As a defender, James Riley usually isn't this popular to have a
convoy of reporters and television cameras crowding around him.
But the player union representative for the Seattle Sounders
FC is quite popular recently.
The Sounders - who redefined a successful inaugural season
both on the field and in the seats in 2009 - started their second
training camp on Monday. But looming over the start of year No. 2
is a possible lockout if the league and the players union can't
come to an agreement before the current labor deal expires on Jan.
31.
"I think both sides are working diligently to get something
on the table and get something signed," Riley said. "... I'm
optimistic. I think guys around the league are optimistic something
is going to get done."
The lingering question of the league's labor situation
already is causing one distraction for the Sounders. Designated
player and star midfielder Freddie Ljungberg wrote on his Web site
last Friday that he would remain in Sweden until the labor
situation is resolved, and is also keeping options for playing in
Europe open.
The transfer window for European clubs closes on Jan. 31, the
same day the current labor deal in MLS expires. Sounders general
manager Adrian Hanauer said he remains confident Ljungberg will
honor his contract and play a second season with the Sounders.
"Freddie is a player who has options in Europe and there have
been teams that have been interested, are interested. We're in
communication with his representation and again, it's sort of day
to day. We would like it if he was here today, but it's not a
surprise to us that he's not here," Hanauer said. "We expect this
issue to be settled in the next few days and, quite frankly, we're
extremely optimistic and hopeful Freddie will be here very soon."
When he does arrive, Ljungberg could face some discipline
from the Sounders. Coach Sigi Schmid seemed irritated that
Ljungberg chose to remain in Sweden rather than coming to Seattle
for the start of training camp. He said Ljungberg could face
internal discipline or fines when he does arrive.
His absence also drew the ire of goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who
said he believes Ljungberg should be honoring the contract he
signed with Seattle.
"If people are doubting where their heart is or where they
want to be, it's a management question, but for me I would much
rather play with a group of people that want to be here," Keller
said.
All the debate about Ljungberg, or any other signings the
Sounders may potentially make, could be a moot point if the labor
situation isn't cleared up this week.
The players union claims MLS's single-entity structure, in
which all players sign with the league rather than individual
teams, violates regulations of FIFA, soccer's world governing body.
FIFPro, which represents the MLS players union, said almost
80 percent of MLS players don't have guaranteed contracts, that
contracts give the league multiple one-year options, that players
can be transferred without their consent and that out-of-contract
players lack freedom of movement.
The league disputes those claims, and Riley for one doesn't
want to see the league have any type of work stoppage and slow the
momentum MLS has built in recent years.
"Both sides want to resolve the issue as soon as possible so
guys can just focus on the preseason," Riley said. "At this point
... soccer in general, especially in Seattle, is on the up and up
so any work stoppage is detrimental to the league."
