Well done, Arlo White and Seattle Sounders

What a joy it is to watch a match called by the excellent Arlo White, Seattle’s TV voice.

White is new to MLS but certainly not new to soccer – and it shows. He is a significant upgrade from Seattle’s former TV voice, a man who knew sports but simply didn’t have the experience in soccer nor the depth of knowledge to match the club’s intelligent supporters. (Nor did he do enough homework, proving that you can’t just “wing it” and expect to do a respectable job.)

Kudos also to the Seattle Sounders organization, which continues to set the standard for front office excellence. Seattle had a problem. They identified it and fixed it. See ... it ain't that hard! You just have to admit you have a problem.

White demonstrates how you don’t need two men in the booth. It’s OK to have two commentators so long as they understand the economy of words. And frankly, so many of them don’t. There’s surely a feeling from each individual that if they aren’t saying enough, they aren’t justifying their paycheck. While it’s commendable from a work-ethic standpoint, it doesn’t produce the best broadcast, as the pair goes Chatty Kathy-ing away, distracting from the game on the field rather than enhancing it.

White shows that one man who is right for the job can be so, so much more effective than two men who really aren’t up for it.

Not only is his call of the match exemplary – he does the little things so many announcers don’t, like identifying the players who make the important challenges – he’s also a master at quickly assimilating the relevant information. Thus, he can pick out the story, quickly

distill it and feed it to the listeners in intelligent ways.

Dig, if you will, these words he supplied for the celebratory picture: These were his final words in today’s exciting 1-0 win for Seattle over Kansas City. (White is focusing on rookie Michael Fucito’s stoppage-time game winner for the Sounders.)

“We’ve had the four minutes [of extra time]! … The theme of the season so far has been about finishing chances and finishes games.

“And it s all over! Seattle has three points! They’ve got 7 from 4 games; second in the Western Conference. Boy, did they leave it late today! Sometimes you have to scrap for 94 minutes.

“The lesson was learned last week against Real Salt Lake, and they came good late today. Well done! Michael Fucito, he will remember the day for the rest of his life. Sharp exhale of breath! Not only was it an intelligent run forward, it was a magnificent finish. Low down, with the right foot. First professional goal!

“You’d expect that sort of intelligence from a Harvard graduate. Well played, young Michael. He’s all smiles. It should be no surprise that he is our Man of the Match.

“The final score at Qwest. Seattle Sounder 1, Kansas City nil.”