Last year, I blogged about a prized Sounder item that I love to show off in social settings.
(read here: http://gulfcoastsounder.blogspot.com/2010/05/ultimate-sounder-accessory.html#comments)
As I said there, the first player that I'd customize said prized item with would be none other than Blaise Nkufo. Hell, when I ordered a new Sounder jersey last year, I got Nkufo's name long before he even made an appearance. He's exactly what I thought we needed, a big, physical striker capable of holding the ball and good in the air. After a decent showing we he finally made his way over, I expected him to put together a stellar season. I imagined he'd open up lanes for Fredy Montero and help lead us to MLS Cup glory.
Well, then last night happened.
Thirty minutes prior to kick off, ESPN's Max Bretos announced that Nkufo was no longer with the team.
Wait what? That sounds permanent.
I had already placed his jersey on eBay, in anticipation of ordering the new rave green shirt this weekend (with his name of course), so I got lucky there. After sitting through yet another loss to Los Angeles at the pub, I set off for home when it dawned on me I had unfinished business with Nkufo. My precious Sounders koozie sat in my room with his name and #9 still on the back. I pondered and even asked the Twitterverse on who the replacement should be. After debating, I settled on a man who had an impressive showing vs the Galaxy's vaunted attack, even after missing most of last season through injury. That man is none other than El Presidente:
Please notice the crooked application of the letters, and the slight tear on the "O", of which I attribute to a nice mix of Sam Adams and Strongbow. You see, this couldn't wait until today, this man who I put so much faith in just had to be removed from my most treasured of southern sportsfan gameday equipment right then and there.
Now the real question is who the hell goes on my new jersey?
Until next time....
GO SOUNDERS!
(and please for the love of God, beat New York.)
