Supporters Summit Events Proving Seattle’s Image as the Benchmark

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Kasey Keller was awarded the Emerald City Supporters Player of the Year Award last night during an event in Fuel, their home base for much of the season. The Sounders goalkeeper was in superb form, agreeing to sing, pose for pictures and sign autographs. Interestingly enough, he received a rapturous ovation when he signaled his dislike of the confetti rained on the ground before every home match.

A silent auction at the Elysian Fields pub was well attended with Taylor Graham in attendance beforehand, and many fans of the two visiting sides, Real Salt Lake and Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Prost Amerika event at The Baltic Room was attended by over 180 fans and media. In a spirited Q&A session, the panel clashed on issues such as the quality of the refereeing in MLS, diving, video replays and Pat Onstad’s recent tussle with Fredy Montero. There were some interesting disagreements but, a well educated audience prompted serious discussion as well as some great laughter.

None of the guests were given an easy ride. Sounders GM Adrian Hanauer dealt very openly with the issues of player on field conduct, especially after there was loud audience approval for the idea that Sounders fans do not like to see their stars embellishing challenges to cheat referees. Sandy Hunt from FIFA was charged with defending the level of refereeing in MLS and enlightened the audience when she revealed that it takes 12 years to make a referee the top quality fans would like to see, but many leave after five because of family and work commitments. There seemed to be a consensus that professional referees was another step forward MLS could consider. Our guest from Winnipeg Jeremy St Louis was warmly welcomed and didn’t pander to the Sounders fan base at all when discussing the incident between his fellow countryman, Onstad, and Sounders Fredy Montero. Many attendees commented afterwards that he had won a great deal of respect for standing his ground rather than pandering. His comments defending Thierry Henry after there was some booing at the mention of his name actually turned the room round on the issue of his possible appearance in Seattle. Peter Fewing was very entertaining, but in his new role as Head Coach of the Kitsap Pumas, had to face a tough question too. Talking very honestly, he declined to instruct his new players to inform referees every time a false decision went his new team’s way. Now, if it goes against the Pumas ….. Pete was overall as entertaining and as charming as he has been all year on television.

Jeremy St Louis Makes his Point as Adrian Hanauer Listens Intently

It was that kind of meeting. There were some tough questions and some highly respected panelists treating those questions with respect. Prost Amerika Player of the Year James Riley also stopped by. Together with all the other Supporters Summit activities going on, our event hopefully added to the notion that the MLS Cup Final is safe in Seattle’s hands. Dave Clark, Kevin Zelko, Greg Roth and Rachel Malloy have organised much of the rest of the activities and deserve congratulations for stepping up to the plate and ensuring this city sets yet another benchmark for others to meet in succeeding years.