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Last month, the 40-year-old former U.S. national team keeper from Lacey raised doubts about continuing after letting in a couple of soft goals.
However, Keller has come on since, including a couple of highlight saves that preserved Seattle’s 2-1 win over Colorado on Sunday.
And after training Monday, Keller said that he wants to play again next season.
“I was very comfortable even at the time I was saying (I might retire) because I felt great physically,” Keller said. “There wasn’t anything telling me in training or even in the game, except for the odd mistake – and every player in the world is going to go through the odd mistake. Sometimes, like I said, you just have to get refocused and ready to go, and I feel good about that.”
Keller is in the final season of a two-year contract he signed Aug. 14, 2008. Last summer he raised the possibility of an extension through 2011, in part because of his eagerness to be part of the renewed rivalry with Portland when the Timbers move up to MLS. Keller attended the University of Portland.
General manager Adrian Hanauer has said that he trusts Keller to know when it’s time to retire; and that he expects no problem reaching an agreement to bring Keller back as a player, and perhaps keep him in the organization after his playing career.
Last season, Keller made the MLS All-Star team and finished second in the league with a 0.92 goals-against average and tied at the top with 10 shutouts.
In 17 appearances this season, Keller ranks 12th in MLS with a 1.39 GAA and has five shutouts.
However, over the past three league games, he’s allowed two goals and helped preserve the Sounders’ victory Sunday with a quick lunging save of a Jamie Smith attempt and a leaping tip of a Conor Casey header.
“I had a little bit of experience come into play probably on that first header from Conor,” he said. “… I realized the only way he was going to beat me was by looping it back over the top – I just didn’t think he was going to be able to do it as well as he did. I think having that little bit in my mind gave me maybe that half a second that allowed me to get back to the ball.”
ADDED TIME
Sounders midfielder Steve Zakuani was selected Monday as MLS player of the week for his two-goal performance against Colorado. “It’s not something you play for,” Zakuani said. “It’s obviously nice to get the accolades for the way you play, but I think that was more of a team win than any individual performance from anyone.” … Sounders coach Sigi Schmid reacted Monday to the news that chief executive officer Tod Leiweke is leaving the organization to join the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning as CEO and part owner. “He is somebody who has been tremendous for our organization,” Schmid said. “… The respect that was given to the Sounders right from the beginning, I think that comes from the top.” … The Sounders will conclude training today for their home match Wednesday vs. AD Isidro Metapn of El Salvador. That will be the first of a two-game aggregate-score series for the right to move into the group stage of CONCACAF Champions League. Kickoff is 7 p.m. Wednesday at Qwest Field. Approximately 13,000 tickets have been sold.
Don Ruiz: 253-597-8808
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