2008 MLS Expansion Draft Completed

The Seattle Sounders FC completed their 10-person expansion draft from existing MLS teams. Let's get straight to it:

Nate Jaqua (Houston Dynamo)
Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake)
Jeff Parke (New York Red Bulls)
Jarrod Smith (Toronto FC)
Khano Smith (New England Revolution)
Peter Vagenas (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Tyson Wahl (Kansas City Wizards)
James Riley (San Jose Earthquakes)
Stephen King (Chicago Fire)
Brad Evans (Columbus Crew)

The Quakes lost James Riley in this MLS expansion. Does this hurt the Quakes? James is a good player and complements other members on the team, but a replacement can be found. I was worried over Ronnie O'Brien being on the "available" list, but the strategy of the Quakes management was proven correct. Whew. Good luck James. Seattle is a great town and they love their football (the Sounders have a great tradition in the area prior to this leap to the MLS).

Quakes/Sounders Friendly...

Well, H and I went to the Quakes vs Seattle Sounders "friendly" tonight. Alot of backups and reserves on the field, but it was a fun night with an intimate crowd of 1,000 (my guesstimate). Met the now You Tube celebrity Graham Yallop from Napa. It was nice to talk with him and we let him know how much we enjoy his video clips. It is pretty amazing how some clips intended for friends back home in Norwich would be a "hit" on the web here in the East Bay. Keep 'em coming Graham. It must still sting to think about Darren's departure from Norwich City - but it seems like the Quakes fans have really embraced him with open arms!







We had the chance to also take some photos posing with the MLS Cup (they had them on display before the game). I asked if I could take a photo with it and the Quakes rep said, "Sure". I picked up the massive trophy and gave H a big smile as he took the photo. then right after the shot, another Quakes rep said, "Hey, you need to put that down. You aren't supposed to touch it. If my boss sees you doing that he'd kill me!!". Oooooops.

I did get a few player autographs prior to the game...including Darren Huckerby #6

Tomorrow - "Drums - Are they too loud?"