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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sounders need another win

Would like to give fans home victory

John Boyle Everett Herald

SEATTLE – Just as one blowout loss is not cause for panic, one feel-good road victory is hardly a sign that everything is perfect in the world of Sounders FC.

As midfielder/forward Steve Zakuani pointed out following both his team’s 4-0 home loss to L.A. two weeks ago, then again this week after Seattle’s 1-0 win in New York, teams are rarely as good, or bad, as everyone says they are.

“You never are,” he said. “I learned that a long time ago both as a team and an individual. When you play well, it lifts everyone, everyone says you’re this and that. So you have to keep a sound mind, because when you don’t play well, everyone is going to say you’re not good and point out your weaknesses and deficiencies. … We don’t panic. If we lose a game here, win a game here, we know if we’re on course, and so far we are.”

Still, even if Seattle is trying to keep an even keel despite the ups and downs of the early season, Zakuani admits that “a win (today) would be great for our confidence and our fans.”

Oh, yes, the fans. If Seattle needed any motivation beyond simply trying to win another game when it hosts San Jose this afternoon, the players certainly feel like they owe an inspired performance to Sounders FC fans. The last time Seattle played at Qwest Field, it was on the wrong end of a 4-0 loss the L.A. Galaxy that was so embarrassing ownership decided to take action, offering season ticket holders a one-game credit toward renewals for next season. Seattle’s last home win, a 1-0 victory over Kansas City that came on a stoppage-time goal, was more than a month ago.

In a tight Western Conference – aside from first-place L.A., which has a huge lead over the rest of the league – Seattle (3-3-3) is a point behind a group of four teams tied for second, including San Jose.