International breaks, Chelsea and Seattle: A conflux of concerns

A couple days off from rambling to you and I'm itching to set things right. I've got a bit of a rant on my hands, so let's have at it.

International Breaks.

Chelsea FC.

Seattle Sounders.

Those three things have caused us a bit of pain lately. Let's go through each one and ask ourselves: Why?

International breaks always have a tendency to hurt us. We've let five players off with their national teams (surely one of the highest counts in MLS): Gil, Saborio, Johnson, Beckerman, Rimando. Now, I understand there's still a chance Beckerman and Rimando could feature when we play in Seattle (Oct. 17, the day after the USMNT match in Kansas City). I'd imagine Rimando will, which isn't a huge vote of confidence for Kyle Reynish, but then again, Nick's very, very good. No denying that. But we'll miss Saborio, and we'll miss Will Johnson (again.) We might have Ned Grabavoy back, though. Hooray!

Chelsea FC — and this one ties in with Seattle Sounders — came to the good ol' USA in search of glory and fitness, or, you know, something like that. And what did we get from it? Not excitement. Not added marketing nonsense.

But! We did get a chance to face Seattle Sounders later in the year. You know, right after an international break.

I like to blame MLS for these things sometimes, but you know? Thanks, Seattle. We hope your friendly (not trophy) went well. Enjoy the glory.

It's not all negative, though: MLS fans are treated to a hot — burning, even — end to the season in the Western Conference, and, well, that's good, right? I mean, I guess it is. But it's funny, isn't it? I've been thinking that MLS has put together a great end-of-season schedule for the run-in, but it's more that they've let Seattle put it together. Or, you know, something. I'm sure we had to OK it.

Well, I best be off. I'll have something on the Reserves match here tomorrow, and a report on RSL Soapbox tonight. Read them… if you dare.

OK, maybe that was a bit excessive.