Sounders FC: Fucito Wins It.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 240mm, ISO 800, 1/1600th sec.,f4.0)
Seattle Sounders FC Michael Fucito celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal in the 92nd minute against Kansas City at Qwest Field in Seattle.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 220mm, ISO 800, 1/1600th sec.,f4.0)
Fucito substituted late into the match, then scored when he took a quick throw-in from teammate Brad Evans and one-timed a low hard shot past the diving Kansas City goalkeeper.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 240mm, ISO 800, 1/1600th sec.,f4.0)
One of the key components of a successful sports photo is a clean background. You can see in the first photo that the background is clean. It would have been a better frame if I would not have had to crop out his feet (it feels awkward the way it is currently cropped), but the background is better than in the third photo (directly above). The orange of the Home Depot sign, combined with the two photographers, seem to take away from the moment, and this is the second best frame of the series.
It was a great goal – and while I shot 18 frames during the entire sequence with my Nikon 200-400mm zoom lens, only one frame “jumped out” as the one with the best combination of emotion, clean background and solid (while certainly not perfect), composition.
Sounders FC: Barcelona’s visit was a kick in the grass.
Yowch. That’s a bad pun.
Sorry. Couldn’t help it.
Actually, this is a kick in the AIR. Famed FC Barcelona footballer Thierry “I have no interest in playing for the Sounders FC at this time” Henry contorts and fires a bicycle kick shot back over his head and that of Seattle Sounders FC defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado during their international friendly earlier this month. The shot sailed high, but he made it look soooooo easy.
And seriously, while we are talking about bicycles. I have friends who are crazy about the Tour de France. Skinny guys on bikes. Yes, I get that they’re super-human. Still, people who argue that watching golf is boring, shouldn’t also argue that watching baseball and cycling is any more exciting. Got that, Jim?
Sounders FC: Another colorful match.
Seattle soccer fans saw bright blue skies on Saturday, Sounders players only saw the black of Chicago keeper Jon Busch's jersey, and Freddie Ljungberg saw red, courtesy of referee Baldomero Toledo.
Sounders FC played to a 0-0 (that's "nil-nil" to those of you in the know) draw with the Chicago Fire at Qwest Field, despite having multiple chances to score.
Before the game, I saw some kids with great painted faces. They were in the shade of the tunnel where the players enter the field, and the open shade made for a soft light.
Check out this dude's ears — how about that contrast from the paint?
(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 180mm, ISO 200, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
Love this guy's face — eyes, teeth, smile, paint.
(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 150mm, ISO 200, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
One of my duties for the team is to document pregame. This procession of players in the starting lineup walking with local kids is always fun.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/500th sec.,f4.0)
At midfield, captains C.J. Brown of Chicago and Kasey Keller of Seattle met for the coin flip with referee Baldomero Toledo.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/250th sec.,f4.0)
Seattle controlled much of the pace of play in the first half, and only great stops by Chicago keeper Jon Busch kept the Sounders from scoring.
Busch denied Fredy Montero along the right side of the net.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4 lens @ 290mm, ISO 500, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
On a corner kick, one of eight for Seattle, Busch came out and leapt among the big bodies of Chicago's C.J. Brown and Seattle's Nate Jaqua.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4 lens @ 310mm, ISO 400, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
Later in the first half, Jaqua fired point blank, only to have Busch make the stop on the left side.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4 lens @ 300mm, ISO 500, 1/250th sec.,f4.0)
Chicago's Cuauhtemoc Blanco's free kick in the second half hit a wall of Sounders, denying the Fire a chance.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4 lens @ 300mm, ISO 400, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
Tempers flared through out the match because of rough play. With Chicago playing a man down due to a red card issued to John Thorrington, Seattle looked to have an advantage. However, that advantage was quickly negated when Seattle's Freddie Ljungberg was issued a yellow card for "simulation" (i.e. "flopping"), which was quickly followed by another yellow for "dissention" (i.e. "arguing"). Love how polite the language is, don't you?
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4 lens @ 290mm, ISO 500, 1/2000th sec.,f4.0)
Ljungberg's ejection left both teams with ten men, and he left to a mixture of cheers and jeers.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 35mm, ISO 200, 1/500th sec.,f4.0)
Seattle had more chances in the second half, but couldn't break through. Fredy Montero hit the corner of the post with a shot and Nate Jaqua had another great chance in the second half. After getting by Chicago's keeper Busch, Jaqua had the ball knocked away by another defender before Jaqua could put it home.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4 lens @ 220mm, ISO 200, 1/1600th sec.,f4.0)
A tough draw for Seattle, but they maintain second place in the west. Players and fans alike were frustrated by the draw — missed goal opportunities and the red card for Ljungberg dulled what otherwise was a beautiful afternoon at Qwest Field.
Sounders FC: Getting Friendly with Chelsea
Sounders FC played a "friendly" (read that, "exhibition" match) against Chelsea FC, one of the most famous clubs in the world. Chelsea plays in the English Premier League, arguably the top league in the world.
As this was a friendly, action photos from the match were not as important to me as capturing the atmosphere of the event.
The day was perfect. Bright sunny skies and temperatures in the high 70's. Qwest Field was packed.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 14-24mm/f2.8 lens @ 14mm, ISO 400, 1/1000th sec.,f8.0)
Shooting "color" was not a problem.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/250th sec.,f7.1 + fill flash)
This fan's shades were not only Rave Green, they also reflected the distinctive arches of the stadium.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm f4.0 lens @ 400mm, ISO 400, 1/640th sec.f4.0)
The notoriously loud and raucous fans in the south stands were in full effect with their flags and chants. Note — the flags make a great photo. The chants? Not so much.
(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 125mm, ISO 200, 1/1250th sec.,f4.0)
World-famous glass artist Dale Chihuly was on hand to receive the Golden Scarf before the match. He also donated an original glass piece to each club to commemorate the event.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 270mm, ISO 400, 1/800th sec.f/4.0)
One of my duties in working for the Sounders is to document things other than the team. For example, the club has begun selling seats that are right next to the pitch. That's right. For the right price, you and friends can sit on along the sidelines, right along the midfield stripe, with food and drink served to you all game long.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/640th sec.,f5.6)
Not only do you get the view and the food, you're also so close to the players that they'll come over and pose for pictures. Pretty cool. (And no, I don't get a commission for selling them, even if that did seem like an ad…)
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/250th sec.,f4.0)
The game started, and there was plenty of action, even for an exhibition. Chelsea's Frank Lampard had no problem taking down Freddie Ljungberg in the first half.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 400, 1/1250th sec.,f4.0)
Seattle did a decent job of keeping possession and applying pressure near the Chelsea goal. Chelsea's Michael Ballack heads a cross back out of his team's area.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 400, 1/1250th sec.,f4.0)
Kasey Keller was very busy back in goal for the Sounders. Chelsea scored in the 12th minute and made it look easy, but Keller kept flying around to make saves.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 400, 1/1250th sec.,f4.0)
Post-match, Ljungberg, who used to play for Arsenal in the Premier League, visited with friends who play for Chelsea.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/250th sec.,f4.5 + fill flash)
Always great with the fans, he also stopped to sign autographs for fans near the tunnel leading to the locker room.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/250th sec.,f13 + fill flash)
The Sounders, juggling three different commitments, face the Houston Dynamo on Tuesday night in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup. Yes, that's the same team they face last week in M.L.S. competition. For those of you keeping score at home, the Sounders are involved in league play (Major League Soccer), tournament play (U.S. Open Cup) and exhibition play (friendlies against Chelsea and Barcelona).
Sounders FC: That Winning Feeling Again.
After seven weeks without a win, Freddie and Fredy came to the rescue and each scored a goal to lead the Sounders FC to a 2-1 win over the visiting San Jose Earthquakes.
It was another great evening with pleasant temperatures in the 70's and a full house of fans decked out for a win.
(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 200mm, ISO 320, 1/400th sec.,f2.8)
Shooting the action of Major League Soccer is always a blast, but the artsy-fartsy photographer side of me (it's not a big side, I mean, I don't wear black turtlenecks to the matches) was on the lookout for nice moments. I found this young flag bearer preparing for the pregame ceremonies and waited for some nice composition.
(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 200mm, ISO 400, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
As a former journalist (that seems very weird to say, er, write), I have many friends in the sports media world who scoff at soccer. Too many ties, they say. Not enough action. While a couple of players are around the ball, the rest are standing around. Clearly they're not real athletes like football or basketball players.
Well, check this out as Fredy Montero leapt and corralled this long pass with his foot while still in midair before landing and controlling the ball deep in the San Jose half.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 1600, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
I often get asked what the game looks like from the field level where I shoot. Photos shot with a long telephoto lens really don't show the perspective I see, but this shot of a Sebastien LeToux corner kick will give you a pretty good idea.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 800, 1/1000th sec.,f2.8)
As in past Seattle matches, physical play was common. Multiple yellow cards were served to San Jose, who while entering the game with a subpar record, seemed bent on making Sounders FC lose their temper. After all, with the number of red cards the Sounders have amassed so far this season, making them angry seems like a reasonable strategy.
However, the Sounders held their emotions in check much of the match, and defender Tyrone Marshall and Earthquakes defender Ryan Johnson each smiled as they tied up on a corner kick into the San Jose area.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 250mm, ISO 1600, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
Once again, opponents had to deal with the speed and skill of rookie Steve Zakuani on the left side. Here he left Chris Leitch is is wake on a first half run.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 1600, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
LeToux got a leg up on San Jose's Aaron Pitchkolan.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 400mm, ISO 1600, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
Seattle kept the ball in the San Jose end for much of the first half and failed to capitalize on at least three chances before Freddie Ljungberg put one home in the 42nd minute. I was shooting from left of the goal (as the players were facing) and the shot came from the left so I didn't have a great angle. But Ljungberg turned towards me and ran in my direction. The first frame is with a 200-400mm lens zoomed all the way out, and as you can see I am cutting off feet and the composition is tight.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 200mm, ISO 1600, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
I switched to the wide-angle camera (24-70mm) that I had around my neck in time to make a nice frame when Steve Zakuani came over to celebrate with Ljungberg. Here's the full frame, followed by a cropped version. Which do you like?
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 55mm, ISO 800, 1/1000th sec.,f2.8)
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 55mm, ISO 800, 1/1000th sec.,f2.8)
When I teach and when I speak to groups, I always preach the importance of staying with the scene and shooting, versus stopping to look at the review screen to see "if you got it". This paid off as even though I thought I had a nice frame of Zakuani and Ljungberg, when the rest of the players came over, the video board read "GOAL" and everything came together.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 55mm, ISO 800, 1/1000th sec.,f2.8)
Here's a different angle than I usually shoot. From the top of the box, I was able to look in to see Patrick Ianni heading a service towards the San Jose goal.
(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 180mm, ISO 1600, 1/800th sec.,f2.8)
Moments later, Fredy Montero scored but ran the other way to celebrate. You're never going to get every moment, so make the most of the ones that come your way.
I stayed for a bit longer in that spot and caught a decent frame when San Jose goalkeeper Joe Cannon came out to save a ball as Sebastien LeToux charged in.
As the game entered the final minutes, I took some chances and tried to shoot really tight with a 600mm lens wherever the ball went. Trust me, out-of-focus shots of socks and shoes and turf are NOT where it's at. Made one okay frame when Seattle's Stephen King and San Jose's Jason Hernandez battled in the air in the San Jose area.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/4.0 lens, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
The game got physical towards the end as San Jose scored to come with one goal of a draw and Seattle tried to retain possession. When LeToux came over to the corner I was shooting from, San Jose's Aaron Pitchkolan dumped him towards the sidelines.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 200mm, ISO 4000, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
The Sounders held on for a 2-1 win to get back on the good side of the ledger, and after the game head coach Sigi Schmid was still coaching as he pulled defender James Riley over for some quick postgame instruction.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f2.8)
However, the fans were happy as the team finally got a victory, even if it was over the last-place Earthquakes. A win is a win, and the Sounders desperately needed one.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/400th sec.,f2.8)
There was a nice moment on the field after the game when Freddie Ljungberg picked up his five-year old godson for the traditional team salute to the fans in the south stands.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/400th sec.,f2.8)
I'll be shooting plenty of soccer in the next couple of weeks. Sounders FC plays again this Wednesday, and then the following weekend.
Thanks for reading!
Sounders FC: Tying One On (Again)
Seriously, dude, what's your excuse this time? Why so long between updates.
Well, I don't want to use it as an excuse, but on Tuesday I had to shoot a group portait of the 2009 Seagals.
You wanted to be my assistant for that shoot? I called you, I left emails and a text and you never responded.
Tough work but someone had to do it. Might as well have been me. Photos to come, soon.
Back to the weekend, and our beloved Sounders FC, who once again played well enough to win, but didn't, settling for a 1-1 draw with the Columbus Crew.
The Crew are the defending M.L.S. champions, which they won under current Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid, so that was one of the story lines.
Could this young fan be any cuter? The color of her eyes even matches her scarf.
(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 125mm, ISO400, 1/125th sec.,f2.8)
Seahawks head coach Jim Mora was presented with the honorary Golden Scarf before the game. He's a big Sounders FC fan, and brings his family to games. But more on that later.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 270mm, ISO 800, 1/400th sec.,f4.0)
Sounders players and coaches huddled before the start of the game. It was a warm, pleasant evening and a perfect night for soccer.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 800, 1/250th sec., f4.0)
The game was closely contested, and in the first half Seattle's Tyrone Marshall got himself above Columbus's Emmanuel Ekpo to win a header.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 2000, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
After Columbus scored to take a 1-0 lead in the first half, Seattle had a great chance when Freddie Ljungberg was taken down in the box. However, his penalty kick was wide of the mark and a great opportunity was missed.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 240mm, ISO 2500, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
Fans at Qwest Field reacted after finally, an official's call had gone the Sounders way, only to be wasted.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 2500, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
Seattle goalkeeper Kasey Keller continued his stellar play, stopping a straight on shot by Ekpo.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 2500, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
Nate Jaqua tangled with Columbus's Eddie Gaven, as the Crew worked hard to smother Seattle's forwards.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 2500, 1/640th sec.,f4.0)
In the second half, Jaqua finally worked himself free and made a perfect strike on a volley after a nifty pass from Freddie Ljungberg.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 280mm, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
The ball rocketed into the top of the net and the celebration was on.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 70mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f2.8)
By the way, the guy lower right high-fiving? Yep, that's Coach Mora. Told you we'd come back to that.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 66mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f2.8)
Can't have an M.L.S. game without cards being given out. At this rate, maybe Hallmark should be a presenting sponsor (*note to self — call league office). After Columbus goalkeeper Andy Greunebaum illegally touched a back pass, Seattle was awarded a free kick at the six-yard mark. Defenders are by rule supposed to be at least ten yards from the ball, so they should have been on the goal line. Referee Michael Kennedy was doing his best to keep the Crew defenders back, and when they crept up he finally got tired of it and issued cards.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 270mm, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
The rest of the match was physical, as Columbus was fighting for a draw on the road and Seattle pressed for a victory to end their own recent run of draws.
Jaqua found himself sandwiched between two Crew defenders on a corner kick.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 240mm, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
Later, Ljungberg left Columbus defender Gino Padula on the Field Turf. Yes, this was quite likely a hand ball, and no, it wasn't called. Ljungberg made off with the ball anyway, and that might have been the reason for the non-call.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/4.0 lens @ 400mm, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
After the game, Seattle head coach Sigi Schmid hugged his former player Alejandro Moreno, who scored the lone Columbus goal.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 62mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f4.0)
After settling for the draw on their home turf, Seattle's Fredy Montero sat somewhat dejectedly on the bench until teammate Steve Zakuani came by to offer support.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 36mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f4.0)
Sounder FC next plays at home on June 13, on the Xbox 360 Pitch at Qwest Field.
Thanks for reading!
Sounders FC: Giving Cards for Mother’s Day.
Well, I guess if you hold a soccer match on Mother’s Day, everyone should expect a card, right? On the Xbox Pitch, there were plenty of them handed out — red and yellow ones to be exact.
Head referee Tim Weyland handed out nine cards during the 90 minute match, including a damaging red card to Sounders FC defender James Riley in the 57th minute.
If you’re a Sounders FC fan, you’re already familiar and probably sick of discussing the officiating, and frankly, I don’t know enough about soccer to even pretend to have an informed opinion. However, the general consensus was that Weyland was in a bit over his head during the match, and he did the unforgivable in terms of officiating — he became the center of attention instead of the on-field arbiter.
Little did anyone know during the national anthem that Weyland (far right) would have a controversial afternoon.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
Check that. Seattle coach Sigi Schmid did say after the game that he’d vetoed having Weyland on his games back when Schmid was coaching in college, so at least one of the 29,000 folks at Qwest Field had an idea of what might be coming.
Seattle sought to contain Galaxy forward and U.S. National Team star Landon Donovan, as Sounders FC defender Nathan Sturgis showed in the first half.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 200mm, ISO 200, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
Without David Beckham, the star power was concentrated on Donovan and Seattle’s Freddie Ljungberg.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 360mm, ISO 400, 1/2000th sec.,f4.0)
The Sounders took the lead when Sebastien LeToux knocked in a wide-open goal after a nifty pass from Nate Jaqua.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 310mm, ISO 200, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
Weyland held his whistle just before halftime after Jaqua was taken down in the penalty box by Los Angeles’ Dema Kovalenko.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 400, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 400, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
That non-call earned the officiating crew a lusty booing as they went to the dressing room.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 400, 1/1000th sec.,f4.0)
In the second half game seemed to get out-of-control as both sides took the physicalness to a higher level. Tempers reached a peak in the 57th minute when Seattle’s James Riley cuffed Los Angeles’ Mike Magee behind the head after Magee and two other Galaxy players scuffled with Riley after a foul.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 240mm, ISO 400, 1/2000th sec.,f4.0)
Head referee Weyland initially issued a yellow card, then upgraded it after conferring with one of his linesmen.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 270mm, ISO 400, 1/2000th sec.,f4.0)
After the ejection, the teams seemed more content to play soccer. Playing a man down for the third time this season, the Sounders were forced to apply all their energy on preserving a draw or sneaking in a potential game-winner.
Seattle goalkeeper Kasey Keller was stellar again, as he leaped high over Magee for a save.
(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 400, 1/2000th sec.,f4.0)
Action was fierce when (l-r) Seattle’s Tyrone Marshall, Los Angeles’ Alan Gordon, Seattle’s Nate Jaqua and Los Angeles goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts all battled for a service into the goal area in the second half.
An excellent chance for Sounders FC game when Nate Jaqua was inches from a goal, only to have Los Angeles’ Stefani Miglioranzi get a foot on it at the last possible second as goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts closed in.
With the 1-1 draw complete, Freddie Ljungberg traded jerseys with Donovan, which he wore backwards and inside out in his haste.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 32mm, ISO 200, 1/640th sec.,f4.0)
Seattle coach Sigi Schmid and Donovan chatted briefly after the match near midfield.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 58mm, ISO 200, 1/500th sec.,f4.0)
As he left the pitch, local fan favorite LeToux reached over to shake some hands as he made his way to the locker room.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 324mm, ISO 200, 1/500th sec.,f4.0)
Sounders FC: From Fredy to Freddie
Last week it was Fredy Montero who nabbed the spotlight, leading Sounders FC to a 3-0 win over New York in the inaugural match, but this week, all eyes were on Freddie Ljungberg, who made his Seattle debut in the 61st minute in a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake.
Over 28,000 Sounders FC fans and supporters once again packed Qwest Field, creating the second sellout in as many games. The Supporters groups in the south stands once again set the tone for the entire stadium, with their flags, banners, chants and songs filling the air.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 400mm, ISO 3200, 1/400th sec.,f4.0)
After team emerged from the tunnel for the start of the match, goalkeeper Kasey Keller gathered his teammates in a circle and then implored them to “PROTECT OUR HOUSE!”
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f2.8)
Seattle’s starting lineup was nearly the same as in the opener but with Sanna Nyassi injured, rookie Steve Zakuani started in his place.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mmf/2.8 lens @ 70mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f4.0)
Zakuani made is presence known almost immediately, making a deft move with the ball down the left side before crossing it to Nate Jaqua in the 17th minute for the game’s first goal.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 200mm, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
I was shooting about 10 yards up the sideline from the endline, and Zakuani was actually between me and Jaqua when the goal was scored, so I was blocked from having a clean photo of the actual shot. But Jaqua ran towards me and leaped on top of teammates in celebration.
This shot is a little tight, as I’m shooting with the Nikon VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens. I had three bodies and because of the threat of rain, I didn’t want to mess around switching lenses. So my kit comprised of a D3 with a VR 400mm/f2.8 lens + 1.4 extender (550mm/f4.0), a D3 with the VR 200-400mm f/4.0 lens (which I raved about in the entry from last week’s game)
and a D3 with the Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens. I’d rather carry the 24-70mm than the 700-200mm, because I think if players run towards me and I can get them into the foreground of the frame, the wide-angle image is infinitely more dramatic.
Having a lens that’s near 600mm (either the VR 600mm/f4.0 lens or the combo of the VR 400mm/f.8 + extender) allows me to be on one end of the field and still have a reasonable (yet not quite optimal) chance of shooting the other goal as well. As the field is roughly 120 yards long, it’s quite a throw.
But it can pay off, as I found when goalkeeper Kasey Keller, the local hero from Olympia, Washington, came out of his net to make a save high in the air on a corner kick.
(Nikon D3, VR 400mm/f2.8 lens + 1.4 extender, ISO 3200, 1/640th sec.,f4.0)
Keller was stellar once again, with five saves and another shutout. For his efforts and his “clean sheet” (soccer slang for a shutout — see how much I’m learning?), he was named “Man of the Match”.
Jaqua, who I found out has especially great games against Real Salt Lake (six goals in his last six games against RLS), was a force in the first half, using his size and strength on balls in the air over the middle.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 330mm, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
In the 61st minutes, Sounders fans got what they’d been waiting for since his announced signing, as Freddie Ljungberg took to the XBOX 360 pitch for the first time. Ljungberg acknowledged the standing ovation for him as he entered the field.
(Nikon D3, VR 400mm/f2.8 lens + 1.4 extender, ISO 3200, 1/640th sec.,f4.0)
Head coach Sigi Schmid remarked after the game that he thought Ljungberg’s ball control skills would help as Real Salt Lake dominated the ball in the second half as they looked desperately to tie the match.
(Nikon D3, VR 400mm/f2.8 lens + 1.4 extender, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
Ljungberg’s surgically repaired hip was put to the test early and often, as when he was taken down by Real Salt Lake’s Kyle Beckerman.
(Nikon D3, VR 400mm/f2.8 lens + 1.4 extender, ISO 3200, 1/640th sec.,f4.0)
(Nikon D3, VR 400mm/f2.8 lens + 1.4 extender, ISO 3200, 1/640th sec.,f4.0)
Freddy Montero scored his third goal of the season in the 77th minute, firing a rocket from outside of the box. It was an incredible goal on a high-risk shot. Replays show that Ljungberg was wide open if Montero would have put a through-ball to him, but the shot paid off for a 2-0 lead.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 260mm, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
After the final whistle, Montero acknowledged the standing ovation.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 32mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f2.8)
Keller, who had before the game implored his teammates “protect our house” during a pregame huddle, led his teammates in a linked-hands show of thanks to the fans.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f2.8)
Ljungberg, who traded jerseys with one of the Salt Lake players, gave a thumbs up to the fans as he headed off the pitch.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 28mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f2.8)
Sounders fans now have to wait until April 11 for the next home match, but one doubts the fever will subside before then.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 32mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f2.8)
Sounders FC: Some Enchanted Evening, Part 3.
The crowd at the Sounders' inaugural match created an atmosphere that reminded veteran soccer observers of contests in Europe (Okay, without hooligans. Yet. Remember that Portland just got a franchise). Flags, banners and metallic confetti filled the air in Qwest Field.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
In the south end of the stadium, supporters groups, anchored by the Emerald City Supporters, were loud, enthusiastic and visible for all 90 minutes.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 29mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
When the referee's whistle ended the match, players gathered at midfield and saluted each side of the stadium. Man of the Match Fredy Montero saved his best for those supporters in the south end of the field.
(Nikon D3, VR 400mm/f2.8 lens + 1.4x extender, ISO 3200, 1/400th sec.,f4.0)
With head coach Sigi Schmid's blessing, players wandered over to the stands and accepted congratulations, shook hands, gave high fives and signed autographs. James Riley was first, and he spent over 15 minutes with fans.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
Sebastien Le Toux, who has been in Seattle for three years (first with the USL Sounders) was mobbed.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 35mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
Montero shook hands and signed autographs before leaving the field.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
Local hero Kasey Keller finished interviews and then thanked fans before heading to the locker room.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
Sounder FC – One Enchanted Evening, Part 2.
This continues Part 1 of my post on incredible evening that was the inaugural match of Seattle’s newest sports franchise, Sounders FC.
When game time finally rolled around, the lower and middle decks of Qwest Field were crammed with soccer fans, a buzzing, swirling mass of Rave Green jerseys and scarves waiting for the ball to be put in play.
Soccer is full of traditions, one of which being the parade of officials and players to the pitch (field).
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 200mm, ISO 1600, 1/400th sec.,f4.0)
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 200mm, ISO 1600, 1/400th sec.,f4.0)
Because I was in place to shoot the pregame events, I found myself next to Seattle coach Sigi Schmid and his assistants during the national anthem.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 26mm, ISO 1600, 1/250th sec.,f6.3)
But before any soccer match is the traditional photo of the starters. After player introductions and handshakes with the opponents and officials, the players group near the sideline and pose for about 15 seconds so a gaggle of photographers (does that make me a goose?) slam away at their shutters. After one team comes the other, then the coin flip, which is the last pregame event before the action starts.
In American football, you have to also wait until the coin flip to figure out who is facing which way. Not a huge problem there because you are free to move pretty much anywhere at any time during a game. However, in soccer, you can’t switch ends once the ball is put in play until the half is over, so you have to be aware of what’s going on or be stuck on possibly the “wrong” end of the field.
So the smart thing is to try to linger after the team photos somewhere in the vicinity of midfield behind the benches and then make the mad scramble to whichever end the team you are covering is shooting at. (Wow. That is one awkward sentence. Would you believe I once taught high school English? Now you probably know why I don’t do that anymore…)
It didn’t take long for history to be made. Fredy Montero, the 21-year old Columbian scored the club’s first goal on low shot in the 11th minute.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 260mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f4.0)
There was a lot of pressure among the shooters to “get” that first goal on film (well, digital), and really my frame is just a picture of record. You can’t see the keeper, and he ran to the corner away from me to celebrate, but hey, at least it’s something. Had the first goal come off of a corner kick on a header in traffic, that would have been harder to shoot. Even though I’m shooting a 200-400mm lens here, I noticed in the metadata afterwards that this frame is at 260mm. I think I was preparing to come looser with the lens because I was anticipating a pass or cross to the middle, not a shot.
It wasn’t until I saw a video clip that I realized he and some teammates had done a little dance over in the corner. Can’t be everywhere at once, I guess. Luckily, I made a few frames as he celebrated while returning to midfield.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 400mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f4.0)
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 260mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f4.0)
Forward Nate Jaqua almost scored after sliding to beat a New York defender to the ball, but the shot was saved.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 220mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f4.0)
That black stuff popping up from the turf is little black rubber pellets that basically serve as the “dirt” for the Field Turf surface.
Sebastien Le Toux, who played for the Sounders former U.S.L. team, also had a good chance in the first half, but New York goalkeeper Danny Cepero came out to block the ball away
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 200mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f4.0)
The Nikon VR 200-400/f4.0 lens is the PERFECT lens for covering soccer at the near end of the field. The high ISO capabilities of the D3 allow me to shoot at f4.0 instead of f2.8, and the flexibility of the focal length makes life VERY easy because the ball swings from near to far and far to near so quickly in soccer.
Midfielder Brad Evans tallied the second goal of the game, taking a through-ball from Montero and left-footing it between the legs of the keeper to make it a 2-0 game. Evans was in front of me as he shot, then turned in celebration. Because I’m focusing and shooting, I have to rely on the sound of the crowd erupting and Evans’ own reaction to know he scored.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 200mm, ISO 1600, 1/640th sec.,f4.0)
He ran over to the corner nearest me, and I dropped (well, carefully placed) the long lens down to shoot wider with the 24-70mm lens which was around my neck. I like the way the crowd is reacting around them as they celebrate.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 70mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f4.0)
When we think of sports photography, we often think first about peak action photos. Players competing at their highest level, often with their faces and bodies showing us the strength and grace of the sport. When Seattle’s Nate Jaqua got tangled with New York’s Kevin Goldthwaite, along the sidelines, we see such an image. It’s a big crop since I was shooting with the 200-400mm lens, but I think it holds up okay.
(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 400mm, ISO 3200, 1/800th sec.,f4.0)
But by trying to provide a different look at sports photography instead of just tight shots of players competing, we treat the viewer of a shot that includes the environment surrounding the action. It’s why the swinging boom camera that sweeps over the crowd is so popular for televised sports now. Heck, they even used one at the Grammys broadcast. Showing viewers an angle that don’t usually see is always one of the goals as a photographer.
When Fredy Montero scored his second goal, it was on a great steal, fake and shot. Great on video. Still-wise, there is no decisive frame that tells the story. At a fraction of a second per frame, it’s “guy steals ball”, “guy dribbles”, “guy shoots”. Not thrilling images.
But afterward, Montero turned to celebrate, and I was fortunate that like Evans, Montero came right at me. This allowed me to use the wide-angle again, and it adds a lot to see the full stadium behind him and teammate Nate Jaqua.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 28mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
Eventually they stopped RIGHT in front of me and celebrated as a group.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)
It’s always smart to stay with a situation until it’s completely over, and I was rewarded when Montero turned one last time to acknowledge the raucous fans in the south stands.
(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 70mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,
f2.8)
To be continued…