In the latest edition of Hinton Unleashed, columnist Alan Hinton previewed Sunday’s MLS Cup match between the Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew. Hinton went on to comment on the impact of a Portland victory and their rivalry with Seattle, Sounders FC off-season moves and Leicester City’s rise in the English Premier League table.
MLS Cup Final
“It’s better for the Sounders if Portland wins.”
The former North American Soccer League player and coach urged Seattle Sounders FC fans to support a Portland win in Sunday’s MLS Cup match. Hinton noted this would drive the Cascadia rivalry to new heights between the two Pacific Northwest teams.
Sounders FC off-season moves
“We need a speedy, wide player.”
Hinton put on his managerial hat on to discuss potential rosters moves for the Sounders. He felt Seattle needed to sign a quick and nimble winger with the ability to cross the ball to forwards Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins.
Several hours after this video was taped, Seattle released a listing of players under contract and those not offered new agreements.
Also see: Cuts, Cuts, and More Cuts: The Sounders Are Looking to Get Younger
Options exercised for the 2016 season: Goalkeepers Stefan Frei and Charlie Lyon; defenders Oniel Fisher, Damion Lowe, Chad Marshall, Tyrone Mears, Jimmy Ockford and Dylan Remick; midfielders Aaron Kovar and Lamar Neagle; and forward Vic Mansaray.
Under contract for 2016: Defenders Brad Evans and Román Torres, midfielders Osvaldo Alonso, Erik Friberg, Andreas Ivanschitz and Cristian Roldan, in addition to forwards Clint Dempsey, Darwin Jones, Obafemi Martins and Nelson Valdez.
Contract offered but not signed: Midfielder Andy Rose and forward Andy Craven.
Declined contract options: Micheal Azira, Chad Barrett, Andrés Correa, Leo Gonzalez, Marco Pappa, Troy Perkins, Gonzalo Pineda, Zach Scott and Thomás.
English Premier League
“Manchester United are boring, boring. I don’t watch them.”
Leicester City’s rise to the top four in the EPL table and striker Jamie Vardy’s league record of goals in 11 straight matches impressed Hinton.
He criticized Manchester United for their “boring” play, complimented Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and felt Jose Mourinho would survive the year as Chelsea’s head coach.
More MLS Cup
Timbers confirm the log will travel to Columbus
Crew urge fans to arrive early
Cascadia Corner Player of the Year 2015: Jorge Villafana
Portland Profiles: Sunday White, taking a stand just by living her life
UPDATED: Timber Joey’s Log will be at MLS Cup final but not inside stadium
Portland Profiles: Timber Jim, I’d drive the log to Columbus!
Cascadia Corner: At last, our boasting is real!
