In this week’s edition of Hinton Unleashed, the always entertaining and opinionated Prost Amerika columnist shared his thoughts on Seattle’s four-match losing streak, the state of Major League Soccer, predictions on the top European leagues, ongoing animosity between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho, his upcoming month-long trip to England and interview with Sounder legend Mike England.
Seattle Sounders FC’s losing streak
“We’ve got a mountain to climb right now to get out of this funk, but I think they will.”
Hinton expected the Sounders to make several key signings before the August 6th transfer deadline. Seattle today announced the signing of attacking midfielder Andreas Ivanschitz.
He blamed the recent losing streak on key absences (Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins) and expressed confidence in head coach Sigi Schmid’s ability to get his side back on track for a playoff run.
MLS week in review
“It’s all happening in Major League Soccer…It’s amazing entertainment.”
The week after the All-Star game MLS teams scored 41 goals in 10 games. The former winger noted the increasing entertainment value of the North American domestic league.
He felt the influx of high-profile and talented players (Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, etc.) this year enhanced the league’s reputation as a global soccer destination. Hinton wondered if teams in Salt Lake City, Portland and others should consider increasing their seating capacity to meet the rising interest.
Community Shield and European league review
“Mourinho didn’t want a losing medal.”
The Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho feud was evident after Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the Community Shield game last weekend. The two managers failed to shake hands after the match. On his way to the locker room, Mourinho then threw his losing medal to an Arsenal fan in the stands.
As for Hinton’s predictions for this year’s top European leagues, he didn’t see any changes in the top sides: England (Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United), France (PSG), Germany (Bayern Munich) Italy (Juventus) or Spain (Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona).
Future interviews with Seattle soccer legends
“It’s very important that Sounders history be kept alive.”
Hinton commented on the history of soccer in Seattle, and the need to recognize and remember some of the Sounders legends residing in the area.
In what will become a regular Prost Amerika feature, the Hinton Unleashed team will plan to interview a number of these individuals. The first video features former Sounder Mike England.
