Sounders GM & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey "scrambled Wednesday to undo the damage" done by an interview where he stated his team's days of being among MLS' top spenders are "likely done," according to Geoff Baker of the SEATTLE TIMES. Lagerwey said the Sounders would "have to be more efficient going forward." Though Lagerwey "insisted the Sounders will spend 'eight figures' on a designated player this July and likely add another targeted allocation money signing as well, his comments aptly summarize a team at a crossroads with fans about its future direction." Lagerwey said, "I totally understand why folks would get shaken by what I said and I shouldn't have said it." His remarks "undoubtedly shook up" Sounders Owners Adrian Hanauer and Joe Roth, who have often said that their goal is to "build a world-class franchise." Both "abhor any suggestion money is an obstacle." But the reality is that "despite being a top revenue team" since their '09 inception, the Sounders have "steadily declined in relative spending on players." The team ranked No. 7 in "total player compensation" to start last season. The Sounders' lack of a designated player signing to replace F Obafemi Martins -- who departed for China prior to the '16 season -- has "chafed the fanbase." Lagerwey said that his plan has been to spend "at least" $10M in transfer fees and salary "on a designated player come July, once the market reopens with more talented choices." He said that he has "fought to avoid interim 'panic moves' despite the slow start and admits he lost his temper in the weekend interview." Lagerwey said that he meant to "convey that the league getting stronger in cities beyond Seattle and one or two others is a good thing and a challenge" (SEATTLE TIMES, 5/3).
MAYBE THIS TIME IS DIFFERENT: THE ATHLETIC's Matt Pentz wrote the transfer window that closed Tuesday "marked the third consecutive time" the Sounders chose not to buy down MF Osvaldo Alonso's contract and move for a new designated player. Pentz: "Lagerwey's admission simply confirmed what seems obvious from the outside -- not that I expect anyone to say it again quite so baldly in the foreseeable future." The front office has "sought to downplay the perception that the Sounders have taken a step back since splitting off business operations from the Seahawks" in '14. If Lagerwey "hits another home run in July and the Sounders follow their recent pattern of peaking late, most complaints will recede" (THEATHLETIC.com, 5/3).
