Sounders FC midseason report: Early success, uneven recent play

It began with a resounding, almost impeccable introduction to Major League Soccer. Sounders FC didn't just win the first three games of its first MLS season, it won them convincingly and without allowing a goal.

In doing so, Seattle's expansion team created a tough act to follow.

"We rode the adrenaline on that, and you can't keep that going forever," goalkeeper Kasey Keller said.

That spectacular start was followed by a tough two-game losing streak, and since then, the club has fallen somewhere in between, to a position that could be better but that has left few on the club complaining. Midway through the 30-game season, Sounders FC is 5-3-7 with 22 points, and if the season ended now, it would be in the postseason.

"We've been in every game we've played," coach Sigi Schmid said. "For the majority of the time, we've either been the better team or been as good as the teams we're playing against."

In a stretch of five consecutive draws — and seven in nine games — Seattle was often one play away from emerging with wins that could have built on its spectacular start. The team usually controlled the ball yet struggled to finish. That was apparent in a 3-3 draw against D.C. United, where the team missed on at least four direct shots on goal, and in the several missed opportunities from up close in a 1-1 draw Saturday against New York.

"We haven't got the results, and I think that's because of small mistakes and the concentration levels," midfielder Freddie Ljungberg said. "To win big games, it's mostly on the opposition's mistakes you score goals, and we have to make sure we don't make those mistakes."

The team's direction in the second half could largely hinge on the next three games, all at home, beginning Sunday against Colorado.

"I definitely see we've made some big strides going forward," defender Tyrone Marshall said. "Hopefully, now, the games we've been tying, we can put those away, and the games that we should win we will win. If we do that, we'll be on top of the league."

Here is a look back, position by position, at the first half of the season:

Goalkeeper

Keller, the leader in voting for the MLS All-Star Game, has been very solid all season. But when he has to miss a game, Seattle hasn't gotten much from oft-injured backup Chris Eylander. The club's only two-game losing streak, back in April, coincided with Keller missing most of one game after a red card and then being suspended for the next. Keller is a fiery leader, as seen when he openly questioned the desire of teammates after the 3-3 tie vs. D.C. United.

Forward

Columbian Fredy Montero, the league's most-fouled player, had a pair of scintillating bookends to the season's first half, with three goals in the first two games and three goals in his past three games. Between, he was mostly neutralized. Montero has drawn criticism from fans for his effort and decision-making, but it's tough to argue with his team-leading seven goals. Nate Jaqua can be a force inside when he gets a touch deep in the goal area, and Schmid believes the offensive part of Seattle's game is just starting to click. Sebastien Le Toux, who has also played midfielder, has shown his value through his hustle.

Midfielder

With his vision and awareness, Ljungberg guides the attack more like a forward than a central midfielder. Brad Evans had to move to the outside when Ljungberg was ready to play early in the season, and isn't getting many scoring chances but is still the best option at his spot. Alonso, with his above-average on-ball defense and a fine long-distance shot, was deeply missed earlier this season when a torn quadriceps forced him out for three games. Rookie Steve Zakuani's speed has made him an asset.

Defender

Seattle has found a quality combination of experience and youth in Tyrone Marshall and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, its two middle defenders. James Riley pushes forward to contribute on offense, but except for Riley, speed is what this unit is missing. Three left backs have played because of injury, and at times, the back line's effort hasn't been as good late in games, which has led to goals against. The defenders need to put more pressure on opponents lining up a cross into the goal area. Marshall, who will miss at least one game in July while playing for the Jamaican National Team, was responsible for the last two goals Seattle allowed before the midway point.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com