Q: You've said Miguel Montano's move to the team would hopefully be finalized by the April 15 deadline. Where do things stand with him?

"No promises, but we think he'll be finalized by the time April 15th comes and goes."

Q: The hot rumor in the league is bringing Robert Pires to MLS. What is Seattle's interest in Pires?

"We're not going to comment on that. But I will say that we're continuing to look at players. We'll look at players all the way through the 15th, and if nothing happens between now and the 15th, we'll keep working towards the next transfer window in July."

Q: Fredy Montero talked to a Colombian radio station about a potential transfer to CSKA Moscow. What can you offer in regards to that possible move?

"Fredy is a very good young player. There's been continual interest from teams around the world. If we have something concrete to report we'll obviously do that. But soccer is a game of a lot of rumors as you've probably recognized already. I tend not to get too wound in the rumors until something ends up in writing on my desk."

Q: Any potential surprises for tomorrow's closing of the transfer window?"

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you. (laughs)"

It's easy to talk to the media after game-winning goals and big wins. It's not so easy to talk to the media after the man you're marking scores in the game-tying goal to cost your team the win.

On Tuesday, Sounders FC midfielder Brad Evans talked about the RSL game. And this story is the result.

In some other teams news, I've heard that there will be some temporary bike racks at Qwest Field for Saturday's game against Kansas City. More permanent ones are expected to be installed later. Also, a site takes a stab at the new look for a 3rd kit and the team site has a story on Tyrone Marshall getting credit for his goal.

On to some other links:

• Seattle's next opponent, Kansas City, lost to Colorado in a U.S. Open Cup play-in game.
  
  
• Word is an MLS club -- not New York -- is trying to sign Robert Pires. It's a deal that could be done by the summer transfer window. Could it be Seattle?

• Some league personnel moves: Scott Sealy is back with San Jose, that new Red Bulls signing had his work permit denied and Toronto FC brought in a couple new defenders.

• FC Dallas' Eric Avila defends his handball and D.C.'s Jaime Moreno also had an illegal goal.

• Here's a story about potential USMNT star Michael Bradley.

• Some notes from Houston: the team has agreed to terms with Joseph Ngwenya and there was positive news on the new stadium front.

• Lastly, Columbus' Danny O'Rourke was fined for an obscene gesture towards officials, the American Idol dude has left David Beckham's camp and here's a watch on MLS rookies.

First off some comedy: 2 good, 2 bad

Secondly some skill: Showboat

(Q: What did you think happened on that free kick?)
"I thought Tyrone got it. That's what I thought from the way he celebrated. So that's what I go for. But for me the most important thing is the delivery, that's what I concentrate on. It came at the right place and Tyrone did his job."

(Q: How rewarding was the goal after struggling on set pieces?)
"Of course it's nice, but at the same time we scored on a corner in the first game. So it's not been that bad, we've already scored two goals out of four on set pieces. But you always want to get better and work on it. Problem is we had a lot against New York, but it didn't work. Then I started to move where I was hitting it, because I felt like we weren't getting any success. We talked about just having one or two places to hit it, then it's up to players to run in there and see what happens. We changed the tactics a little bit after New York."

(Q: What have the last couple days been like for you after the RSL game?)
"Both the goals were my fault, so obviously it's tough."

(Q: Is there something you can work on now for the future?)
"Just watching the ball and the player at the same time. On the first goal I saw the player, turned and looked, and it was a first-time cross and by the time I turned back around he was gone. And the second one, I had him tight and I don't even think he jumped, the ball just... hit him in the head."

(Q: Was it a matter of not seeing the corner kick come in at the end?)
"I just figured if I'm tight enough, get at least an arm on him, he's not going to get a clean header. But he just happened to get a head on it."

The team was divided up into three small groups Tuesday. Two teams scrimmaged on a short field at the far end of the field (no photos), while the other group worked on a passing/finishing drill at the near end of the field (photos).

Let's get to 'em. And no, I'm not getting much better at this photography thing.

* * *

1. Asst. coach Ezra Hendrickson was leading the drill. Noonan, Ianni and Sturgis listen in.

Sigi Schmid - Head Coach

(On Kansas City Wizards . . .) "Well it's the first time for them on the road so we hope that presents a good challenge for them. They're a team that is very confident right now. They have brought in a lot of new players. It's not the same team as last year and that group is growing in their confidence in each other and they have gotten two good results. So we just need to let them know that they are playing Seattle Sounders and that they are in Seattle and that this is not a place where we give up points easily and take advantage of our abilities and our skills and use Ljungberg and Montero and Zakuani, our attacking people, and Pat Noonan and give them problems on their defense."

"I was feeling a little dizzy, a little exhausted," Leo Gonzalez said Tuesday through a translator. "It might have been because of the altitude. I wasn't playing the best that I could and it was better in that situation to get someone else in who was on the top of their game."

The Costa Rican said he felt fine before the game, but got weak once the action started. He had to be subbed off in the 48th minute and was replaced by Tyson Wahl.

Gonzalez, who has started every game for the Sounders FC this season, said he feels fine now, 100-percent healthy.

MLS Week 3 rewind

There were goals galore to highlight the season's third week. MLS Player of the Week Sebastien Le Toux scored the first goal in club history for Philadelphia Union - and then completed a hat trick for the club's first win, at home against D.C. United. The New England Revolution's Zack Schilawski became the third rookie in MLS history to hit for a hat trick in a 4-1 win against Toronto FC. Edson Buddle continued his hot start, scoring both goals as the LA Galaxy remained perfect on the year with a victory at Houston. The Kansas City Wizards are also unbeaten and untied, defeating Colorado as Kei Kamara scored the game's lone goal. Chivas USA and the San Jose Earthquakes also won for the first time this season. For all the highlights of Week 3, click here.

Saturday, April 10

New York 0 at Chivas USA 2
Columbus 2 at FC Dallas 2
D.C. United 2 at Philadelphia 3
Seattle 2 at Real Salt Lake 2
Toronto FC 1 at New England 4
Los Angeles 2 at Houston 0
San Jose 2 at Chicago 1
Colorado 0 at Kansas City 1