Exclusive: CAPTAIN CASCADIA – Sounders James Riley in advanced talks with CAFF

 

CAPTAIN CASCADIA – Sounders James Riley in advanced talks to represent Cascadia in ConIFA World Cup

Prost Amerika can confirm that former Sounders FC right back James Riley has been approached by Cascadia to captain their side in the ConIFA Football World Cup. He has agreed in principle to play although some details are still being finalised due to his broadcasting commitments. Now 35, Riley had been MLS’ Director of Player Relations, a post he left recently.

Riley was the regular starting right back for the Seattle side in its first three seasons, making 84 appearances. During his stay, the club won three consecutive U.S. Open Cup championships and qualified for the playoffs in every year.

Riley left Sounders FC in November 20111 after being selected in the expansion draft by Montreal Impact. To add insult to injury,  he was subsequently traded to Chivas USA after a subsequent deal made with Montreal saw Justin Braun and Gerson Mayen heading to Quebec.

It is probably fair to say that no loss in an expansion draft has affected the Sounders fanbase as emotionally since. Riley was scheduled to be protected by the club but was removed when they realised that Designated Player Freddie Ljungberg did after all require protection in the Expansion Draft. So at the last minute Riley was left unprotected and was to many people’s disbelief selected by the Quebec club.

Cascadia Coach James Nichols had been an admirer of Riley from afar but he was even more wowed when he spoke to Riley on the phone last week:

“We spoke for about 40 minutes and he was, without doubt, one of the nicest men I’ve ever spoken to. It wasn’t long before we were swapping life stories.”

Now Riley may be set to end a glittering career full of club achievements with the ultimate honor, the chance to be handed the ConIFA World Cup and raise it above his head for the region he adopted with all his heart.

Although the CAFF and the player have reached terms, Riley’s announcing commitments to Sounders FC have to be addressed. There are both radio and television broadcasts during the group stages. Cascadia open their campaign at Sutton United on May 31 against the Isle of Man.

However, Sounders have deep talent in the broadcast department and the opportunity to have a club legend, who is once again a club employee, on an international stage may be a mouthwatering marketing opportunity to the club, especially as he will be made captain. It would also be a tremendous way to thank Riley for his service as no opportunity was available in 2011 due to the sudden manner of his departure. A decision is expected by Monday evening.

No American will be lifting the FIFA World Cup this year but to have a Sounders legend and fan favourite lift the ConIFA alternative as captain would give Sounders the kind of international attention unavailable through any other means beyond winning the CONCACAF Champions League.

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