Sounders will defend their U.S. Open Cup title [SoundersFC] Steve Zakuani runs set up goals for Nate Jaqua and Fredy Montero, and Roger Levesque set up another for Jaqua as the Sounders beat Chivas USA 3-1 in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal at Starfire. The final is October 5 at Qwest Field vs. Columbus. Back to MLS action now. Next game Saturday @ New England.
Matsui burns Vargas, Mariners [MLB.com wrap] Pitching to Hideki Matsui in the 7th with a base open ended up being a poor decision. Matsui slammed a go-ahead homer–his 5th this year against Mariner pitching–and the M’s ended up losing 4-2. M’s 52-81. Next game tonight vs. Cleveland.
Storm resume playoff run tonight Game 1 vs. Phoenix tips off at 7 p.m. tonight, you can watch on NBA-TV or listen on 1150-AM. Keep an eye on the Mercury’s DeWanna Bonner, listed at a bizarre 6’4″, 136 lbs., she’s a match-up nightmare for the Storm.
What they’re saying…
“Twelve goals, plus a few assists and that doesn’t stop here. That’s the beginning of what Fredy Montero can offer and the team can still offer a lot on the pitch.” — Fredy Montero, who’s apparently adopted the third-person [Seattle P-I]
“I made a decision, I stuck by my decision, and I’m happy where I’m at. My numbers aren’t where I’d like them to be and we haven’t won. It’s pretty simple.” — Chone Figgins, on whether he regrets leaving the Angels [L.A. Times]
“We’re kind of like those dogs on the leashes and we keep pulling and pulling it and that leash is about to pop.” — Coach Sark, on the Huskies’ eagerness to start playing [Seattle Times]
In other news…
Franklin Gutierrez had an incredible, running, homer-saving catch last night. Video!
Some guy wearing an Earl Watson jersey at the Ballard Farmers’ Market drew the ire of Deadspin (NSFW language).
Pretty solid brawl in the Nationals/Marlins game last night. Video! Mike Morse ended up being a big part of the action.
Dustin Ackley and Josh Fields are among the Mariner farmhands who’ll play in the Arizona Fall League. Here’s the full list (we’re the Peoria Javelinas).
The statewide high school football schedule for opening weekend.
Shawn Kelley had partial Tommy John surgery, which evidently means there was no ligament transplant, just ligament repair, and could be playing catch in four months.
God, aren’t Matt Hasselbeck and Pete Carroll gorgeous?
The Mike Williams story, by Seahawks.com’s Clare Farnsworth. Williams was the best college receiver I’ve ever seen, let’s hope he finds his form again.
Legendary sportswriter Frank Deford made Ichiro the focus of his weekly NPR commentary.
Emerald City Supporters, the Sounders’ biggest fan group, debuted a new choreographed chant last night. Watch it.
Today’s action…
USA vs. Tunisia, FIBA World Championships group stage, 6:30 a.m., ESPN2
Storm vs. Mercury @ KeyArena, Game 1 of Western Conference Finals, 7 p.m., NBA-TV and 1150-AM
Seahawks @ Oakland, final preseason game, 7 p.m., KING-5
Mariners vs. Cleveland @ Safeco, Fister vs. Tomlin, 7:10 p.m., FSN
USC @ Hawaii, Pac-10 football opener, 8 p.m., ESPN
