Pre-season 2010

[2mas]

The Sounders will face Norwegian champion Rosenborg BK in the opening Group A match at the La Manga Cup on Feb. 18 in Murcia, Spain. Sounders FC [or Rosenborg] will face either Denmark's FC Norsjalland or Norway's Stabak on Feb. 21. The tournament concludes with crossover matches to determine final placement on Feb. 25 and 26.

Read more: Sounders notebook: Evans called to Team USA training camp

[Fireman451]

There seem to be several preseason tournaments in Spain for Spring-Fall soccer leagues (Scandinavia, Russia, USA).

MLS clubs have participated in La Manga before but not for a few years. I wish we had a couple more clubs playing in Spain this winter.
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www.chicago-fire.com
http://www.rbk.no/english/

[2mas]

The Ranheim friendly on Friday is cancelled in sympathy with the Grønning family who lost their daughter on Saturday; father Tore is head of youth department in Rosenborg while brother Martin is playing in Ranheim.

[2mas]

Sigi Schmid in front of Thursday's match

"Being able to play a team with the tradition of Rosenborg is great for us. We look forward to playing them, they have a rich history. It's great because they are close to their season beginning and, like I said, they're a team that was very successful last year as Norwegian champions. That's going to be great, and we'll also get an opportunity to maybe play Danish teams. I know there's a Russian team in the other group, so hopefully we'll be able to play teams from a lot of different countries."

[2mas]

More from Sigi:

"Here you're dealing with teams that are in preseason but are further along, like a Rosenborg. They probably began their preseason on January 5th or 6th, so they're already 7-8 weeks into their preseason. They're more cohesive and closer to their starting lineup. They are probably at a more advanced fitness level than where we're at as well. Their guys are ready to go 90 minutes right now. All of those things are going to make the competition tougher for us, but that's also better. I would rather be playing against this type of competition than playing against a college team and winning 6-0."

Read more: Schmid quotes on Parke, Michael in training report

[2mas]

Sounders roughed up 3-0 by Rosenborg BK

Good 1st half - specially by youngster Gjermund Ã…sen.

[Skotten]

Nice to see my player tip from last year, Moldskred, scoring. I think he'll be a good signing for us. I doubt whether he has the ability to player in a top league abroad but domestically, he's one of the best attackers IMO.

[Fireman451]

Here's a video of the match.

http://web.mlsnet.com/med...id=7170429
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www.chicago-fire.com
http://www.rbk.no/english/

[Ballahl]

Two fine videos and some good commentating.
Nice catch, Fireman451!
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- Rune Hauge er ingen kjeltring, men tvert i mot en grepa kar. Han er den ærligste mannen jeg kjenner. Jeg har aldri vært i tvil om at han var uskyldig, jublet Stig Inge Bjørnebye og fulgte opp:

- Rune var forut for sin tid.