for a win.
(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 200mm, ISO 320, 1/400th sec.,f2.8)
Shooting the action of Major League Soccer is always a blast, but the artsy-fartsy photographer side of me (it's not a big side, I mean, I don't wear black turtlenecks to the matches) was on the lookout for nice moments. I found this young flag bearer preparing for the pregame ceremonies and waited for some nice composition.
(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 200mm, ISO 400, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
As a former journalist (that seems very weird to say, er, write), I have many friends in the sports media world who scoff at soccer. Too many ties, they say. Not enough action. While a couple of players are around the ball, the rest are standing around. Clearly they're not real athletes like football or basketball players.
Well, check this out as Fredy Montero leapt and corralled this long pass with his foot while still in midair before landing and controlling the ball deep in the San Jose half.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 1600, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
I often get asked what the game looks like from the field level where I shoot. Photos shot with a long telephoto lens really don't show the perspective I see, but this shot of a Sebastien LeToux corner kick will give you a pretty good idea.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 800, 1/1000th sec.,f2.8)
As in past Seattle matches, physical play was common. Multiple yellow cards were served to San Jose, who while entering the game with a subpar record, seemed bent on making Sounders FC lose their temper. After all, with the number of red cards the Sounders have amassed so far this season, making them angry seems like a reasonable strategy.
However, the Sounders held their emotions in check much of the match, and defender Tyrone Marshall and Earthquakes defender Ryan Johnson each smiled as they tied up on a corner kick into the San Jose area.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 250mm, ISO 1600, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
Once again, opponents had to deal with the speed and skill of rookie Steve Zakuani on the left side. Here he left Chris Leitch is is wake on a first half run.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 1600, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
LeToux got a leg up on San Jose's Aaron Pitchkolan.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 400mm, ISO 1600, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
Seattle kept the ball in the San Jose end for much of the first half and failed to capitalize on at least three chances before Freddie Ljungberg put one home in the 42nd minute. I was shooting from left of the goal (as the players were facing) and the shot came from the left so I didn't have a great angle. But Ljungberg turned towards me and ran in my direction. The first frame is with a 200-400mm lens zoomed all the way out, and as you can see I am cutting off feet and the composition is tight.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 200mm, ISO 1600, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
I switched to the wide-angle camera (24-70mm) that I had around my neck in time to make a nice frame when Steve Zakuani came over to celebrate with Ljungberg. Here's the full frame, followed by a cropped version. Which do you like?
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 55mm, ISO 800, 1/1000th sec.,f2.8)
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 55mm, ISO 800, 1/1000th sec.,f2.8)
When I teach and when I speak to groups, I always preach the importance of staying with the scene and shooting, versus stopping to look at the review screen to see "if you got it". This paid off as even though I thought I had a nice frame of Zakuani and Ljungberg, when the rest of the players came over, the video board read "GOAL" and everything came together.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 55mm, ISO 800, 1/1000th sec.,f2.8)
Here's a different angle than I usually shoot. From the top of the box, I was able to look in to see Patrick Ianni heading a service towards the San Jose goal.
(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 180mm, ISO 1600, 1/800th sec.,f2.8)
Moments later, Fredy Montero scored but ran the other way to celebrate. You're never going to get every moment, so make the most of the ones that come your way.
I stayed for a bit longer in that spot and caught a decent frame when San Jose goalkeeper Joe Cannon came out to save a ball as Sebastien LeToux charged in.
As the game entered the final minutes, I took some chances and tried to shoot really tight with a 600mm lens wherever the ball went. Trust me, out-of-focus shots of socks and shoes and turf are NOT where it's at. Made one okay frame when Seattle's Stephen King and San Jose's Jason Hernandez battled in the air in the San Jose area.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/4.0 lens, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
The game got physical towards the end as San Jose scored to come with one goal of a draw and Seattle tried to retain possession. When LeToux came over to the corner I was shooting from, San Jose's Aaron Pitchkolan dumped him towards the sidelines.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 200mm, ISO 4000, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
The Sounders held on for a 2-1 win to get back on the good side of the ledger, and after the game head coach Sigi Schmid was still coaching as he pulled defender James Riley over for some quick postgame instruction.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f2.8)
However, the fans were happy as the team finally got a victory, even if it was over the last-place Earthquakes. A win is a win, and the Sounders desperately needed one.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/400th sec.,f2.8)
There was a nice moment on the field after the game when Freddie Ljungberg picked up his five-year old godson for the traditional team salute to the fans in the south stands.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/400th sec.,f2.8)
I'll be shooting plenty of soccer in the next couple of weeks. Sounders FC plays again this Wednesday, and then the following weekend.
Thanks for reading!
Sounders FC: Tying One On (Again)
Seriously, dude, what's your excuse this time? Why so long between updates.
Well, I don't want to use it as an excuse, but on Tuesday I had to shoot a group portait of the 2009 Seagals.
You wanted to be my assistant for that shoot? I called you, I left emails and a text and you never responded.
Tough work but someone had to do it. Might as well have been me. Photos to come, soon.
Back to the weekend, and our beloved Sounders FC, who once again played well enough to win, but didn't, settling for a 1-1 draw with the Columbus Crew.
The Crew are the defending M.L.S. champions, which they won under current Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid, so that was one of the story lines.
Could this young fan be any cuter? The color of her eyes even matches her scarf.
(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 125mm, ISO400, 1/125th sec.,f2.8)
Seahawks head coach Jim Mora was presented with the honorary Golden Scarf before the game. He's a big Sounders FC fan, and brings his family to games. But more on that later.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 270mm, ISO 800, 1/400th sec.,f4.0)
Sounders players and coaches huddled before the start of the game. It was a warm, pleasant evening and a perfect night for soccer.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 800, 1/250th sec., f4.0)
The game was closely contested, and in the first half Seattle's Tyrone Marshall got himself above Columbus's Emmanuel Ekpo to win a header.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 2000, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
After Columbus scored to take a 1-0 lead in the first half, Seattle had a great chance when Freddie Ljungberg was taken down in the box. However, his penalty kick was wide of the mark and a great opportunity was missed.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 240mm, ISO 2500, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
Fans at Qwest Field reacted after finally, an official's call had gone the Sounders way, only to be wasted.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 2500, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
Seattle goalkeeper Kasey Keller continued his stellar play, stopping a straight on shot by Ekpo.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 2500, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
Nate Jaqua tangled with Columbus's Eddie Gaven, as the Crew worked hard to smother Seattle's forwards.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 2500, 1/640th sec.,f4.0)
In the second half, Jaqua finally worked himself free and made a perfect strike on a volley after a nifty pass from Freddie Ljungberg.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 280mm, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
The ball rocketed into the top of the net and the celebration was on.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 70mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f2.8)
By the way, the guy lower right high-fiving? Yep, that's Coach Mora. Told you we'd come back to that.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 66mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f2.8)
Can't have an M.L.S. game without cards being given out. At this rate, maybe Hallmark should be a presenting sponsor (*note to self — call league office). After Columbus goalkeeper Andy Greunebaum illegally touched a back pass, Seattle was awarded a free kick at the six-yard mark. Defenders are by rule supposed to be at least ten yards from the ball, so they should have been on the goal line. Referee Michael Kennedy was doing his best to keep the Crew defenders back, and when they crept up he finally got tired of it and issued cards.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 270mm, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
The rest of the match was physical, as Columbus was fighting for a draw on the road and Seattle pressed for a victory to end their own recent run of draws.
Jaqua found himself sandwiched between two Crew defenders on a corner kick.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 240mm, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
Later, Ljungberg left Columbus defender Gino Padula on the Field Turf. Yes, this was quite likely a hand ball, and no, it wasn't called. Ljungberg made off with the ball anyway, and that might have been the reason for the non-call.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/4.0 lens @ 400mm, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
After the game, Seattle head coach Sigi Schmid hugged his former player Alejandro Moreno, who scored the lone Columbus goal.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 62mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f4.0)
After settling for the draw on their home turf, Seattle's Fredy Montero sat somewhat dejectedly on the bench until teammate Steve Zakuani came by to offer support.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 36mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f4.0)
Sounder FC next plays at home on June 13, on the Xbox 360 Pitch at Qwest Field.
Thanks for reading!
