teams often use the competition to evaluate the seldom-used players on the roster -- once Seattle emerged from the play-in rounds, they starting aiming for the cup.
After knocking off Real Salt Lake and Colorado with mostly reserves, Schmid started putting out a full-strength lineup. He was rewarded with victories against USL-1 regional rival Portland and Kansas City to reach the semifinals. Seattle bested Houston behind goals from Nate Jaqua and Stephen King to reach the final, where Fredy Montero and Roger Levesque led Sounders FC to the victory.
WHICH PLAYER SHOWED THE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON?
Steve Zakuani is on the cusp of becoming a force in Major League Soccer. His four goals and four assists ranked third and fourth on the club, respectively, and he believed his game improved immensely over the course of the season.
However, Zakuani still needs to mind his defensive duties and learn to quickly pass out of double teams. He also needs to learn how to contribute in slower, physical games where he has fewer opportunities to beat opponents on the dribble. Schmid believes all of that will come with experience.
"All of a sudden Steve is going to make that run in behind the defense and the options will be clearer, sharper, the game's going to slow down just that little bit for him," Schmid said. "He's going to end up making that choice that results in a goal either for himself or for a teammate. Once that hits then he takes his game to the next level."
WHAT RESERVES ARE MOST READY TO CRACK THE STARTING LINEUP?
It's not possible to win the U.S. Open Cup without significant contributions from the reserves. Three players, in particular, showed remarkable poise when placed into the starting lineup.
A star on the USL level, Levesque's workmanlike performances earned him two goals towards the end of the season. With Seattle's right midfield spot in flux, Levesque could build on his late-season performances to push for a starting role in 2010.
Patrick Ianni also proved himself capable of starting in Major League Soccer, providing crucial offensive support from his central defensive post. However, he will have to improve his concentration -- opposing teams took advantage of his momentary lapses several times in the 2009 campaign.
Stephen King could also earn a place. As the club's only true attacking midfielder, King has been buried in Seattle's deep and talented midfield for most of the season. However, the tireless King excelled when called upon and arguably Seattle's best player in the U.S. Open Cup.
WHAT AREA OF THE TEAM NEEDS THE MOST IMPROVEMENT?
Seattle needs a find another scorer, preferably one who can turn crosses into goals with consistency. Finding a quick, potent striker to support Montero and Freddie Ljungberg tops Seattle's personnel wishes for the offseason. Seattle's cross-and-finish offense provided plenty of the former and not enough of the latter. Many times over the course of the season, Seattle felt it had outplayed its opponent, only to emerge with a loss or a draw. Besides Montero's 12 goals and Jaqua's nine, no other player scored more than four.
Should the club find such a player, it should be likely to improve on its 2009 total of 38 goals. Combined with their stingy defense, the additional offensive punch could make Seattle title contenders in 2010.
-- Andrew Winner
