The Local Papers are Not Kind to Coach Jason

Cosmos should stop making excuses, start making progress
By Steve Kelley
Seattle Times staff columnist

How many times does this need to be said?

The Cosmos are in trouble. In trouble with their fans. In trouble with the Woodland Park Soccer Association. How many times does this need to be said?

Yesterday, with a chance to show they belonged, with a chance to show that their early season success wasn’t a fluke the Cosmos lost 2-0 to the Tigers.

The Cosmos have to be honest with themselves. They have to, once and for all show their fans that they aren't all about post game hot dogs. That they don't believe just eating the half time snacks are good enough. That they can dream big.

The Cosmos need change.

But change isn't coming.

Winning seems to matter very little to these parents.

The Cosmos sent their season-ticket holders a letter telling them, in so many words, that the franchise is progressing quite nicely.

At least that appears to be what they are telling their most loyal ticket buyers, because the letter, says Head Coach Jason McDonald and Coach Brian will return next season.

It calls McDonald and Coach Brian "the right people to lead us to the next level."It also acknowledges that the Cosmos have been in a rebuilding program since 2004.

Who knew?

The Cosmos never won when they needed to win. They sort of played themselves into contention several times, then tightened with stage fright when the games got more meaningful.

They fattened their record on the weak of the weak of Shoreline and West Ballard's dreary Under 14 teams.

The letter says the Cosmos were the second-youngest team in Woodland Park, next to the Mini-Wolves. But compare the talent of the Mini-Wolves young players with the Cosmos'. It's no contest.

How many times does this need to be said?

The Cosmos have to stop making excuses and start making real progress.

The season-ticket holders, who were wondering if McDonald and Coach Brian would return, got their answer this week.

It was the wrong answer.