You Write the Caption: The Freddie Ljungberg edition
Welcome to the latest installment of You Write the Captions. This week's contest features a photo of Major League Soccer's newest millionaire, Seattle Sounders FC signing Freddie Ljungberg, who already has fans in Seattle buzzing about the impact he could make on and off the field.
The photo in question isn't necessarily a funny one, but it does leave plenty of room for creativity on the caption front. It's up to you to deliver the humor.
Before we get to the photo, congratulations are in order to Dave (whichever Dave he may be) for the winning entry in the Ronaldo Rehab edition of YWTC. His submission was voted the top choice, edging out my favorite, from Pablo Chicago, 33 percent to 25 percent.
Now, on to the Ljungberg photo:
"Freddie Ljungberg thinks for a second before finally accepting the fact that playing in MLS beats having to keep posing in his underwear."
That was my take. Now it's your turn. Submit a relatively brief caption to go along with it. I will select the best entries and let you, the readers, vote on the best entry.
Fire away:
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
Have a tip, story idea or suggestion? Send it to:
"Now let's open this thing up and see who I signed with."
Posted by: Joe G. | October 30, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Hey look, it's already printed double sided with AC Milan on the back. Perfect for when I'm loaned.
Posted by: bubblehouse | October 30, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Freddie ponders How long before team is moved to Oklahoma City?
Posted by: steal your sounders | October 30, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Wow what have i done?
Posted by: EDB | October 30, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Freddie ponders on how long before the team is moved to Oklahoma City?
Posted by: steal your sounders | October 30, 2008 at 10:56 AM
"This isn't the photo shoot for the cover of the new Fifa game for xbox 360?!? What's that you say? I signed a contract for who? Oh sh*t."
Posted by: MemRook | October 30, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Ugh! These colors DO NOT bring out my eyes!
Posted by: Dannyc58 | October 30, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Eat your ****ing heart out, Becks.
Posted by: Graeme | October 30, 2008 at 11:01 AM
So, you think its about a 20 minute train ride to London, right?
Wait, how long?
What country am I in?
Posted by: Michael | October 30, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Freddie Ljunberg inspects thong worn by Drew Carey in recent presser.
Posted by: Fireball | October 30, 2008 at 11:01 AM
You want me to pose wearing nothing but this?
Posted by: brent | October 30, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Seattle? Is that near NY?
Posted by: Beckster | October 30, 2008 at 11:04 AM
hmm...would this scarf look good on me during my next photo shoot?
Posted by: rich rodrigues | October 30, 2008 at 11:04 AM
What is this Seattle?
Posted by: Igor | October 30, 2008 at 11:07 AM
I'm ready to vote for the OKC joke right now :)
That was DAMN funny...
Posted by: Brant | October 30, 2008 at 11:07 AM
It looks a little big for a headband but I think I can still go ninja in this league.
Posted by: Tom | October 30, 2008 at 11:07 AM
"Seattle? I thought my agent said Serie A!"
Posted by: Brett | October 30, 2008 at 11:07 AM
"Seattle? Where the hell is that?"
Posted by: sean | October 30, 2008 at 11:08 AM
"S-E-A-T-T-L-E, hmm, that almost spells SCUTTLE! Not me though."
Posted by: Jay Five | October 30, 2008 at 11:12 AM
"Freddie Ljungberg looking a little upset at a recent press conference after his salary was finally revealed to him on the back of a Seattle Sounders scarf."
Posted by: Kevin Johnson | October 30, 2008 at 11:12 AM
What the hell is a 'Sounder'?
Posted by: Thomas | October 30, 2008 at 11:13 AM
What the hell is a Seattle?
Posted by: Chuck | October 30, 2008 at 11:13 AM
ESPN Chat with Jeff Cooper 1:30 p.m. ET Today.
Cooper is the chairman of St. Louis Soccer United, the group that is leading the way to bring an MLS expansion franchise to St. Louis. Earlier this year, Cooper resigned from his position at his law firm so he could focus on obtaining a soccer team.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=23346
Posted by: Doug | October 30, 2008 at 11:17 AM
"talk to the scarf, cuz the face dont wanna hear it"
Posted by: WTF | October 30, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Ha! You spelled "Settle" wrong.
Posted by: Berlin | October 30, 2008 at 11:18 AM
I know I'm an underwear model, but seriously guys, I'm not wearing this on the field.
Posted by: Tom from Syracuse | October 30, 2008 at 11:19 AM
They want me to wear just this? Well, it's been worse.
Posted by: boneall | October 30, 2008 at 11:19 AM
"A good thing I put this 'cheat sheet' on the back of my scarf so I remember where I am and who I am playing for. But I wont forget how much money I am making though."
Posted by: RS | October 30, 2008 at 11:21 AM
What the heck is a seattle?
Posted by: Ferri | October 30, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Hmm... Is it to late to back out of this????
Posted by: soccerroo | October 30, 2008 at 11:26 AM
" yay Seattle! I still get to go to United States right?"
Posted by: Alex | October 30, 2008 at 11:26 AM
right now I think fireball has the lead by a large margin.
Posted by: soccerroo | October 30, 2008 at 11:28 AM
this scarf does nothing to show off my package.
Posted by: adam b | October 30, 2008 at 11:29 AM
"I am honored to now be a part of...(OH THANK GOD FOR THIS POST-IT) ...Se⋅at⋅tle"
Posted by: Darwin | October 30, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Meh, at least it isn't Toronto heh
Posted by: quartz62 | October 30, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Horken Dorken Seattle Microsoften Scarfen
(ala Swedish Chef)
Posted by: Squard | October 30, 2008 at 11:34 AM
I vote for the Drew Carey thong that is hilarious!!
Posted by: Brian | October 30, 2008 at 11:35 AM
"I always knew I would look good rollin' in green but who are the Sounders?"
Posted by: kco | October 30, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Hmm...I wonder how big a scarf I could knit with $5 to $7 million dollars.
Posted by: Jeff | October 30, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Freddie holds back a smile as he believes that Ashton will jump out with all the cameras from Punk'd any minute now and this whole nightmare will finally end.
Posted by: Rocco | October 30, 2008 at 11:42 AM
"Be careful what you wish for"--David Beckham
or "Kurt Cobain wuz here"
Posted by: doug | October 30, 2008 at 11:45 AM
The stack of money should be *this* tall.
Posted by: moodinator | October 30, 2008 at 11:45 AM
"I wonder if Calvin Klein makes this in white"
Posted by: Keough | October 30, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I thought they were gonna give me Sounders underwear instead.
Posted by: Amit | October 30, 2008 at 11:52 AM
So, when do I get to go to a welcome party hosted by Will Smith and Tom Cruise?
Posted by: Art | October 30, 2008 at 11:54 AM
"A scarf!?! I need a gasmask for Seattle!"
Posted by: jgildea | October 30, 2008 at 11:55 AM
"Does this scarf make me look fat?"
Posted by: Ed | October 30, 2008 at 11:58 AM
these little birckenstocks on the back are awesome!
Posted by: jevanvoo | October 30, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Ljungberg tries to show off his "super-human" strength for Seattle fans by ripping his new club's scarf in half, but ended up ripping his ACL instead.
Posted by: Mike Caramba | October 30, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Seattle... much better than Malmo.
Posted by: Garrett | October 30, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Seattle. Home of Ljunge music.
Posted by: MetroTard | October 30, 2008 at 12:09 PM
"Becks told me the toliet paper in America was extra soft. But he didn't tell me it was customized! I'm in love!! Now, do they have someone----- who know you----cleans it for you?"
Posted by: Michael vann | October 30, 2008 at 12:12 PM
What's the cheat code for PES 2008? This roster is pathetic.
Posted by: wyo fan | October 30, 2008 at 12:16 PM
I know I'm "big" but I don't think my package will fill this "tube sock"?!
Posted by: CPTKevin | October 30, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Break me off a piece of that Seattle-Bar!!
Posted by: Henduso | October 30, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Let's see if I've got now: S ... E .. A ...
Posted by: DavidJ | October 30, 2008 at 12:19 PM
"Hmm... back to the drawing board with the scarf design.."
though seriously, I want to vote now for the OKC one.
Posted by: JK2 | October 30, 2008 at 12:21 PM
"I guess this is the closest I'll actually come to wearing a Seattle Sounders uniform. Now, where's the physio room? I need to call shotgun on one of those massage chairs."
Posted by: Richard, UK | October 30, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Hey Colin Mochrie, Wayne Brady... what do I do with this prop?
Posted by: CPTKevin | October 30, 2008 at 12:24 PM
what the hell is a playoff?
Posted by: bellbj8 | October 30, 2008 at 12:28 PM
This isn't Los Angeles?
Posted by: Oranje Mike | October 30, 2008 at 12:30 PM
"hmmm whats this?
'dear freddy, when are you in milan next? love becks.'
what the?"
Posted by: Damiiano | October 30, 2008 at 12:34 PM
"What does this have to do with The Price Is Right?"
Posted by: White Kix | October 30, 2008 at 12:35 PM
LOL @ the captions... they're brightening my day. muchas gracias!
Posted by: thumpjosh | October 30, 2008 at 12:40 PM
"Seattle supermodel Ljungberg proudly displays his new team's color for the microphone."
Posted by: Modibo | October 30, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Ooops - should have been "colors".
Posted by: Modibo | October 30, 2008 at 12:42 PM
note to self: fire agent
Posted by: al | October 30, 2008 at 12:48 PM
For a good time... call... 867-5309?
Posted by: Steve | October 30, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Thank God - I needed something to wrap my knee with.
Posted by: kahlva | October 30, 2008 at 12:53 PM
"I pity the fools who think we'll ever lose to Beckham and the Galaxy!"
Posted by: gpdiddy81 | October 30, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Drew's Thong and OKC are front runners. The Drew one is a much better execution of the line I was trying to come up with.
Posted by: BlueWhiteLion | October 30, 2008 at 12:59 PM
WOW, I got a nickname already: 'EL TEAS'. Lundberg 'the torch', I like it..
Posted by: Al | October 30, 2008 at 01:01 PM
"I mean I'll model it, don't get me wrong, I'm just not sure how I put it on."
Posted by: ivanov | October 30, 2008 at 01:10 PM
"So I have to wrap this like a diaper how???"
Posted by: Hincha Tim | October 30, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Maybe, when I open my eyes, it will say Arsenal....damn!
Posted by: Chris | October 30, 2008 at 01:11 PM
He loves the Sounders thiiiiiiis much.
Posted by: Ethan | October 30, 2008 at 01:12 PM
What is this? This is not Sham-Wow!
Posted by: chupacabra | October 30, 2008 at 01:13 PM
And with this cloth I make shoes as shiny as my head!
Posted by: chupacabra | October 30, 2008 at 01:15 PM
"Hmmm...it says Seattle on this side too."
Posted by: dave k | October 30, 2008 at 01:17 PM
They promised me an Xbox 360 and all I got was this scarf...
Posted by: Chris | October 30, 2008 at 01:20 PM
omg joe G, you are the winrar of this competition, forsure
"now lets open this thing up and see who i signed with"
LOL
he totally has that look on his face, doesnt he?
Posted by: nelson | October 30, 2008 at 01:30 PM
sounder? what the f*** is a sounder?
Posted by: wrong | October 30, 2008 at 01:30 PM
The Swedish Chef joke was the only one to make me literally LOL!
Posted by: Betinho | October 30, 2008 at 01:31 PM
"Damn! I was the one person that voted for Alliance as the name."
Posted by: Rory Miller | October 30, 2008 at 01:36 PM
"You mean Seattle is now in MLS...my agent told me I was going to the successful league...the USL..."
Posted by: Andy in Atlanta | October 30, 2008 at 01:44 PM
I heard Beck's scarf was made by Prada, why the hell do i get this bootleg ebay crap.
Posted by: Alex | October 30, 2008 at 01:45 PM
So this is what retirement looks like!
Posted by: Huts | October 30, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Thank you, thank you. I happy to be here today to announce the name of my new venture. I'll be opening up an exclusive gentleman's club here called "El Teats"...what the...its spelled wrong...damn that guy with the glasses...
Posted by: Jason | October 30, 2008 at 01:51 PM
And they think my skills are worth more than this scarf...
Posted by: Mike | October 30, 2008 at 01:59 PM
"I came half way around the world and you got me a....scarf. Wow, thanks. I'll keep this in my closet by the Gondwandaland sweater you gave me last year"
Posted by: Kyle | October 30, 2008 at 02:01 PM
"Dear Freddy- I need you to also lead our marching band. Please wear just this. Thanks, Drew."
Posted by: TomM | October 30, 2008 at 02:07 PM
"they sure did have to make the scarf long to fit THAT on the other side"
Posted by: josh | October 30, 2008 at 02:17 PM
New Sounder signee Freddie Ljungberg demonstrates to the Seattle press how endowed one has to be to work for Calvin Klein.
Posted by: Wispy | October 30, 2008 at 02:17 PM
"I'm actually doing this? OOhhhhh, CRAP. What was my agent THINKING?!?"
Posted by: Juan-John | October 30, 2008 at 02:24 PM
I call this one Blue Steel
Posted by: Jugganaut | October 30, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Why does it say David Beckham on the back of my scarf?
Posted by: Landis | October 30, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Wait... I thought they said I would need an umbrella in Seattle?
Posted by: Justin | October 30, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Screw scarves, I need a raincoat to play in Seattle!
Posted by: gordon | October 30, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Joe G. wins! Joe G. wins!
Posted by: Wispy | October 30, 2008 at 02:35 PM
This would make a good crotch stuffer for my next underwear shoot
Posted by: Gordon | October 30, 2008 at 02:36 PM