I was already mentally re-writing my critique of our defense when Patrick Ianni scored the game-winning goal in the 46th minute, giving him the title of "Man of the Match" in our 2-1 victory over Houston's B-squad . (It was actually our first goal of the game.  The one earlier from Montero?  Brilliant play, not a goal . I'm superstitious.  This will come back to haunt us.)

Back to Ianni: Game-winning goal scorers usually win "Man of the Match" title instead of those who hustle like they really want a spot on the starting lineup (Vagenas). Granted, his goal—a bicycle kick inside the goal box—was the sort that awes even not-yet-converts, but scoring is an offensive measure, and Ianni is playing defense.  As defender, he has a long ways to go.

Hurtado, Riley and (still) Marshall are so solid you could build a 100 story skyscraper on their backs.  When the ball comes down the field, they neutralize the threat, stop the ball and clear it.
With Marshall out, Ianni's left filling his (very large) shoes. And he doesn't do a good job.
He caused the first goal (stopping the ball in the penalty box, but failing to clear it, letting Dynamo mid Dominic Oduro snatch it and cross to Brian Davies to score.

Later in the half he cleared it off the end line straight to another Dynamo on top of the 18—a defense 101 no-no.

And since I'm nit-picking: In the second half, we had a nice series of twenty passes—controlling the play and running down the clock.  Then we passed it to Ianni, who launched into a pack of Dynamos, much to the ire of Ljungberg.

By that point, I was wincing every time Houston had an offensive.  Frankly, the "Man of the Match" was and is unreliable.  As an outside D, he's a sub after Scott, Sturgis or Wahl.  As center D he's inviting catastrophe.



Leonardo Gonzalez. Help is on the way. (Photo from nacion.com)

Luckily, my prayers have been answered: Last week, Sounders signed Costa Rican Leonardo Gonzalez . Gonzalez has a pedigree that makes soccer nerds drool: A left-footed defender, he helped his former team Liberia Mia take the Costa Rican national champions and currently represents his country in the Gold Cup and WC Qualifiers.  He started in all three of their (doomed) 2006 World Cup matches.

Reportedly, he's waiting for INS to get their paperwork done, but should be joining the team in August, perhaps in time to play against Barcelona , which for many players itself is a dream come true.