Sounders

Daily coverage of Seattle Sounders FC, MLS and world soccer.

I’m sure you’ve seen a number of season previews the past few days, some of which have been linked on this blog, but I just wanted to give you a heads-up that our Sounders FC season preview is set to run in Friday’s paper.

There is expected to be a fair amount of complementary items to a feature story, including the first power rankings of the season, games to watch, key questions, a roster (as it stands right now) with short player bios, the schedule and more.

Let’s get to some links:

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— Midfielder Mario Martinez has had his issues on Twitter, but recently he indicated he’s very happy in Seattle.

— Here’s a video feature in Spanish on Jhon Kennedy Hurtado.

— ProSoccerTalk offers some solid analysis on the potential Obafemi Martins signing. Plus, I bet you can guess whom they ranked as the top holding midfielder in the league.

— Around the league, Chicago made a trade with Toronto FC for forward Quincy Amarikwa, New England signed a couple draft picks, the Columbus Crew announced three signings, and the Portland Timbers cut a pair of players.

— Elsewhere, New York’s front office is reportedly divided on pursuing Kaka, here’s a piece on Vancouver midfielder Gershon Koffie, Toronto acquired winger Hogan Ephraim on loan from Queens Park Rangers, and ESPN.com has some storylines of note going into the 2013 season.

— Also, The Washington Post has an interesting update from league on a incentive to prevent “mass confrontation” around the referee. Plus, here’s an interview with an MLS executive including, among other things, international transfers

— PRO has announced referee assignments for Week 2. Remember, the Sounders have a bye to focus on the CONCACAF Champions League.

— Here is Part 2 of Grant Wahl‘s great survey of 18 MLS  players. Topics included are worst ref in the league, the dirtiest player, and if an openly gay player would be welcome in the locker room.

— The league website has this recap of commissioner Don Garber‘s media event Wednesday.

— The Equalizer has a piece up on former Sounders Women’s forward Sydney Leroux, one of the stars of Boston’s NWSL team.

— Fundraising efforts are ongoing to help build a soccer field in Alaska. Check it out.

— Lastly, Landon Donovan is in Cambodia…

Wish u have great day in Cambodia, @landondonovan#Cambodia #Sihanouk #Soccer #Siemreap #Donovan twitter.com/roubroum/statu…

— Ung Chamroeun (@roubroum) February 26, 2013