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Vinny Oliveira Wins Sounders Supersearch
Brazilian Joy
February 2
Vinny Oliveira in Action at TukwilaIn a trial game held at Tukwila yesterday, the ten finalists plus a goalkeeper played the Seattle Wolves in a 70 minute match. The Wolves won 2-0 but the bad news for Sounders FC was the injury to Gareth Waite who left the pitch with a head injury in just the fifth minute.
Alvaro Valencia played at right back in the first half and left back in the second half. On both occasions, his touchline was the closer one to the watching Sounders FC staff including coach Sigi Schmid and Technical Director, Chris Henderson.
The ten finalists were Chase Mikkelsen, Dallas Jaussi, Desmond Tachie, Erik Sterling, Al Valencia, Vinicius Oliveira, Gareth Waite, Oliver Wellman, Samuel Lam and Cerviano "Junior" Garcia.
Dallas Jaussi, Junior Garcia, Chase Mikkelsen and Vinny Oliveira made the final four, with Jaussi winning the fan vote. At the end of the show, the judges narrowed down the choice to Junior Garcia and Vinny Oliveira who then played a one on one game. At the end of the show, Vinny Oliveira was declared the winner and will board the flight to Los Angeles with the rest of the squad.
One Last
Chance to
Use the Logo
Five USL Players Let Go
January 30
Seattle Sounders FC released five players following Friday's practice at Seahawks headquarters, midfielders Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar and Kenji Treschuk and defender Kevin Sakuda, all of whom were regular starters in the USL side. In addition, defender John Fishbaugher and forward Youssouf Kante were also released. All five played in Friday's 11-on-11 practice match, but were then told they had been let go. The news is very sad for all five though of them, only Sakuda and Treschuk were seen as having any realistic prospect of making the step up by those who had watched the club last year. Other USL players such as Roger Levesque, Danny Jackson, Zach Scott and Adam West live on to fight another day and their chances are obviously improved as a result of the pool of possible recruits being thinned down.
The Seattle Times reports that Sounders FC will add the following players to the camp roster next week: Third-round draft pick Jared Karkas, former Kansas City Wizards forward Ryan Pore, former DC United forward Quavas Kirk and first-year forward Jeff Clark, who played at Concordia College in California.
"We're moving forward," Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid said. "Some guys have done well and they're going to continue to be with us, and some guys, we're going to move forward on and look at other players." There are currently 27 players on the roster, but six are dealing with injuries, one is not under contract and one, Karkas, will report next week.
Vagenas Surgery a Success
January 29
Sounders FC midfielder Peter Vagenas underwent arthroscopic surgery to trim articular cartilage yesterday. It was successful and Peter should begin training in 3-4 weeks, barring any complications. The 5' 8" midfielder who will turn 30 next Friday was signed from the LA Galaxy in the recent draft held on November 28th, 2008.He played at UCLA form 1996-99 where he played for Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid. Vagenas started 164 of 183 regular season MLS appearances in his time at the Galaxy, scoring 14 goals and adding 25 assists. He also started 17 of 19 MLS playoff appearances, and scored two goals and two assists. He appeared in three MLS Cups, starting two (2001, 2005) and winning two (2002, 2005).
Probably his finest season came in 2005, starting 28 of 29 appearances and serving as captain of the Galaxy team that won the double MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup. In 1997, he led UCLA to the NCAA championship.
Crew Looking Forward to Seattle Visit
External Factors Add Bite to Huge Test for Sounders
The publication of the MLS Schedule for 2009 was eagerly awaited by fans across America. In Seattle and Columbus especially, one fixture was awaited with even more excitement. On May 30th, Polish legend Robert Warzycha will bring his new charges Columbus Crew to Qwest Field. This fixture grabs the imagination for two reasons. Firstly, the Columbus Crew are the reigning MLS Champions, quite simply the best in the country.
Robert Warzycha with the MLS TrophyPhoto: Columbus Crew
But that's only half the story. Columbus Crew were led to victory by Sigi Schmid, their German-born head coach. Sigi Schmid immediately left the Ohio side to join the Seattle Sounders FC project and spearhead their drive to victory in the inaugural season. The move was less than harmonious with accusations circulating about the timing of Seattle's approach to the hire. Luckily all concerned adopted a very mature approach to it and everybody has moved on.
However, as new Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce would tell you, there is always a little extra bite when a coach faces his old side so recently after leaving. Warzycha will be keen to prove that he can carry on the Crew success and that his side don't miss Schmid and of course, Sigi will know the opposition players very well. He will know all about Guillermo Barros Schelotto, the Argentinean who is recognised as one of the best players in MLS. To add a little more fuel to the fire, Sounders' second assistant coach is Ezra Hendrickson who played for Schmid at Columbus during his time there.
Columbus kick off their season with a difficult match in Houston although March 21st may not be a bad time to play in the Texas heat; a fact that they will realise in full come June when they visit Dallas. Their first home fixture follows seven days later when Toronto FC visit. Sounders FC kick off with an attractive fixture against the side the Crew beat in the final, New York Red Bulls on March 19, then play Real Salt Lake at home on March 28th. They make their road debut in Toronto on April 4th but don't play in their first US city until their fifth game at Chivas USA in Los Angeles on April 18th.
Sigi Will be 'Well Prepared'
Brian Bliss, Technical Director of the Columbus Crew, is looking forward to the game with anticipation. "We are looking forward to our game in Seattle because of the type of atmosphere we believe will be created with the amount of season tickets already sold. I am sure Sigi will have his team prepared like always and expect it to be a good game." Commenting on the Crew schedule overall, Bliss added, "We are generally satisfied with how our schedule is laid out. We have some natural breaks in Aug and Sept which will be helpful during our Champions League run. Also many of our West Coast trips come early rather than later when the schedule can become hectic with excessive travel."One thing is certain. If the Sounders manage to get their season off to a successful start, this is a match that will attract absorbed interest beyond the boundaries of Washington State and Ohio. Sigi will ensure a "Herzlich Willkommen" for his old friends. After all, he has to go back there on October 3rd.
Sounders FC's First Community Event Declared a Success
Over $3300 Raised
Gary Wright Attends the EventPhoto: Joe Armand
Gary Wright serves on the charity's Board of Directors was the Seahawks' public relations director and vice president of administration for the past 32 years. He now serves as Sounders FC's Head of Business Operations. Wright attended the event and was clearly delighted with the outcome.
He told Prost Amerika, "We were very happy how it turned it out. Great, responsive crowd and I think everyone involved was happy. We plan to have a monthly event like that to keep our players, coaches and management accessible and at the same time help the charity."
Prost Amerika will bring you news of SeattleSCORES next event which will be a happy hour in February. SeattleSCORES is one of four partner organisations of the Sounders. For more information about SeattleSCORES, please visit them at the SeattleSCORES website.
Sounders FC's Schedule Announced
6pm Kick off on Opening Day - Chivas and San Jose to be Played Three Times
January 28
Major League Soccer announced the complete 30-game schedule for Seattle Sounders FC on Wednesday, with nine matches selected to be televised nationally.
Sounders FC will play three of its first four games at Qwest Field, beginning with the inaugural game March 19 against the New York Red Bulls in high definition on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. Seattle will appear three other times on the ESPN network, all at home: D.C. United on June 17, Chicago Fire on July 25 and New England Revolution on August 20.
Three games will be televised by Fox Soccer Channel and two by TeleFutura. All Sounders FC league games not aired nationally will be carried live by KING 5 or KONG 6/16. Seattle will play three consecutive MLS games at home between June 28 and July 15. The schedule also features two stretches of three consecutive road games.
Sounders FC will play two other Western Conference teams a third time. San Jose will visit Qwest Field twice and Seattle will travel twice to play Chivas USA. The defending MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew visits Seattle May 30.
At a later date, the team will announce three additional games to be included in the season ticket package. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting www.SoundersFC.com or phoning 1-877-MLS-GOAL. Single game tickets go on sale on March 1st, via Ticketmaster and 7-game packs at 15% off with an option to buy the opener will go on sale in about a week.
Sounders to Welcome David Beckham on May 10
Among the highlights, other than opening day, is the May 30th visit of Columbus Crew, MLS Champions and Sigi Schmid's former club. Fans looking for an away day trip may be eyeing up three dates in LA, April 18th and May 6 at Chivas, and August 15 at the LA Galaxy. August 15 is a Saturday, not a Wednesday as the club's release states. Trips to Salt Lake on August 8 and San Jose on August 2 are also attractive to traveling fans. The August 2nd game is a Sunday not a Saturday as the club press release states.
The club itself will be licking its financial lips for Sunday May 10th at midday, when LA Galaxy bring David Beckham to Qwest Field. San Jose Earthquakes are the only club to visit Qwest Field twice and Chivas are the only club Sounders FC visit twice.
No Hard Lines but no Plain Sailing Either
Maurice Johnston Will
Bring his Toronto Side to
Seattle on August 29
However, there are a few clashes with Seattle Mariners home games which could create both a traffic problem but a fantastic party atmosphere in downtown Seattle. The big days are July 11 when the Texas Rangers and Houston Dynamo both visit. Surprisingly, they club didn't seek to have the Arlington based baseball side visit with FC Dallas, but many visiting Dynamo fans may want to go cheer on the Mariners against the hated rivals of the Houston Astros.
On July 25, the Cleveland Indians visit Safeco and the Chicago Fire play in Qwest Field. On August 29, Scotland legend Maurice Johnston brings his Toronto FC side to town and the Kansas City Royals arrive on the same day. Finally, the New York Yankees play our Mariners on September 19 on the same day as Chivas USA visit Seattle.
2009 Seattle Sounders FC Schedule (all times Pacific)
Mar. 19 Thu. New York Red Bulls 6:00 ESPN2/ESPN Deportes
Mar. 28 Sat. Real Salt Lake 7:30
Apr. 4 Sat. at Toronto FC 1:00 Fox Soccer Channel
Apr. 11 Sat. Kansas City Wizards 7:30
Apr. 18 Sat. at Chivas USA 7:30
Apr. 25 Sat. San Jose Earthquakes 7:30
May 2 Sat. at Chicago Fire 5:30
May 10 Sun. L.A. Galaxy 12:00 TeleFutura
May 16 Sat. at FC Dallas 5:30
May 23 Sat. at Colorado Rapids 6:30
May 30 Sat. Columbus Crew 7:30 Fox Soccer Channel
June 6 Sat. at Chivas USA 7:30
June 13 Sat. San Jose Earthquakes 7:30
June 17 Wed. D.C. United 8:00 ESPN2/ESPN Deportes
June 20 Sat. at New York Red Bulls 4:30
June 28 Sun. Colorado Rapids 1:00
July 11 Sat. Houston Dynamo 1:00
July 25 Sat. Chicago Fire 12:00 ESPN/ESPN Deportes
Aug. 2 Sun. at San Jose Earthquakes 12:00 TeleFutura
Aug. 8 Sat. at Real Salt Lake 6:00
Aug. 15 Sat. at L.A. Galaxy 8:00
Aug. 20 Thu. New England Revolution 7:00 ESPN2/ESPN Deportes
Aug. 23 Sun. at Houston Dynamo 5:30
Aug. 29 Sat. Toronto FC 1:00
Sept. 12 Sat. at D.C. United 4:30
Sept. 19 Sat. Chivas USA 2:00 Fox Soccer Channel
Sept. 26 Sat. at New England Revolution 4:30
Oct. 3 Sat. at Columbus Crew 4:30
Oct. 17 Sat. at Kansas City Wizards 5:30
Oct. 24 Sat. FC Dallas 7:30
For a colourful view of more soccer in the Puget Sound Area this summer, please click here.Sounders FC's First Ever Community Event Packs George and Dragon
Keller Delights Crowd with Bundesliga Anecdote
January 27
The Chelsea Game
One of the questions that came up in the Q and
A concerned Prost Amerika's exclusive story about English giants,
Chelsea FC, playing a friendly here in Seattle. GM Adrian Hanauer was clearly expecting it but the question provoked some laughter regarding the extent to which the fans are well informed.
Hanauer drew a great cheer form the crowd when he replied, "We're definitely working on the game. I think that this is very very very likely to happen. I can't say 100% for certain. We're working on international exhibitions, other big games. We want to entertain."
The event was a fundraiser for Seattle SCORES, a charity which uses football as a means of encouraging literacy. Carole Kelley, Executive Director, and Jake Witts, Program Manager spoke to us about their links with Sounders FC.
Jake explained to us, "I'm the program manager. I train coaches in schools that we serve and I co-ordinate and run programs which have a literacy and a a soccer focus. We have monthly happy hours and a corporate soccer tournament coming up. It's a new partnership and Gary Wright is on our Board of Directors. We are one of four official partners of Sounders FC, as a partner of theirs, we are hoping for exposure for the organisation, to raise some funds for our kids and celebrate the fantastic opportunity to have an MLS team in our community. I was a big football fan and support Tromso in Norway; that's where my wife is from. I also like Fulham in England because I like Brian McBride."
A question and answer session followed in which Sigi Schmid, Adrian Hanauer and Kasey Keller answered a variety of questions from the crowd.
A Fan Asks a Question.
Photo: Joe Armand
Hanauer spoke about how important community involvement was to Sounders FC. "It's really important to me, being born and raised in this community. A sports organisation and its community go together. Sounders FC is a continuation of Seattle Sounders and we'll be out often supporting all the organisations we have decided to partner with. We hope to try and do as many food things for the community as possible."
"There's a Cathedral in Portland too, Kasey!"
Oh de Cologne! You Can See
Kasey's 'Embarrassment'.
Photo: Joe Armand
"I was fined €3000 by the Deutscher Fussball Bund (German Football
Association) for starting an anti-Cologne song. At Mönchengladbach, there are probably 15-20,000 people standing behind the goal and there's a microphone that
just goes to that section of the stand. After the game they handed me a microphone but no-one told me they
had re-routed the microphone to go to the whole stadium. So the owner of FC Köln didn't like it a whole lot and heard it as he was leaving the stadium. The song starts with the words "Cologne, Cologne", and then 20,000 people start singing "Die Scheisse vom Dom." He didn't enjoy that too much as he was walking to his car. But it was the best €3000 I ever spent. I was talking with some friends who played Cologne this season. Of course the newspapers kept mentioning this song to get the rivalry going. If I have to spend $3000 to get the fans going here, it'll be worth it. I'm sure Adrian will pay the fine anyway!" (See
Kasey Keller earn his fine here,
with apologies to any Kölner reading).
Osvaldo Alonso Signed from Charleston Battery
Sigi Enters the George
for the First Time
Photo: Joe Armand
"We like Ossie. He played against the Sounders in the USL four times I believe last year and was very good in all four. A very well rounded player, decent speed, good on the ball, good technically, hard worker. He has a bit of 'nasty' in him in the tackle, just willing to do some of the dirty work. He gives another piece of the puzzle in midfield, and specifically someone we could look at defensively in midfield. Rookie of the year, under 23. He he has a long future. We thought he was one of the best players in the USL last year and decide that we wanted him. It was another player we wanted to bring in who fitted into our overall strategy."
Alonso, 23, started 31 games for the Charleston Battery last summer, scoring four goals and adding two assists. He also scored two goals in Open Cup play and another in the USL postseason. The Battery advanced to the U.S. Open Cup final, losing to D.C. United, and also qualified for the USL-1 playoffs. A native of Cuba, Alonso defected during the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup in Houston. He made 17 international appearances for Cuba, scoring twice. Earlier he served as captain of the U-23 national team during qualifying for the 2008 Olympic Games.
“It’s great to get a player like Alonso,” said Sigi Schmid. “As a technical central midfielder, he’s very good with the ball, a clever passer and he’s coming off a very successful USL season.” Alonso played three years (2005-07) for FC Pinar del Rio, winner of the Cuban championship in 2006.
Osvaldo Alonso Factfile:
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-11
Weight: 165
Birthdate: 11/11/1985
Hometown: San Cristóbal, Cuba
Last Club: Charleston Battery (USL-1)
Hanauer Pays Tribute to Craig Tomlinson - Hints at Future Role
Tomlinson Scores Seattle's Fourth
on a Memorable Night in Tukwila
One small surprise of the night was the appearance of the chairman of
English club Sheffield Wednesday, but Hanauer said there was nothing to read into it, "Tonight was our first meeting. I only knew they were coming half an hour before the event."
Sounders FC Preseason Schedule Takes Shape
7 Dates Announced; Argentina Schedule Being Finalised
Sounders FC have announced its schedule of domestic 2009 MLS preseason games, including two matches open to the public during the upcoming training in Southern California. The club opened training January 21 and will face opposition for the first time on February 9, with a training game in Carson, Calif., against the L.A. Galaxy. On February 10, Seattle will face Chinese Super League champion Shandong Luneng at the Sounders FC training site in Oxnard.
Three preseason games will be open to the public. The first is February 11 at the Ventura County Fusion of the Premier Development League (PDL). The final game in California is February 13 at San Luis Obispo, against the San Jose Earthquakes. After returning to the Pacific Northwest, Sounders FC will visit the University of Portland on February 20.
A pair of closed-door matches will take place at Qwest Field. Seattle hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps February 22 and, in the final preseason game March 12, Sounders FC plays the Colorado Rapids. Seattle hosts the New York Red Bulls to open the MLS season March 19 before a national television audience on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Still to be finalised are four dates during the team’s training sessions in Argentina from February 27-March 5.
Sounders FC Acquire Patrick Ianni in Trade with Houston
Central Defender Played 3 Seasons for Dynamo and is Familiar with the Olympics!
Sounders FC have announced the acquisition of Houston Dynamo Central Defender Patrick Ianni. The full release reads as follows:
Patrick Ianni, a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, has been acquired by the Seattle Sounders FC from the Houston Dynamo in exchange for a conditional 2010 MLS SuperDraft selection, it was announced Monday. Ianni, 23, is a 6-foot-1 central defender who played the past three seasons for Houston. He saw action in 17 matches, starting 10, in 2008. He also played nine more games for the Dynamo during SuperLiga, Champions Cup and CONCACAF Champions League play. Although he did not see action in Beijing, he played in three of five qualifying matches for the U.S.
Houston receives Seattle’s third-round pick in 2010. However, if Ianni plays in 20 or more MLS regular season and playoffs games, Houston will instead get the Sounders FC second-round selection.
“Ianni gives us a young, experienced central defender with a big upside,” said Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid. “He’s very strong in the air, which is something we need to add to our team right now.”
In his three seasons for the Dynamo, Ianni played 35 regular season games, starting 19 and scoring one goal. Houston won the MLS Cup in 2006 and 2007. Ianni (pronounced ee-AW-nee) started for Schmid while with the U.S. U-20 National Team at the 2005 World Youth Championships. He was an All-American and Hermann trophy semifinalist in his only season (2005) at UCLA. Following his freshman season at UCLA, Ianni signed with Generation Adidas and was selected by Houston with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft.
His older brother, Tayt, played for Schmid and was a teammate of Seattle technical director Chris Henderson on the Bruins’ 1990 NCAA championship team. Tayt also played two MLS seasons (1996-97) for San Jose.
Patrick Ianni Factfile:
Transaction: Seattle Sounders (MLS) – Obtained D Patrick Ianni from Houston Dynamo for 2010 SuperDraft conditional draft pick
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 175
Hometown: Lodi, California
DOB: 4/15/1985 in North Babylon, New York
Last Club: Houston Dynamo (MLS)
Sounders FC releases Four USL Players
No Surprises as Four Fringe Players are Released
Coach Sigi Schmid has let four of last year's Seattle Sounders players go. There are no real surprises but maybe some sadness as the ever popular veteran Craig Tomlinson is among them. The others are midfielder Nik Besagno, forward Jason Cascio, and forward Andre Schmid. Craig may be best remembered by some for his elation at netting the fourth goal in Seattle's 4-0 win over the Atlanta Silverbacks in the USL Final in 2007, having been inserted as a substitute for the last few minutes.The news however may be read as a sign that other players from last year's squad are still being considered. Hawaiian midfielder Kenji Treschuk and Josh Gardener are among the favourites although full backs Kevin Sakuda and Zach Scott also impressed last year. They would join Sanna Nyassi, Seb Le Toux, Taylor Graham and Chris Eylander who have already been 'drafted' to the MLS squad.
Chelsea Visit Dependent on League Form?
Club Needs to Avoid Early European Qualification Tie to Keep Stateside Visit on Track
January 25
Chelsea Football Club's reported glamour friendly in Seattle may still be in some doubt. The club are provisionally booked to play a friendly against Sounders FC at QWest Field on July 18. The date is tentative and an early afternoon kick off is likely. Chelsea's current line up includes such world stars as Frank Lampard, Nicholas Anelka, Deco, John Terry, Peter Cech and Didier Drogba. More details as we get them.
They are managed by World Cup winner Phil Scolari and have been English champions twice in recent seasons. Last season they reached the European Champions League final only to lose on penalties against Manchester United in a game they dominated.
However, the game is yet to be confirmed. In recent years, Chelsea have finished high up enough in the English league to guarantee automatic qualification to the Champions League. The top three in England automatically qualify for the league stages of that tournament. The fourth placed side have to play in a play-off round for non champions and this may prevent Chelsea visiting the States at all. A Chelsea FC spokesman told our correspondent in London, "No decision has being made yet. In fact we haven't decided if they are going to the States or not. One of the factors is that Chelsea are not sure of a Champions League place yet. We could have to play early Champions League qualifiers."
Chelsea currently lie third in the EPL behind Manchester United and Liverpool so they have good cause for caution. However, this gives Seattle fans another reason to cheer them on in their English League campaign.
Click here to read Seattle's Only EPL News Page
Barcelona too?
Prost Amerika asked Sounders FC for comment but nothing was ready for official announcement. "We are in discussions with representatives of both Chelsea and Barcelona. However, at this time we are not at the stage where we can make any announcement regarding either club coming to Seattle," a spokesman said.Seattle SCORES Happy Hour Fundraiser Set for George and Dragon
Sigi Schmid, Adrian Hanauer and Kasey Keller among the Guests
January 24A fund raising event for the charity Seattle SCORES will be held at the George and Dragon pub in Fremont this coming Monday, January 26th. The event starts at 5pm and space is limited. You have to be over 21 to attend and ID is recommended.
There is a suggested donation of $5 at the door which will give you a chance to win two tickets to a Sounders FC home game or a signed Freddie Ljungberg soccer ball. There will also be a silent auction to win a Kasey Keller jersey. Sigi Schmid, Owner/GM Adrian Hanauer and Goalkeeper Kasey Keller will answer questions on the upcoming inaugural season. John Bayliss, co-owner of the George and Dragon, told Prost Amerika, "We are delighted to help Seattle SCORES. It's humans helping other humans using football as the tool. What could be better? We're glad to be able to help and be part of it."
Seattle SCORES is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which empowers students in urban communities using soccer, writing, creative expression, and service-learning. With teamwork as the unifying value, they seek to inspire youth to lead healthy lifestyles, be engaged students, and become agents of change in their communities.
Read an interview with Peter Fewing, a member of the local chapter of America SCORES on the Sounders FC website.
When: Monday, January 26, 2009
5pm - 8pm
Where: George & Dragon Pub
206 N 36th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
206-545-6864
Voting is Now Open for the Sounders Super Search
King5 to Show the Finalists after the Superbowl
January 23Sounders FC have announced the opening of the voting to choose the winner of the Sounders Super Search contest. The winner will secure a place on the MLS roster for 2009. You can view highlight videos, biographical information and comments from Sounders FC evaluators on each of our ten finalists on King.com.
You can vote for your favourite finalist on SoundersFC.com from January 22nd through January 30th. The finalist with the most votes automatically gets a spot in the final four during the final show broadcast LIVE on King 5, February 1st, approx. 8:30pm at Starfire Sports Complex. It will air immediately after the NFL Superbowl match between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals live from the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
The finalists are:
Chase Mikkelsen
-
Dallas Jaussi
Desmond Tachie
- Erik Sterling
Al Valencia
-
Vinicius Oliveira
Gareth Waite
-
Oliver Wellman
Samuel Lam
- Cerviano "Junior" Garcia
Please click on the name of each player to see a full biography. The ten finalists will team up with a guest to play an XI versus XI fixture against the Seattle Wolves at Starfire Sports Complex Stadium Field on Saturday, January 31st at 1:00pm.
For more information visit SounderFc.com or King5.com.
Red Bulls Pass on Sigi's Son
New York Red Bulls will not be adding Kyle Schmid, son of Seattle head coach Sigi to their roster. The central defender who came out of the University of California-Irvine initially drew the interest of the Red Bulls coaches during an NCAA tournament game at St. John's."I was pretty fortunate because we don't play a lot of games on the East Coast so it's good to be seen by an MLS team out here and obviously it paid off," Kyle said. Where the 6' 2" Schmid ends up remains to be seen. But he won't be following his father to Seattle. "I kind of wanted to stay away from that," he said of playing for his father. "All my life it's been hung over my head pretty much so I'm trying to pave my own way," he told MLS.net.
Taylor Graham Makes The Leap up to MLSPhoto: Joe Armand
Taylor Graham Gets the Nod
Tall Centre-Half Brings MLS Experience
January 21Last year's USL Sounders centre-half Taylor Graham has joined the MLS roster for next year. The 6' 4" defender previously played for Kansas City Wizards in the MLS in the 2003 and 2004. He joins Chris Eylander, Seb le Toux and Sanna Nyassi from last year's Seattle Sounders. Taylor was one of the stand outs from last year's disappointing USL seasons and frequently looked to have the class of an MLS star in the lower league. It is widely expected that one or two others from that squad may get the nod with tough midfielder Hawaiian Kenji Treschuk highly favoured.
Graham, who was All-USL First Division and finalist for defender of the year in 2008, played three seasons with the USL-1 Sounders, including their championship seasons of 2005 and 2007. He was voted USL-1 defender of the year in 2005 and was twice voted first team all-league. He made the second team in 2007.
“There’s a much greater sense of pride making the leap to the MLS having played for the USL Sounders,” said Graham. “Initially, my goal was to join the team. Now the goal is to help bring a championship to Seattle.”Originally drafted 33rd overall by Kansas City in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft, Graham played two seasons with the Wizards. He appeared in 19 matches, including 17 in 2004 for the MLS Cup finalists and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup winners.
Graham spent the 2005 season with Seattle before finding his way back into MLS in 2006, signing with the New York Red Bulls. Over a season-and-a-half, he appeared in 15 matches for New York before returning to the Sounders midway through the 2007 season.
“Taylor is a center back with good size and presence,” said Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid. “He is very good at organizing and making the players around him better.”
After walking-on his freshman year, Graham helped Stanford reach the NCAA tournament four times, advancing to the NCAA College Cup semifinal as a junior and final as a senior. He was named All Pac-10 first team his senior year, and was voted first team All-Academic Pac-10 twice.
Taylor Graham Factfile:
Position: Defender
Height: 6' 4"
Weight: 190
Birthdate: 6/3/1980
Hometown (Citizenship): Fair Oaks, Calif. (USA)
Previous Clubs: Kansas City (MLS, 2003-04), Seattle (USL, 2005), New York (MLS, 2006-07), Seattle (USL-1/2007-08)
College: Stanford University (1998-2002)
Ezra Hendrickson Appointed Second Assistant Coach
Schmid Brings Former Charge from Columbus
January 20
Ezra Hendrickson
“In the latter years of his career, Ezra was like a coach on the field for me,” said Schmid. “It’s that ability and his wealth of recent playing experience which he brings to our staff.”Hendrickson appeared in 266 regular season matches with 225 starts. Playing on defense, he scored 23 goals and added 30 assists. He also played in 32 postseason games with five goals and three assists. Schmid was Hendrickson’s coach during eight of his MLS seasons. They were together for the L.A. Galaxy’s MLS Cup season of 2002.
“I’m very excited. Seattle is very good organization, and I am joining the staff of arguably the best coach in the league,” said Hendrickson, who earned his U.S. Soccer ‘B’ Coaching License in December. “After taking the coaching course, I realized coaching was something I would like to do and I feel privileged to have this opportunity immediately after my playing career.”A native of the island of St. Vincent in the Caribbean, Hendrickson began his career in 1997 with the New York MetroStars, before joining the Galaxy later that season. He totaled six seasons in Los Angeles, where he also won the 2000 CONCACAF Champions Cup and the 2001 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. He was also named Galaxy’s Most Valuable Player for the 2001 season.
Hendrickson went to Dallas in 2003 and began the next season with the A-League’s Charleston Battery before joining D.C. United for its run to the 2004 MLS Cup. After starting all 31 appearances in 2005 for the expansion Chivas USA, Hendrickson was acquired by Columbus in early 2006. An All-American and business administration major at Drake University, Hendrickson first played professionally with New Orleans of the USISL Select League (1995-96). After earning his first international cap in 1995, he served 12 years as captain of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines national team.
Hendrickson becomes the fourth coach for Sounders FC. Earlier, Schmid named Brian Schmetzer as his top assistant and Tom Dutra the goalkeeper coach. David Tenney is the fitness coach.
Sounders FC Begin Pre-season Training
One of the next milestones towards the big kick-off is reached today when Sounders FC begin pre-season training. Just over eight weeks before the inaugural game, 31 players are expected to report for the first Seattle Sounders FC preseason training session, Jan. 21 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash. Head coach Sigi Schmid will welcome 13 of 15 players who are currently under contract. The balance of the group will be comprised of trialists, most having played for the USL Sounders in 2008.Goalkeeper Kasey Keller leads the group of veterans. Keller, the Olympia, Wash., native who has spent the previous 18 seasons playing in Europe, is a three-time U.S. player of the year and is entering his first Major League Soccer season. Also reporting are MLS rookies, forward Sebastien Le Toux and midfielder Sanna Nyassi. Both were signed last year and then loaned to the USL Sounders.
Among those in attendance will be the top two MLS SuperDraft choices for Sounders FC. Forward Steve Zakuani was the No. 1 overall pick from the University of Akron and a member of Generation adidas. Defender Evan Brown of Wake Forest was the first selection of the second round. Jared Karkas (D, Azusa Pacific) and Michael Fucito (M, Harvard) will join the team Feb. 2 in Ventura, Calif.
Gambia's Sanna Nyassi Reporting for Duty
Among the invited non-contract players are a Colombian international and 16 members of the Sounders franchise which competed in the USL First Division team in 2008.Forward Freddy Montero, 21, has been a member of Colombia’s Deportivo Cali since 2005. During that time he has been one of the top scorers in the first division and capped three times by the national team.
Among the USL Sounders is defender Taylor Graham, a threetime all-league selection. Graham has the most MLS experience with 34 regular season games with Kansas City (2003-04) and New York (2006-07). Others with past MLS experience include Leighton O'Brien, Roger Levesque, Nik Besagno and Danny Jackson. Besagno was on loan to theUSL club fro Real Salt Lake. Sebastien Le Toux and Sanna Nyassi (pictured right) also played for Seattle last summer on a loan basis after signing with Sounders FC.
Pre-season Friendly Announced
Sounders FC will face the San Jose Earthquakes in a preseason exhibition Feb. 13 in San Luis Obispo, Ca. The game will kick-off at 7 p.m. at the Alex G. Spanos Stadium on the Cal Poly campus. Seattle will be training at Oxnard College in Southern California from Feb. 2-14. The team returns to the Seattle area to train beginning Feb. 17, then departs for Argentina Feb. 24.
Dave Clark - Guest ColumnistSuper Draft - Special Guest Columnist Gives His View
by Dave Clark, Editor of Sounder at Heart
Guest columnist Dave Clark is a former producer at KJR-AM Seattle and former Arabic linguist in the Army. His knowledge of the game goes back to when his father volunteered to coach his rec league team in Kent over two decades ago. When Dave isn't speculating about the future of Seattle Sounders FC he is roasting and tasting coffee as part of the Coffee Quality team for Starbucks. Dave has been waiting for MLS in Seattle since World Cup 1994, in November of 07 his long time desires were finally fulfilled and he looks forward with great anticipation to March 19.
MLS Super Draft 2009 - For Sounders FC a Double Serving of Wingers and Wingbacks
Seattle Sounders FC have had their first ever Super Draft. For the European reader that might not mean much, as real football doesn't have a draft, while for the American reader they likely got their hopes up way to high as American football's draft has impact players jump out of every round. This though is soccer in MLS, where the draft is not a huge deal, and really a look at development of players that have had inconsistent training through multiple coaches and multiple systems. In MLS even being a top four pick does not guarantee future success, but there have been some recent gems - Franklin, Edu, Wynne, Barrett. Seattle Sounders FC lives with the hope that their #1 pick can be that kind of player, a star and possibly among the best at their position. With his first ever pick in a real "live" draft Adrian Hanauer, Chris Henderson and Sigi Schmid drafted one Steve Zakuani. What did Hanauer see in Steve-O?"In Steve, we see a player that has enormous potential to be a special player in MLS. You don't get very many opportunities to find young players with that type of potential. He has all of the tools necessary to be a star... speed, feet, creativity, instinct. He now needs to work even harder, to take that potential and make it count at the next level."It was that kind of talent that had many mock drafts showing Zakuani going first, but listing him as a forward. It should be noted that a North American pro soccer coach I talked to at the Combine was among several who did not see Zakuani as the goal scorer his statistics indicated, but instead saw a player "who plays well with the ball at his feet running at players from the wing, or from an attacking mid position." There were others that saw similar, and many sites list him as Mid/Forward type. Think of a player like Sanna Nyassi, or maybe even Freddie Ljungberg (who was at Arsenal while Zakuani was in the youth system there). A winger who runs at the defense, rather than crosses it into the box. Zakuani will be on a Generation Adidas contract, reportedly the largest of the year and so will not take up a Senior roster slot, nor salary cap space. He will take up one of the eight international slots that all MLS teams have.
The second round saw the Sounders draft a wingback. The coach I contacted at the Combine saw Brown as a first round talent going between No. 6 and No. 10. Evan Brown isn't listed at SoundersFC.com yet, as a Senior drafted outside of the first round he is not guaranteed a roster slot and so will be one of the 30+ who are trying to win a slot next week when training camp opens for the first time.
Hanauer's description of Brown reads like a classic wingback and describes him as a Frankie Hejduk style of player.
"He has a great engine... gets up and down the line... defends well 1 v 1... attacks down the flanks." Adrian later commented on Evan's training at Wake Forest. "Coming from a program like Wake is another benefit, as Jay's [Vidovich] kids are tactically sound. Again, he now needs to put the work in, to be successful at the next level."
Hejduk Mark II?
Incidentally Hejduk was Sigi Schmid's captain last year on the MLS Cup and Supporter Shield winning Crew, spent several years in Europe including for Bayer Leverkusen and will be starting his 9th season in MLS. Hejduk also played for Schmid at UCLA where he led the team in scoring as a defender. If there was ever a man to coach a player on how to be a wingback, it is likely Sigi.
Hard work in camp, in training and in the rare playing time is what will determine if the two first round talents make the team and ideally an impact on the pitch, but even more so will be what the 3rd and 4th round pick have to demonstrate. The third round picks last year saw less than 6 appearances, and fourth rounders averaged just over one.
Out of Azusa Pacific the Sounders drafted Senior defensive back, Jared Karkas. This left back is described in his bio in the same way as Hanauer described Brown.
"Has a dangerous left foot to go with his size and terrific speed ... Provides a reliable target in the box and is great going forward ... Shares the program's single-game assists record with 3 in 2007's season-opening 6-0 win over Northwestern (Iowa)."It is notable that Karkas' coach played for three different USL teams, and has had success approaching the university program with a professional's mentality. MLS does not have a history of fourth round success, but the Sounders may have a steal with pick #46 in Mike Fucito the Forward out of Harvard. Yes, the kid has Ivy in his veins, but more impressive than that is how Coach Jamie Clark spoke about Mike in an email response to my questions.
"Mike Fucito is one of the 10 best players in college soccer. He wasn't healthy all season and was still a 2nd team All-American pick. At the 41st pick in the draft he's an absolute steal. He's fast, strong and tenacious. He loves to get at players and there is hardly an athletic match up in which he'll end up second best. Mike's focus right now is to recover from a hamstring strain and get back on the field. He's a competitor and can't wait to prove himself at the next level."Now, maybe a college coach has a vested interest, but if Coach Clark (no known relationship) is even half-right Seattle Sounders FC will have another valuable player with ground game winger skills able to take the field, and with a fourth round pick. With 14 players on the Senior Roster, and 1 Developmental player, as well as the Sounders Super Search winner, a dozen or so USL invitees Brown, Karkas and Fucito will have to fight their way on to the roster, but these four wingers/wingbacks play the attacking ball control positions that Sigi Schmid loves to employ, up-tempo and able to attack in every third of the pitch.
Adrian Hanauer's first MLS draft is over, but when asked about his first experience with a real "live" draft there are hints of big things ahead
"It was great going through the draft knowing it was for keeps! Also, knowing that we had success with the expansion draft, and that we are having success on the foreign player front, takes the pressure off a bit. We didn't have to count on the college draft for starters, but can bring the players along as slowly or quickly as is appropriate."Seattle Sounders FC may allow its draftees to develop slowly, but the goals are certainly higher than a slow paced development.
Sounder at Heart is a blog about the Seattle Sounders FC, with occasional forays into what it means to live as a Puget Sounder - those things we love. Future columns include Democracy in Sports, Roster Management in MLS, Statistical Analysis about Soccer, and Life in the Greater Puget Sound.
KIRO 97.3 FM Gets Exclusive Sounders Commentary Radio Deal
710 ESPN Seattle to Broadcast a Seattle Sports News and Talk Program
Seattle Sounders FC and Bonneville Seattle Radio Group have reached a multi-year partnership to broadcast all Sounders FC home and away matches on News Talk 97.3 KIRO FM, the team announced today.
“A key ingredient to the success of the Sounders FC will be identifying the right partners who share our values and passion about the game and this community,” said CEO Tod Leiweke. “We have found a proven and truly enthusiastic partner in the Bonneville Seattle Radio Group.”
Bonneville will air Sounders FC match broadcasts as well as pre and post game shows on 97.3 KIRO FM. Bonneville and Sounders FC will also join forces to produce a weekly 30-minute Sounders FC show on the new 710 ESPN Seattle. “Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, and we’re convinced that the Sounders FC will quickly find a passionate following here in the Northwest,” said Bonneville Seattle Radio Group Vice President and Market Manager Carl Gardner. “We’re delighted to have the chance to bring these games to our listeners.”
KIRO has received the highest national honor for radio – The Edward R. Murrow Award of Excellence for outstanding broadcasting achievement – five times, in 1982, 1989, 1991, 1996 and 2001. In 2005, 710 KIRO won more Edward R. Murrow awards than any other station in the United States. 710 ESPN Seattle, which debuts in April, will feature radio play-by-play and comprehensive coverage of the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners. 710 ESPN Seattle will broadcast a line-up of local Seattle-based sports news and sports talk programs, along with selected nationally-syndicated programs from ESPN Radio Network.
Kasey Keller and Drew Carey Set for TV Appearance
| Kasey Keller
January 13th 6pm |
Drew Carey
January 16th 7 pm |
Sounders Duo to Feature on FSN's "In My Own Words"
January 13Sounders FC goalkeeper Kasey Keller and minority shareholder Drew Carey are set to be guests on FSN's "In My Own Words". The show with Keller will debut on Tuesday, January 13th at 6 p.m. with frequent repeat slots. Leader of the Membership Alliance Drew Carey will appear on a show debuting Friday, January 16th at 7 p.m.
Keller fans can look forward to an exclusive 30-minute interview with Keller where the international star talks about his experience on the U.S. Men's National team, his ties to the Pacific Northwest, and his excitement to become a leader on the Sounders FC team.
For those who like a more glitzy show, Carey will talk about his passion for the game of soccer, how he was discovered as a comedian, and details the story of how he became part of the Sounders FC ownership group.
For more details please click here.
Sounders FC Appoint New Fitness Coach
Dave Tenney - A Man With International Experience
January 9Sounders FC released a short press release about the appointment of their new fitness coach, Mr Dave Tenney. Like both Head Coach Sigi Schmid and his assistant Brian Schmetzer, Tenney has a strong German connection. Here is the release in full:
Dave TenneyPhoto: Sounders FC
David Tenney Named Fitness Coach
David Tenney has been named the Seattle Sounders FC fitness coach, it was announced today. Tenney, 38, becomes the third member of head coach Sigi Schmid’s staff.“Dave Tenney is a recognized fitness and soccer coach in Major League Soccer from his past work in Kansas City,” said Schmid. “We’re very excited to have him join our staff and bring his expertise to our Sounders FC team.”
Tenney spent the past two MLS seasons with the Kansas City Wizards, where he served as both fitness and goalkeeper coach.
“I am really looking forward to working with Sounders FC,” Tenney said, “It’s a world class organization with world-class facilities. The infrastructure Seattle has in place provides a solid foundation for success in the league, and it’s a great fit for where I am in my career right now.”
Tenney came to Kansas City from Virginia’s George Mason University, where he served as a goalkeeper and fitness coach for both the men’s and women’s teams for two seasons. He earned his B.I.S. in coaching science from George Mason in 2005.
While at George Mason, Tenney also served as director of coaching for the Washington Freedom youth teams from 2004-06 and as Maryland’s girls director of ODP. He also holds an ‘A’ license from the Czech Republic F.A. and NSCAA 'Premier' Diploma.
Tenney’s playing career features both collegiate and indoor professional honors. At Virginia Tech (1989-91) he served as team captain the final two seasons. As the Hokies’ goalkeeper, he was voted Metro Conference Defensive MVP in 1989. His professional career began overseas with Germany’s SV Linx (1992-93) and FC Rastatt (1993-94). He returned home to play for the Washington Warthogs of the Continental Indoor Soccer League from 1994-97. He was with the Baltimore Blast of the NPSL from 1998-2000 and also starred for the Baton Rouge Bombers, earning second team all-EISL in 1998.
Eylander Joins Sounders FC
Fan Favourite Keeper Gets His Big Break
January 5
Chris Eylander
Photo: Joe Armand
Sounders FC Signs Keeper Chris Eylander
Starred for UW, led USL-1 in saves past two seasons
Chris Eylander, who led USL First Division goalkeepers in saves the past two seasons, has signed a Major League Soccer contract with Seattle Sounders FC, it was announced today. Terms were not disclosed. Eylander, a 24-year old graduate from the University of Washington, played the past three seasons with the USL-1 Seattle Sounders, making 78 appearances and finishing No. 2 in career shutouts (29). He is the second keeper on the Sounders FC roster, joining Kasey Keller.“Having played for the USL Sounders the past three years and having grown up in the area, I had always wanted to play in MLS,” Eylander said. “To reach that goal and do so by playing for the first MLS team in Seattle is really, really special for me and very exciting.”
Each of the past two seasons Eylander led USL-1 in saves and finished second in league shutouts. He starred in the 2007 USL-1 championship game, in which Seattle defeated Atlanta, 4-0.
“We’re very excited to have Chris join our team,” said head coach Sigi Schmid. “I’ve seen him play at the University of Washington and I also followed his career with the USL Sounders. “He’s a quality goalkeeper and a quality individual for our team.”
During the 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Eylander set a tournament record by holding opponents scoreless for 453 minutes, including shutouts against Chivas USA and the Kansas City Wizards. His performance earned him the player of the tournament, chosen by USOpenCup.com. Seattle reached the Open Cup semifinals in both 2007 and ’08.
Eylander trained the past two USL-1 seasons under Tom Dutra, who was announced as the Sounders FC goalkeeper coach on Dec. 29.
A native of Auburn, Eylander was Auburn Riverside High School’s male athlete of the year. He lettered four years at the University of Washington (2002-05), sharing the starting the final two years. Following his senior season he ranked No. 3 in career shutouts (18), No. 4 in saves and No. 5 in goals against average. Sounders FC begins its inaugural MLS season by hosting the New York Red Bulls at Qwest Field on March 19.
Eylander Factfile:
Position: GoalkeeperHeight: 6-1
Weight: 185
Born: 3/14/1984 (Tacoma, Wa.)
Hometown: Auburn, Wa.
Last Club: Seattle Sounders (USL-1)
College: University of Washington (2002-05)
And Then There Were Zwei
Sigi Appoints Brian Schmetzer as His Deputy
December 22
Seattle Through and Through
Photo: Joe Armand
A press release has just been issued by the club which runs as follows:
Schmid Names Schmetzer As First Assistant Coach
Former NASL Sounders Player, USL-1 Sounders Head Coach Becomes Top Aide
Brian Schmetzer has been named the top assistant coach for the Seattle Sounders FC staff, head coach Sigi Schmid announced today.
Schmetzer, 46, joins Sounders FC following seven seasons as the head coach of the Sounders’ United Soccer Leagues First Division club. He guided Seattle to USL-1 championships in 2005 and 2007, and U.S. Open Cup semifinal advancements in 2007 and 2008.
“I’m excited to work with Brian,” said Schmid, who became head coach Dec. 16. “He brings great knowledge of the Seattle area, the history of the USL-1 Sounders, and a wealth of coaching experience. That, coupled with his past playing experience, makes him the ideal assistant coach.”
Schmetzer has nine years of experience coaching and 15 years of playing at the professional level. He was a member of six championship teams during that span.
“Having been born and raised in Seattle, and having lived most of my life here, I love this city and I couldn’t have scripted a more perfect career path,” said Schmetzer. “I feel lucky, first to have been chosen to coach the USL Sounders, then to be considered along with Sigi and some other outstanding candidates for the MLS head coaching job. Now, I’m working with a great coach in Sigi, in my home city for what is rapidly becoming the best club in the business. It seems everything is falling into place.”
As coach of the USL-1 Sounders from 2002-07, Schmetzer’s teams also twice won the Commissioner’s Cup for the league’s best record and qualified for the playoffs six of seven years. He was chosen USL-1 Coach of the Year in 2002 after going 23-1-4. The Sounders were league runners-up in 2004. His overall regular season record was 100-54-44.
Previously, he had served two seasons (1996-97) as an assistant coach for the Seattle SeaDogs, winning the Continental Indoor Soccer League title with Seattle in 1997.
“Having worked with Brian for seven years, I can’t imagine a better representative of what Sounders soccer means,” said general manager Adrian Hanauer. “He has a combination of passion, competitiveness, experience and a mind for the game. I have never met anyone who hates losing as much as Brian, and that mentality has consistently driven his teams to succeed. I couldn’t be happier that he’s going to continue having a key role for Sounders FC.”
A Seattle native, Schmetzer signed with the Sounders’ North American Soccer League franchise following his graduation from Nathan Hale High School in 1980. He played three seasons as a midfielder for Seattle before going to Tulsa for the final NASL season in 1984.
Schmetzer signed with the San Diego Sockers in 1984 and played seven seasons in the Major Indoor Soccer League with San Diego (1984-88), Tacoma (1988-90) and St. Louis (1990-91). He was a member of the Sockers’ MISL championship teams in 1985, 1986 and 1988. He returned to Seattle for the Sounders’ inaugural A-League season in 1994 before completing his playing career with the SeaDogs from 1995-96.
Freddie Ljungberg Has Hip Surgery
Club Releases Official Statement
December 19In a release that is bound to rekindle the concerns of many supporters, Sounders FC released an official statement about the fitness of designated player, Freddie Ljungberg. The treatment appears to be proactive. Here is the full statement:
Ljungberg Undergoes Hip Surgery Midfielder expected to resume training in 10-12 weeks
Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Freddie Ljungberg underwent surgery to repair a hip condition, the club announced today.
Ljungberg’s surgery was performed by world-renowned surgeon Dr. Marc Philippon of the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail, Colorado. The player is expected to make a full recovery and his projected return to training is 10-12 weeks.
“Freddie Ljungberg is a player that we value for the long term,” said Sounders FC General Manager Adrian Hanauer. “As Freddie increased his training regimen for the upcoming season, we wanted to make sure that he was firing on all cylinders for the next two years and beyond.”
“As he increased his training intensity, he suffered a mild re-occurrence of the hamstring problems that have occasionally hampered him over the past two years,” said Hanauer. “At that point, Freddie and the club wanted to be proactive and we decided to have him see the best hip and hamstring specialists in the country.
“It was ultimately determined that the best course of action was to repair a slightly torn labrum, and to shave a very small amount of bone where the hip meets the femur. The objective of this surgery is to eliminate the nagging injuries and to ensure that Freddie has the explosiveness necessary to be a major contributor for Sounders FC every time he steps on the pitch.”
Sounders FC will open training camp January 21. The Major League Soccer season opener is March 19 against the New York Red Bulls at Qwest Field."
Fans Welcome Sigi Schmid
By Greg Mockos, Organizer of Emerald City Supporters Club
December 16
Sigi Schmid is the new Seattle Sounders FC coach. After a packed press conference earlier in the morning, Sounders FC hosted yet another event at FX McRory’s where fans had the chance to meet and greet the new coach. Stepping into FX McRory’, all clad in Sounders FC flags, posters and banners, it was obvious you were in Sounder territory. Fans proudly wore their new team colors and rave green dominated the color palette of the evening. The fans present were a mix and match of new comers to the sport, fans of the European game, the Sounders FC band, and the Emerald City Supporters, the only and largest supporter group of the fledgling franchise.
The atmosphere at the event was something that nowadays you can expect at any Sounders FC event: organization, significant media coverage, a packed house, and the usual line-up of the big boys. Everyone from Seattle’s Kevin Calabro, Adrian Hanauer, Chris Henderson, former USL Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer, Tony Ventrella, and others were present. These individuals showed up earlier to mingle with fans and then it was the Sigi show. Sigi was brought into the middle of the fans and eloquently answered questions written by the fans. Sigi answered questions such as “What will the first practice be like?” and “How important are the supporters in the stands and how do they impact what you do?”. The latter question was asked by myself. Sigi’s response was what the Emerald City Supporters wanted to hear: “We want to be connected to the fans and supporters both during games and off the field”. Such a response was warmly welcomed by the 20 ECS members present. Sigi’s resume is well known, but what he brings to the community off the field was first felt at this event. And it appears to be positive. The Emerald City Supporters will be planning an event next year to host the coach and allow him to meet the growing number of supporters in the Emerald City.
“I want to be connected with you guys"
The official announcements were brief and to the point. No need to overdo what was already said during the Sounders FC official press release. Adrian Hanauer and Kevin Calabro had brief remarks restating their excitement about the signing. After the official announcements and remarks, the Sounders FC band blazed away with the Sounders theme song allowing Sigi to walk to the floor to meet any fan that felt like chatting with him. I had a chance to talk for five minutes with the gentleman and was impressed. Sigi’s body language conveys a sense of security, honesty, and excitement about his most recent career patch change. It is apparent that Sigi is excited about this opportunity and is very impressed with the Sounders FC organization and its fans. After the brief conversation, during which I was introduced as one of the organizers of ECS, I was given the opportunity to scarf him. He was pleasantly surprised and responded: “I want to be connected with you guys and be united in the same way we were with the numerous groups in Columbus.” Sigi only had great things to say about the Crew Union, the Nordecke and the Hudson Street Hooligans and conveyed that same enthusiasm towards the opportunity of meeting his new supporter group, the ECS.
After talking to Sigi for a bit, I left him in the hands of Robby Branom, an ECS member running for the council, who spoke with Sigi in German. Yes, don’t worry, Sigi’s German is fluent. I also had the chance to talk to Brian Schmetzer, who attended the event. Brian was excited by the arrival of Sigi and, with Adrian Hanauer present at the conversation, stated that in some capacity he would be a presence in the Sounders FC team. The capacity of his role was not defined; however, when you combine the kind words said by Sigi during the press conference, with the demeanor of Brian Schmetzer during our conversation, you have to imagine he is a strong candidate for a coaching job with this club.
All in all the event was testimony to the organization and demonstrates how the Sounders FC are quickly functioning as a well oiled machine that is mastering the art of media coverage and fan involvement.
Sigi is a Sounder
Photo: Joe Armand
Mister Schmid (finally) Comes to Washington
Lang lebe der König!
December 16Sigi Schmid was today announced at the new manager of Sounders FC. He will spearhead their challenge in their inaugural season in Major League Soccer in 2009. Nothing impresses like success and by luring the MLS title winning coach to Seattle, Adrian Hanauer and Joe Roth have pulled off an impressive coup. The press conference was not without drama as Sigi was clearly emotional when talking about his family connections with the area. But the Seattle hardcore fan base are going to love this man precisely because of that. In one fell swoop, a stoic and efficient Sounders FC front office operation has been provided with a man not scared to demonstrate passion. The press core was respectful as Schmid paused to reflect while talking about his brother, but it was not an uneasy or uncomfortable moment. The only man to win the MLS with two different clubs had arrived in Seattle. Sounders FC finally has a leader. And regardless of results on the pitch, the press and fans are going to lap him up.
It was a strange event, different from previous press conferences. The signing of Freddie Ljungberg although redolent with glitz and star power went smoothly. Kasey Keller is such a consummate media pro that his event went like clockwork. This was another beast entirely.
A Fan's Manager?
Sigi Schmid while denying being a beer drinker later confessed that brewing is in his family. His grandfather worked for Anheuser-Busch. He looked bemused and amused to be asked questions in German, which he answered flawlessly albeit with a strong Swabian accent.Asked if he had a message for the fans by Prost Amerika, his appeal was unequivocal. "Get behind us. Come out and support us," he said. He also went out of his way to state that he looked forward to sharing some time with supporters at Seattle's various hostelries. " I’ll try to hang out a lot at the various bars and opportunities, meet the fans. Actually I think the relationship with the fans is very important. Soccer is a very unique sport. It’s one of the sports that I think is more interactive than almost any other sport," Schmid commented.
Adrian Hanauer, Sounders FC General Manager, looked positively delighted to be out of the limelight and exuded a certain satisfaction that he had got the man he clearly had always wanted.
"I couldn’t be more excited then I am today with this announcement. This is a truly a defining moment for our franchise. Someone was mentioning that I was wearing a tie for one of the very few times recently. When we announced this franchise, I wasn’t wearing a tie. So Sigi, that’s how big a day it is for us here in Seattle. There’s no other coach in the country, in the world that I’d rather be introducing today. Sigi is absolutely the right man for the job."
Der Schmetz to Complete German Double Bill?
Sigi Schmid Talks to Prost
Amerika in his Native German
Photo: Joe Armand
"I’m excited. When I look at this turnout, and I see all these cameras and all these people here, I know without a doubt I’ve made the right decision to come here. To be the first coach of this franchise, in my visit up here to see what this club is doing behind the scenes: the organization, the structure, the commitment to the community and the commitment to the sport of soccer is beyond what’s happening anywhere in this entire country."A short video was shown of Schmid's achievements as is Sounders FC's style but what many of us left with was the impression that one of North America's few larger than life football figures was here on the Pacific Northwest Coast.
Prost Amerika generally shies away from too much opinion when reporting the news but on this occasion we believe an exception ought to be made. So with a deep breath and a Swabian accent, we'd like to bid Sigi "Herzlich Wilkommen".
New Sounders FC Coach Sigi Schmid
Photo: Columbus Crew
Head Coach Announcement Tomorrow
Fan Event Already Announced - Press Conference Expected
December 15Sounders FC have announced a fan event for tomorrow at 5.30 pm at FX McRory's Steak Chop and Oyster House. Former Columbus Crew coach Sigi Schmid will be the spearhead of Sounders FC's MLS challenge. A press conference for 11am has also been announced. Schmid coached Sounders technical director Chris Henderson at UCLA and speculation has been so widespread recently that no other names had been mentioned for quite some time.
FX McRory's is situated at 419 Occidental Avenue South in the shadow of Qwest Field.
Sounders Cleared of Tampering
MLS Statement Wipes the Slate Clean
December 12In a statement released today, Major League Soccer absolved Sounders FC of any claims that they had tampered with Columbus Crew coach Sigi Schmid while he was under contract. The Ohio club's allegation and reportedly held up the announcement of Seattle's signing of the German born coach.
According to a report in the Seattle Times, Schmid's reported non-compete clause in his previous contract with Columbus, which ended at the end of November, has also been resolved. Schmid, a leading candidate for the Sounders FC job, can now resume negotiations with the club. The Times reports that they send cash and allocation money to the Crew. Schmid is now free from any obligation he had in his Crew contract.
Sigi Schmid Declines Crew Contract Offer
Sounders Announcement Expected Imminently
December 11Columbus Crew's MLS title-winning manager has turned down the Columbus Crew's contract offer. The lack of any other names in the frame for Sounders FC's head coach vacancy has fuelled speculation that an announcement from Qwest about his future in the Pacific Northwest is imminent. He was interviewed for the post last week but no-one in the Sounders FC front office has commented on the record.
Crew president and general manager, Mark McCullers released a statement which said "Sigi Schmid has formally declined our last contract offer and will not be returning as head coach of the Columbus Crew. Sigi was the ideal person to turn around our competitive program and create a championship mentality within our club. As a result, we are well positioned moving forward and toward continued success. We respect his desire to seek the next challenge and wish him nothing but the best."
Schmid himself has not commented publicly.
Sounders FC Unveil New Kit
Band Name also Revealed
December 5At a Charity Fashion show last night at the WAMU Theater, Sounders FC unveiled their first team kits for next year. The home kit will feature rave green shirts on blue shorts, which the club describe as 'Sounders Blue'. The colours of the shirts and shorts will be reversed for away games.
Joe Roth, Majority Owner of Sounders FC said, "“We were passionate about the color scheme from the first presentation because it is so distinguishable. Regardless of where you are in the world, when you see those colors you will be reminded of Seattle Sounders FC.”
The ‘Xbox 360 LIVE’ logo is featured prominently on the front of the jersey. The back of the jersey will display the player’s last name and number. The Sounders FC will debut their uniforms when the team takes the field in spring 2009, before starting their regular season against the Red Bulls on March 19.
There is a full on-field and training gear line which includes all the team colours including, according to a club press release "rave green, sounder blue and cascade shale."
Antonio Zea, Director of Soccer for North America at Adidas was quoted as saying, “As the number one soccer brand in the world, we are proud to partner with Sounders FC to bring the team’s identity to life. We are confident the fans will embrace the jersey’s design as well as the unique color combination of rave green and sounder blue that reflect the Pacific Northwest landscape.”
A club press release also adds that the full on-field and training gear line will integrate all the team colors including: rave green, sounder blue and the cascade shale. Pending competition rules, the goalkeeper jersey will be available in black, orange or gray. The pre-game warm-up jacket and fleece pants feature the cascade shale. All pieces prominently feature a silhouette or woven Sounders FC badge accompanied by the Adidas three stripes.
All proceeds from last night's event went to the Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the Quest for a Cure Guild.
"The People Have Spoken"
In a separate announcement, the club revealed that the Sounders FC band will be officially called the Sound Wave. It finished with 50% of the vote of the Membership Association which itself is now to be known as the "Alliance" after concluded at midnight December 1.
The band was created at the request Drew Carey, the minority owner who will also serve as chairman of the Sounders FC Alliance. "Once again, the people have spoken," he said. It was Carey who conceived of both ideas; that the new Major League Soccer franchise would be a 'sportocracy', giving fans a voice in the club’s direction, and of having a club band.
Sounders FC Opener Set for March 19 on ESPN2
Major League Soccer selects Seattle’s first home date to open 2009 schedule
A press statement from Seattle Sounders FC was released today. The club's first game will take place on March 19th. Here are all the details:
"The inaugural Seattle Sounders FC game will be featured as Major League Soccer’s opening date for the 2009 season, it was announced today. Sounders FC will host the New York Red Bulls on Thursday night, March 19, in a match nationally televised by ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Pacific Time at Qwest Field. Sounders FC will be making its debut as the 15th team in MLS. New York is the 2008 MLS Cup runner-up.
“By being selected for the first match of the 2009 MLS season, this presents an opportunity to show a national audience what all the excitement is about in Seattle,” said Sounders FC majority owner Joe Roth. “Our supporters will be in full voice and, along with our players, wearing green. It promises to be quite a spectacle.”
The balance of the First Kick (MLS Opening Weekend) schedule features five matches on March 21 and another on March 22.
It was also announced that Seattle will be the guest for the Toronto FC home opener April 4. That match is scheduled for a 12 noon Pacific kickoff.
The complete MLS schedule will be released in early February. Each team will play a 30-game regular season. Each team will play every other MLS team home and away, for a base of 28 games. Two additional games against intra-conference rivals will complete each team’s league schedule. The regular season ends on Oct. 25.
Since the franchise was awarded in November of 2007, over 18,000 season tickets have been purchased. Over 14,500 votes were cast in naming the team and results will be announced later this week regarding the recently concluded votes for naming both the marching band and members association.
Season tickets are available by calling 1-877-MLS-GOAL or by visiting www.SoundersFC.com.
The Sounders FC kit, including home and away uniforms, will be unveiled Thursday, Dec. 4, during a fashion show which will raise funds for the Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the Quest for the Cure. Guild
Sounders FC added 10 players to the roster following the Nov. 26 expansion draft. Altogether, there are now 14 Seattle players, including midfielder Freddie Ljungberg and goalkeeper Kasey Keller. Both played for English Premier League clubs during the 2007-08 season."
Sounders FC Announce Ten Expansion Players
Sounders FC have released the names of the ten players selected in the expansion draft. In alphabetical order, they are: * Brad Evans, M, from Columbus Crew
* Nate Jaqua, F, from Houston Dynamo
* Stephen King, M, from Chicago Fire
* Jeff Parke, D, from New York Red Bulls
* James Riley, D, from San Jose Earthquakes
* Jarrod Smith, F, from Toronto FC
* Khano Smith, M, from New England Revolution
* Nathan Sturgis, D, from Real Salt Lake
* Peter Vagenas, M, from Los Angeles Galaxy
* Tyson Wahl, D, from Kansas City Wizards
Nate Jacqua is a Pacific Northwest native from Eugene who had been hotly tipped to be included and is the least surprising name. Perhaps most surprising is Jeff Parke, who incurred MLS's first ever ban for substance abuse for accidentally taking a steroid omitted in the ingredients list of an over-the-counter medicine. Peter Vagenas at 30 is among the older players. Jarrod Smith is a New Zealand international and Kahno Smith has 20 caps for Bermuda.
“We feel like we got a great mix of players,” said Adrian Hanauer, Sounders FC general manager. “We got an experienced veteran who has been there in the trenches and played lots of MLS games in Peter Vagenas. We got mid-tier experienced guys in Parke, Jaqua and Khano Smith. We’re very excited about the young players we were able to select. We weighted the draft a little more defensively, rather than the attack,” said Hanauer. “We feel very good about our expansion draft players as they complement our existing four players. Together, they comprise a very solid core.”
Sounders FC has already signed four players for its inaugural season: Kasey Keller, goalkeeper; Sebastien Le Toux, forward; Freddie Ljungberg, midfielder; and Sanna Nyassi, midfielder.
Good News for a Fan Favourite? Pointedly there are no goalkeepers on the list and this may be seen by some as encouraging news for Chris Eylander, the USL Sounders current keeper who is a huge fan favourite. "We love Chris Eylander," said Hanauer. "He is very high on our list in the conversations about the USL players." Indeed despite the waiver draft later today, bringing in some USL players may be next on the to-do list for Hanauer and Technical Director, Chris Henderson. "There is every opportunity for the USL guys to beat out the expansion draft ones," Hanauer added, perhaps raising the possibility that not all of the players announced to day will make the final roster.
Mister Schmid Goes to Washington
Sigi Schmid set to Become Sounders FC’s First Coach
Sigi Schmid
Photo: Columbus Crew
Before coming to Columbus, Schmid led the Los Angeles Galaxy to every major club trophy contested in the United States - MLS Cup 2002, 2002 MLS Supporters' Shield, 2001 US Open Cup and 2000 CONCACAF Champions' Cup - and was named the 1999 MLS Coach of the Year, nine years before his second award.
Under his guidance, Galaxy also advanced to two additional MLS Cup finals (1999 and 2001) and captured three regular-season conference championships (1999, 2001 and 2002). The Galaxy reached the play-offs in each of the five seasons Schmid completed and reached the US Open Cup semi final in his last three (2001-03). He was fired in August 2004 while the team was in first place in the Western Conference and owned the league's best record and the team went on to qualify for the play-offs once again.
Contract Sent
A report to Prost Amerika, so far unconfirmed by the Sounders Front Office, understands that Sounders FC's contract was sent to Schmid last night and he is said not to have returned to Ohio from LA with his victorious team, although this may be due to issues not connected with football. Details of the level of the offer are unknown but it is said to have been "Substantial".Schmid is of course no stranger to large numbers. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has a MA in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. His family moved from Tübingen to Torrance in California in 1962 when Schmid was 9. As well as managing the Columbus Crew, he was Head Coach at the LA Galaxy for a decade and managed the USA Under 20 World Cup Side, including one game against his native Germany in Enschede, Netherlands in 2005. Schmid is 55 and has a wife and four children.
According to a Columbus Crew Technical Director, Brian Bliss, Schmid is dealing with family issues this week. On a related issue, rumours coming out of Columbus indicate that the Crew are unhappy and suspicious that Sounders FC ‘tapped’ their coach while still under contract. His contract expires on Sunday.
Bliss was not convinced that the tapping issue would lead to anything and the Crew were unlikely to make too much of a fuss. "It's difficult to prove. He's done a good job here. But we're not taking it any further. We're not into hiring a PI. All we might do is turn it into the league if any really irrefutable proof arrives, if at all." Commenting on Brad Evans, the midfielder acquired today by Sounders FC, Bliss commented, "He's a very good young player. Every game he's played he's proved his salt. He's scored some goals so we're sad to see him go and we wish him well."
MLS Announce Major Changes
Effect Could be Huge for Vancouver Whitecaps and some Current Sounders
Nov 22
In his State of the MLS speech, Don Garber, Commissioner made a series of announcements that may have major repercussions in the Pacific Northwest. Most striking may be the withdrawal of Montreal's bid for one of the two MLS franchises to be awarded in 2011. This may signify an immense boost for Vancouver's chances as common wisdom as well as economic common sense suggested that it was unlikely that both franchises would be awarded to Canadian cities. The withdrawal of Montreal leaves the field clear for Vancouver as now, they just need to be one of the two best bids out of six and beat Ottawa, as opposed to out of seven AND be better than Ottawa and Montreal. Anything that boosts Vancouver's chances is bad news for Portland, however, as the same wisdom adheres to the view that the Pacific Northwest region won't be awarded both franchise places.
“Montreal has dropped out,” Garber said Friday. “If they can get their bid together they could come in at another time. I think they had to evaluate their private capitalization to expand their stadium, and I’m not sure they were able to come to terms. We hope to make an announcement at the start of 2009, and certainly before the start of the 2009 season. Each of the groups we met with have presented strong bids, all with plusses and minuses. I do want to say that Ottawa blew us away with an incredible presentation; Vancouver had an excellent presentation; Miami had a smart and focused bid and there are no stadium issues there, but Miami has long been a challenge for professional sports; and Portland presents the promise of a possible Northwest rivalry with Seattle and maybe Vancouver.” In a separate announcement, Garber said that the season opening would be moved forward one week to March 21.
Five other issues were addressed in his speech.
- Next season, each team will play 30 regular-season games, home-and-away with each team playing an additional two games against teams from the other conference.
- The league will vacate two weekend dates, probably in June and July to accommodate the Concacaf Gold Cup, the FIFA Confederations Cup and World Cup qualifying matches, or play a limited schedule over four weekends to reduce conflicts with international games. “It would cost us up to $5 million to take off all the FIFA dates, which increase in number in 2009,” Garber said.
- The addition of Seattle bringing the total number of teams to 15 has
necessitated a change in the play-off structure. The top two teams in the Eastern and Western Conference will qualify for the postseason along with the next four teams with the most points, regardless of conference.
- To avoid fixture congestion, the league has split participation in next season’s Concacaf Champions League and its own SuperLiga among eight clubs. The Champions League participants will be: Columbus (No. 1 over all in the 2008 season), D.C. United (the U.S. Open Cup winner), the Red Bulls (as either the winner or runner-up of MLS. Cup). If one team fills two of those spots, the team with the most regular season points (Houston Dynamo) would gain entry. The SuperLiga teams will be: New England, Chivas USA, Kansas City and Chicago.
- MLS has scrapped its reserve team league after four years, which will reduce the number of developmental players (mostly young Americans) and enable clubs to expand their senior rosters to as many as 20 players.
But not all current Sounders have reason to be pessimistic about the changes, Clark explains. "For players like Roger Levesque and Danny Jackson who couldn't be developmental players due to their age, the 20 senior roster slots might be the difference between them making the cut and not. With Roger's size and ball skills he'd be a kind of wingback from the center of the pitch, and I don't know if that kind of unique talent would make an 18 man roster, but if they go 19 or 20 it would be a gamble I hope that Adrian Hanauer would be willing to take. Jackson has some MLS experience and had a great career with the USL Sounders, but being 29 on Opening Day made it unlikely he would take the trip from Starfire to Qwest. This change means that Hanauer could choose to keep the core of a solid defense together with Taylor Graham, Jackson and Zach Scott all now coming up to MLS."
To qualify for the developmental slots, a player must have not turned 25 by the end of the 2009 season. Of the current Sounders, those most adversely affected by the reduction in youth places, will be Nik Besagno, Yousuff Kante and Adam West. However what may stick in the minds of most fans is that they now finally have a date for Sounders FC to begin its journey. Although there are 15 sides and one has to sit the opening day out, March 21 looks to be indelibly etched in fans' diaries at least until the fixtures are released.
First Ever Membership Meeting High on Feel-Good Factor
Carey Draws Cheers, Cheerleaders Draw Boos
Nov 20
One Wisecracker Shouted Out
"That Card May Fit in Your Wallet, Drew"
Photo: Joe Armand
Given the Sounders propensity for slick well organised press conferences and well regulated fan events, this was something different. The media were less obtrusive and the event seemed to be more about the club and its new membership beginning to get to know each other by inching a little closer. It started off with the Sounders FC band opening proceedings with Jimi Hendrix's "Fire", an odd choice but they performed it well and from soundings taken around the hall, they are beginning to win over some of the doubters, who were originally skeptical about the idea.
A short video about the arrival of big time soccer in the Emerald City followed but by the cooler crowd reaction, it became clear that most of those present had seen it before. To be fair to the club, this is the last week in which the club will operate with more front office staff than players and after next week’s expansion draft they will have much more material to present to the membership in terms of players. Gary Wright warmed the audience up by asking the Emerald City Supporters (ECS) to re-sing their version of “The Bluest Skies”. By the puzzled faces of the non ECS people in the hall, this was something new to them, which meant the song was reaching a new audience. It was a smart move by Wright and it is clear that there is a sound relationship brewing between the club and the official supporters club which augurs well for that big match day atmosphere which both are hoping to create.
"We'll Beat the LA Galaxy by This Much"
Photo: Joe Armand
Vote to Name Members Association
There were some new announcements. Carey showed us an enlarged version of the membership card which the as yet unnamed membership association will give to its members. There will be a vote on what name the association takes, with the options being Members Association, Union and the Alliance. The Alliance was one of the names that was offered to the supporters when choosing the club name before the possibility of a write-in vote allowed Sounders to swamp the choices on offer. Clearly somebody is very keen on it though, but again the club has shown the self-confidence to allow for a write-in, and there was no discernible mood in the hall on this issue
The members will also get to vote on a name for the band, with the Sound Wave seeming early favourite. Members will get an email this morning outlining the options, Sound Wave, Green Machine, Sounders FC Band and a write-in option.. They will also receive Sounders FC lapel pins, which Carey vowed to wear on the Price is Right. One somewhat bigger announcement was that the members association will not have to wait till four years are up to remove the General Manager Adrian Hanauer. A vote can be triggered by raising a petition of 20% of the membership. Additionally five of the membership council, that body of members who acquire 25 votes, will be asked to join an Advisory Council, who will get to meet with the Sounders FC to discuss various issues.
FSN Northwest to be “Presentation Partner”
The next announcement concerned a new media partnership with Fox Sports Northwest. They are being called a ‘Presentation Partner’, a term which will come to mean non match coverage of Sounders FC. KING5 have the broadcast rights to matches but the presence of a Sounders FC ‘magazine’ program on the Fox Network will catch the attention of fans of other sports. The FSN was also announced as the “presenting sponsor” of the Sounders FC membership association. Carey said “From day one, we pledged to keep the fans involved and informed in the decision making process. Our partnership with FSN provides one more tool to achieve that goal.”
FSN will own the rights for a variety of non live match SSFC programming, including match replays and magazine programs. They will produce a weekly program which will give them “a unique perspective on the club through the network’s exclusive access to the club.” There was a large degree of skepticism among those attending as to how this exclusive access, which presumably excludes other TV networks, helps keep the members informed.
FSN's role will extend beyond television; they will also be sponsoring the team’s series of youth and community events. “It is a unique opportunity to be a founding partner of a new franchise, to help introduce and foster a relationship between a team, their players and a community of sports fans,” said Mark Shuken, President and CEO of Liberty Sports Group, parent company of FSN Northwest.
Full of laughter, full of tears, but not apparently being told when to cheer
Bart Wiley Addresses the Meeting
Photo: Joe Armand
Le Toux and Nyassi were then introduced to the crowd to chants of “Allez le Toux” from the Emerald City Supporters. It looks like we’re going to be hearing French at Sounders games next year, and Le Toux seems to be a popular figure amongst the hardcore support. A question and answer session followed, the highlight of which was Drew Carey, repeating the promise Wiley made to Prost Amerika last week. In answer to a question about NFL lines on the pitch, Carey said emphatically “There are not going to be any Seahawks stripes on the field.” No hint of any ‘we’re going to do our best’, this was a cast-iron guarantee and it delighted everyone there.
The formal part of the night ended with the band striking up the Sounders theme tune, "Fanfare of the Olympians", by Henry Mancini, a very welcome tip-of-the-hat to traditionalists and indication of just how comfortable this club now is with its past in different leagues and guises.
Fans were allowed to mingle and talk to those presenting the meeting, and while this was no Ljungberg blockbuster event, it was a very smooth and confident beginning to the ground-breaking relationship between Sounders FC and its membership association, whose first task will be to name itself. Perhaps next time the band will play “Getting to Know You. Getting to Know All About You.”
Sounders FC Selects Scout7 Information Systems
Seattle becomes first MLS club to join world-wide leader
SOUNDERS FC PRESS RELEASE. – The Seattle Sounders FC has become the first MLS club to select England-based Scout7 as provider of its information management system, it was announced today. Scout7 is the world-wide leader and a pioneer in the delivery of information management systems in professional soccer. Its list of European clients has grown to nearly 100 since 2001.Scout7 systems are installed at more than 75 percent of England’s Premier League clubs and over 50 percent of Championship clubs. The growing list of international clients reaches 15 different countries, including such clubs as RSC Anderlecht, Ajax, Feyenoord, Le Mans, Olympique Lyonnais, PSV Eindhoven, FC Schalke 04, Sevilla FC and Villarreal CF.
Sounders FC will use Scout7 systems to assist in monitoring player prospects outside of the United States. Senior management staff can track the progress of both established and emerging talent across the world through the largest player database in world soccer, in addition to managing their own report information and personal notes on specific targets centrally and securely online.
Sounders FC general manager Adrian Hanauer says Scout7’s depth of information, particularly in key South American markets, was key to the club’s decision to invest in the technology.
“As well as providing a greater depth of league history and personal information on established pros in Europe,” said Hanauer, “the system also enables us to monitor both domestic and international football in South and Central America, which have been very successful recruitment markets for MLS franchises over the past decade.
In the major nations, including Brazil and Argentina, we can also access comprehensive and accurate information on lower league football below Serie A and Primera A, which again is of great value to us,” Hanauer said. “We are looking forward to working closely with Scout7 over the next six months, as we prepare to make an impact in our first season in MLS."
Scout7 managing director Lee Jamison traveled to Seattle to present the system to Sounders FC representatives. Jamison expressed his delight at Seattle becoming the first North American ProScout7 client.
“I am delighted that Seattle Sounders have recognized the benefits we can provide them in the recruitment process as they prepare for their first MLS season,” Jamison said. “Both I and our international database team will be on hand to provide extensive support to their senior staff as they formulate their playing roster for 2009.”
Sounders FC has signed four players for its inaugural season. Ten more will be added Nov. 26 during the MLS Expansion Draft.
Sounders FC Draw Battle Lines – Well, Remove Them Actually
Wiley Vows “We’ll Do Everything We Can to Protect the Integrity of the Sport”
November 13Sounders FC Business Development Manager, Bart Wiley, is one of a small core of people who will carry over his involvement in the USL Sounders into an active role in Sounders FC. Recently he accompanied the outgoing franchise on a tour of Argentina where he witnessed local matches including a River Plate v Boca Juniors derby. The purpose was to see what elements of their match day atmosphere could be incorporated to Qwest Field next year. Wiley describes the atmosphere with admiration “It was amazing, dynamic, electric, and passionate. I’ve been to a lot of different sporting events but the River v Boca game was the most fascinating I’ve ever attended. 65,000 people there, a moat around the pitch, and 2,500 riot police.”
Not that he’s anticipating anything like that in the Pacific Northwest. “We’re hoping to have passionate fans having a good time, cheering on their team. To think we’re going to create that fan culture here is probably too lofty of a goal. We definitely saw things, heard things and smelled things that we want to incorporate here next year.”
Sounders FC’s stated aim is to create the best atmosphere best in MLS, a sobriquet that is currently claimed by Toronto and Columbus fans among others. To do that, they are prepared to throw the Qwest rule book out the window and allow soccer fan culture to circulate and breathe.
“That’s one of the things we addressed at our supporters meeting in September. We said you fans attending Sounders games in 2009 will be treated differently to people attending Seahawks games or super cross at Qwest. Soccer’s different. We want to make sure you come into the stadium and have the freedom to do what you want to do, while making sure people are safe and have a good time. There are definitely going to be different rules and regulations for soccer games than there will for any other event there in the stadium.”
Wiley was able to come up with four examples when pressed for just one, “People are going to be allowed to bring in large flags on poles, have drums in the stadium, make their own signs, throw confetti in their own section. We’ve made sure Darryl Niles, Head of Security at Qwest Field and James Kramen, one of the event managers, know that soccer is different and it is their job to inform staff at the stadium and keep them in the loop that supporters are to be treated differently to any other event in the stadium. Everyone’s going to be safe and everyone’s going to have a good time but you’re going to have a bit of leeway to do what you want to do.”
"I tried to fall in the penalty area"
NFL Markings can be a Paint in the Grass
Photo: Jenni Conner
“One of our main objectives when we sent the MLS preferred dates for scheduling was to make sure that we could play without football lines. We preached all along from day one we want to maintain the integrity and the purity of the game. We’ve done our best to do everything top notch at the best level and we want to make sure that there are no football lines on the field – to sell what we’ve been selling so far to people, whether they be seasoned veterans of soccer or just learning the game,. We don’t want them to see anything that resembles American Football and we’re going to kill ourselves to make sure there are no football lines on the field.
We’re working through all the different scenarios now. The easiest thing to do is if there’s one machine now that gets paint off the field, we’ll go out and get four. Those are all things the stadium gang is working on. We’re going to control what we can control and that is the schedule. We’ve looked at the stadium events that are already booked next year including the Seahawks schedule and we have done the best job we can to send the MLS the preferred dates to give us the best possible chance we can to keep lines off. Gary Wright comes to it from the Seahawks side and that is his and our Number 1 objective. To make sure it looks like a soccer match and not an American football field.”
These are words that will bring a not inconsiderable amount of joy to soccer fans not just in Seattle and once more prove that it’s not just the town they intend to paint rave green.
Sounders Fans Drum up a Storm with the Help of One Very Special Musician
Gabe and Brother Zane -
Drumming up a Storm in Seattle
The arrival of Gabe Murfitt’s snare drum added a rhythm which brought a new cohesion. But Gabe is no ordinary supporter and no ordinary drummer. He suffers from pseudo thalidamide tetro phocomelia and is missing the radius and ulna bones in his arms. He has no knee joint and can't bend his knees because of that. He has a severe hearing loss and no nerve endings in his thumbs. Nevertheless, Gabe didn’t let that stop him playing in the school band in 5th Grade. He also played in the Seattle Youth Symphony in junior high and played and marched in the marching band in high school. Gabe from Woodinville is now an 18 year old freshman at UW studying history.
But drumming is one of only two loves in Gabe’s life. The other is soccer. "I love soccer and I love supporting the Sounders, the ECS is the best way to do it. I loved it, I felt connected with everybody right away and I'm pumped to be in with ECS again drumming and singing along," he said.
Gabe was an instant hit with the fans according to Greg Mockos of the ECS. "It was awesome to see Gabe in action with us. When Gabe showed up in our section with the intent of making noise and chanting on our beloved Sounders despite his disabilities, everyone had instant respect for him. I and several others greeted Gabe and from that point on he was one of us. No questions asked, no reservations made. The ECS is a group open to anyone who is willing to vocally support the Sounders. I don’t know Gabe very well, but his brother Zane told me that his passion for soccer is immense and I hope we will see more of him come MLS in 2009. It was great to see Gabe on the terraces!"
His older brother Zane, a senior at WSU, explains how they found the Sounders. “Both Gabe and I love soccer, but hadn't followed it closely until a couple years ago. When Seattle was awarded an MLS team we were pumped. We bought season tickets right when we could and knew that we wanted to be with the supporters singing and chanting. But we just couldn’t wait until the Sounders were in MLS to start supporting them so we went to the first USL-1 game we could. We found out about ECS when looking for a supporters group online and knew we wanted to sit with them.“
Both are really looking forward to the arrival of Major League Soccer in Seattle and hearing Gabe play at Qwest Field. “Watching the Sounders with 25,000 other people is going to be awesome. I can't wait to be with ECS leading our crowd and making Seattle the toughest place to play in MLS. Look for me down front with my drum rocking out the stadium!"
When he agreed to get involved with the consortium investing in Seattle Sounders FC, one of comedian Drew Carey’s conditions was that the club has a marching band. With Gabe Murfitt giving it his best for the Sounders FC, Drew Carey’s band may well find it has stiff, enthusiastic and talented competition.
Sounders FC to Hold Fashion Show
Beneficiaries to Include Seattle Children’s Research Institute and the Quest for a Cure Guild November 10
Sounders FC today announced a fashion Show for December 4th. A press release from Sounders FC claims "the show is a unique event that will allow fans to be the first to see the team’s official uniform and complete fashion line. Following the runway show guests will have the opportunity to be the first to purchase the Sounders FC Kit and bid on limited edition items during a silent auction while enjoying signature event drinks and light appetizers."
Seats are $65 per person with proceeds benefiting Seattle Children’s Research Institute and Quest for a Cure Guild.
Sounders FC to Hold Memorial for "Tuba Man" Ed McMichael
Edward “Tuba Man” McMichael, Seattle’s beloved sports & entertainment, fan died last week due to injuries from an attempted mugging Oct. 25th. The Seattle Sounders FC says a public celebration and memorial event to honor McMichael will be held at the Qwest Field Events Center on Wednesday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and those attending can park in the North Lot of Qwest Field. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and entry will be at the marquee entrance off Occidental Avenue.“The Commentators” on KOMO 1000 News Radio are facilitating donation drop-offs at any Bank of America branch. Fans can send donations to cover funeral expenses to the following address: Edward “the Tuba Man” McMichael Memorial Fund P.O. Box 4985 Federal Way, WA 98063
So This is Major League Soccer?
Prost Amerika Takes in a New York Red Bulls Game
Table topping and already qualified Columbus Crew visited Giants Stadium in the Red Bulls last regular season game at the Meadowlands, the stadium they borrow from the New York Giants. Next year, they are moving to a soccer specific stadium.Columbus manager Sigi Schmid rested some key players but the Red Bulls had been rocked by Major League Soccer's first ever drugs scandal just days before. So a combination of world class designated players, occasional fixtures and some astonished debutants took the field for a match that ended up making MLS history.
You can hear the editor of Prost Amerika talking about this piece and other issues on the Seattle Soccer Show online.Read how that happened, and what we learned that could be applicable to Seattle's own MLS future on Prost Amerika Goes MLS
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The Bluest Skies
The bluest skies you've ever seen are in Seattle When its time to leave your home and your loved ones The bluest skies you've ever seen are in Seattle When you find your own true love, you will know it The bluest skies you've ever seen are in Seattle Lyrics: Hugo Montenegro, Jack Keller and Ernie Sheldon |
Fans Gather to Welcome Ljungberg
Fans Gather at QWest to Get Their First Glimpse of New Superstar
October 29In the morning it was the press but last night it was the moment the fans had all been waiting for as Freddie Ljungberg was introduced to them. Several hundred supporters thronged the Wells Fargo Suite to see Ljungberg introduced by an effervescent Joe Roth, Sounders FC majority shareholder. Roth was in fine form again, having poked mild fun at the Seahawks in the morning, with his home town team LA Galaxy, and Seattle's new local rivals San Jose Earthquakes in the Hollywood producer's line of fire. "You don't have to know how to play soccer in LA," said Roth, "just look good." He later repeated his promise to the press that Seattle wouldn't be a struggling expansion team 'like San Jose.'
Ljungberg Acknowledges the Fans
Photo: Keith Hodo
Todd Leiweke and Adrian Hanauer also addressed the crowd before fans were allowed to ask Ljungberg questions. Ljungberg himself showed a sense of humour and made a new team mate the subject for his fire. Kasey Keller kept goal for North London club Tottenham Hotspur at the same time that Ljungberg was playing for fierce local rivals Arsenal. Tottenham (known as the Spurs) are not having a good season, and Keller is not being allowed to forget it. At least 1FC Köln, Mallorca and Millwall are doing fine so far.
Ljungberg also restated a point that he had made to the press pack that morning. He wanted to allay fears that he was here to relax and wind down his illustrious career. He told the fans that if this were the case, he could have come in three years time as many of his European colleagues had advised. This went down well with the crowd and left them as well with the franchise delighted with the club's new acquisition.
For full coverage of the Ljungberg signing, go to He's Here! Freddie is a Sounder.
Additional Reporting: David Falk, GOALSeattle.com
Freddie Ljungberg Arrives in Seattle
Sweden's Captain is Here to Play on a $2.5 million contract.
Freddie Ljungberg arrived in Seattle at 5.15 on Sunday to prepare for his role as Seattle Sounders designated player for the MLS 2009 season. Prost Amerika has learned from sources in Sweden that Ljungberg will earn in the region of $2.5m a year. Another unconfirmed report suggests his contract will be for two years but Prost Amerika was unable to confirm that yet. A press conference will be held next Tuesday, October 28th at Qwest Field in which Seattle Sounders FC will officially announce him as their designated player for 2009, their inaugural year in Major League Soccer. An email is going out to all season ticket holders inviting them to attend. The rumour mill on the internet, including the reliable GOALSEATTLE.com has been running on overdrive in recent weeks with two names arising more often than others, Swede Freddie Ljungberg and French international Thierry Henry.Despite a well protected wall of silence from official club sources, the former Arsenal and West Ham United midfielder had been emerging as the favourite. Recently, Thierry Henry had been insisting that the Catalan football media stop linking him with a move to Manchester City, and adding unprompted that he wasn't going anywhere. As a man who guards his reputation for integrity fairly highly, it would be then odd if Henry were to announce a move anywhere - at least before the official transfer window reopens in January. That left Ljungberg.
Where Henry is under contract though, Ljungberg is a free agent having ended his contract with London club West Ham in August. To make his signing even more attractive for Seattle, he has announced his retirement from international football and therefore Sounders FC wouldn't be resigned to losing him for qualification games and the tiring travel that would entail. This is a double whammy that makes Ljungberg a far less expensive risk than a player of his quality might have been.
Freddie Ljungberg's Career - The Numbers
Karl Fredrik "Freddie" Ljungberg was born on 16 April 1977 in Vittsjö, Hässleholm, in southern Sweden. He started his career at Halmstads BK in Sweden's Allsvenskan, a club once managed by Fulham manager Roy Hodgson. There he played 79 games between 1994 and 1998. He then moved to London to play for Arsenal FC in the English Premier League, playing 328 games and scoring 72 goals. After captaining Sweden in the 2008 European Championships, he announced his retirement from international football after a decade in the Swedish side. He made his debut for Sweden against on January 24, 1998 ironically against the USA. He didn't score but netted the first of his 14 Swedish goals against rivals Denmark some months later. Overall, he played 75 times for Sweden.
Ljungberg last played a competitive club game on 26 April 2008 for West Ham United against Newcastle. Newcastle United defender, Steven Taylor, landed on him breaking one of his ribs. Four months later, West Ham released Ljungberg after an agreement was reached to terminate his contract. His last international appearance came on June 18 when Sweden played Russia in the Tivoli Neu in Innsbruck, Austria.
In some circles, Ljungberg is known as much for his non football activities as what happens on the pitch. He became famous to a new group of people when he obtained a modeling contract for Calvin Klein. Pictures of Freddie in their underwear began to appear all over the world. He was also voted best-dressed man in Sweden in 2002.
Meanwhile the current Sounders squad finished their four match tour of Argentina yesterday at CA Jorge Griffa. They fly back on Tuesday and presumably some of the top staff will be heading straight to the press conference. It is not yet known if any other signings will be announced on Tuesday, but they cannot be far behind.
Sounders to Host Open Try-Outs for Players
TV Slot Immediately after Superbowl 2009 Will Showcase Soccer Hopefuls
Seattle Sounders FC are to allow any player who shows up a trial to win an open slot on their first ever MLS roster. In a surprise announcement on October 23rd, the club announced that trials will be held in Spokane, Tukwila and Yakima during the month of November. The dates are Spokane on the 9th, Tukwila on the 15th and Yakima on the 22nd. Interested participants must register in advance at the Sounders FC website.The final tryout will be broadcast on Sunday, February 1, 2009, following Super Bowl XLIII on KING 5, the TV station that will carry all Sounders FC games next year. Viewers will have the opportunity to narrow the finalists to three. A distinguished panel of judges will then determine the winner. The winner will be awarded a spot on the 2009 Sounders FC roster.
Full trial dates and locations:
Sunday, November 9 – Spokane, Wash.
Plants Ferry Park,
12308 E. Upriver Drive
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (check-in begins at 9 a.m.)
Saturday, November 15 – Tukwila, Wash.
Starfire Sports Complex
14800 Starfire Way
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (check-in begins at 9 a.m.)
Saturday, November 22 – Yakima, Wash.
Chesterley Park
3804 River Rd.
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (check-in begins at 9 a.m.)
Gambia Youth International Becomes 3rd Signee
Teenage Midfielder Sanna Nyassi Played in 2007 FIFA Championships But is Immediately Available to USL Side
September 5
Sanna Nyassi
Nyassi had been on training with the USL Sounders, where he was evaluated by both Adrian Hanauer, the General Manager, and Chris Henderson, the technical director. He tried out for the New England Revolution last summer but they signed his twin brother Sainey who is now a regular starter in MLS this season. “Sanna is a very technical player, strikes the ball well with both feet, and he has lightning quickness,” said Hanauer. “He has enormous potential and if he works extremely hard, he could have a very long an successful career in MLS.”
At the 2007 U-20 FIFA Championships in Canada, Nyassi twice came off the bench for Gambia. His team beat Portugal to finish second in their group and reach the last 16. Earlier, he was a member of the West African nation’s side at the 2005 U-17 world championships, playing in all three matches, including one start. Seattle will be Nyassi’s second professional club. He originally signed with Gambia Ports Authority FC in 2004, playing with the club in the capital city of Banjul until this year. He scored the game-winning goal in the 2007 national cup final. Ports Authority won the 2006 League 1 championship. Nyassi recently played in Seattle when Atletico Morelia played the Portland Timbers at Memorial Stadium.
Sounders FC to Meet with Supporters
Email Invites Members to Q&A with Club Officials on September 11
August 27
An email to all season ticket holders and members of Seattle Sounders FC went out today inviting them to a meeting at QWest Field. The email says the club will "go over goals and expectations, discuss stadium behavior, take Q&A and lay the groundwork for establishing the most dynamic match day atmosphere in the league."
ECS At Qwest Field
The email then goes on to link to three places where Toronto FC Fans are featured and one of the current supporters group. Seattle Sounders FC GM Adrian Hanauer and Business Development Manager Bart Wiley recently visited Toronto for the MLS All Star game and are known to have been impressed with the performance of the Toronto fans in building a match day atmosphere. Bart Wiley met with Toronto fan groups and told us, "Toronto has fantastic fans and the atmosphere in their stadium is certainly something to emulate." As well as Wiley, Gary Wright and Qwest Field management will be in attendance at the meeting.
To attend, RSVP to MLS Customer Service with name, number of people attending and your email address. You have to RSVP by September 8, 2008 to ensure your place at this meeting. Those attending will receive a complimentary ticket to the current Seattle Sounders September 13th against Atlanta Silverbacks match where recipients are invited to sit with the current supporters group, the Emerald City Supporters (ECS). Those attending can park in the North Lot at Qwest Field for only $5 by printing out the email.
America's First "Sportocracy"?
Electorate Reaches Four Figures as Votes Continue to Pile In
August 22
Voting continues unabated in what we have chosen to describe as America’s first "sportocracy" in action. Ever since the Seattle Sounders FC launched their Membership Council idea, the votes have been coming in steadily. 145 candidates have been nominated so far and an incredible 1250 votes have been cast. In terms of voter participation and sport, all kinds of benchmarks are being set. Recently the first candidate to reach 25 votes was elected and as things stand he remains the sole member of the Council. But according to Bart Wiley, General Manager of the current Sounders and Business Development Manager of Sounders FC (a role which includes fan liaison), he’s not likely to be alone for long. “There are quite a number in double digits,” he said, “none hovering on 24 votes however but we are extending the time for people to get elected and we’re in no particular hurry to close off nominations. It will stay upon throught the end of August. There were even ten fans campaigning at the last home game outside the stadium. Whether we get ten members or 1000, we’ll make it work.” Anyone achieving 25 nominations from other members is automatically elected to the Council and there is no limit to how many Councilors can sit on the body. As well as at current Sounders games, fan groups have been trying to coordinate their members’ votes online so that their members can reach 25.But none of this interest and activity has taken Bart Wiley by surprise. “I’m not surprised at all,” Bart continued. ”Not because this is exactly what I suspected, but because I had no preconceived notions of what to expect. We thought it would be interesting to people, enable them to get plugged in and serve as a mouthpiece for the Membership Association.” The Membership Association consists of all season ticket holders plus anyone who purchases a $125 membership but doesn’t own a season ticket. Asked how the club had handled 1200 plus emails, Bart explained, “We have a great software system, the same one we used for the referendum on the team name. To be honest, it’s been a breeze.”
Does Wiley have any fears about allowing their customers a voice? “I have no fears. Maybe that’s a bit misguided of me. But we feel the Council can take the pulse of the MA, and pass on messages about the match day experience. They can take soundings from those around them in the ground, for example whether the PA is too loud or the LED screen can’t be read. The club can’t have people everywhere in the ground.”
As new members are elected, we’ll try and catch up with them to see what issues are of concern to them.
Kasey Keller Shows
his True Allegiance
Kasey Keller has
Played at the Top Level
Sounders FC to Make Major Announcement on Thursday
Kasey Keller Will Be Sounders FC's Second Signing
An email has been sent out inviting fans to join Seattle Sounders FC in a special player announcement on Thursday, August 14th at Qwest Field. Gates will open at 2:00 PM. The purpose of the gathering will be to announce that former Team USA goalkeeper Kasey Keller is the player to be added to the squad. The 38 year old Lacey, Washington native has been playing in Germany with Borussia Mönchengladbach and was known to be keen on a return to the Pacific Northwest.
Kasey has played 91 times for the USA National Men’s Team. Keller started his club career with the Portland Timbers and played as part of the US Under 20 program for three years before four successful years in London with Millwall. He moved onto Leicester City for whom he played 99 games. His next port of call was the city of Madrid where he played 51 games in La Liga for Rayo Vallecano.
Tottenham Hostpur and Fulham completed a trio of London clubs, but in between he experienced the Bundesliga where he represented Borussia Mönchengladbach. Of his caps for the USA, none is more famous than his shut out against Brazil in 1998. His ten saves kept Brazil at bay and prompted Romario to remark “That is the best performance by a goalkeeper I have ever seen. It was an honor to be on the field with him.” A player who has represented the USA at the top level and has experienced football in some of the world's top leagues would certainly be a catch for the Sounders, but it may well be the story of the prodigal son returning home that catches the Emerald City's imagination. He last played in Seattle on July 9, 2005 when he captained the USA against Canada in the Gold Cup.
Fans attending can park in the north lot of Qwest Field, and enter the stadium through the NW VIP gate where they will be directed to the field. We will bring you full coverage of the announcement here.
Seattle Sounders FC Announce Huge TV Deal and Unveil Play By Play Commentator
Kevin Calabro to Join KING-5 Broadcast Team
July 21st, QWest Field
In a press conference at QWest Field today, Todd Leiweke, CEO of Vulcan Sports Entertainment, announced a new television deal for the MLS bound Seattle Sounders FC. The games, both home and away, are to be covered on KING-5 or KONG-6/16. BELO President and General Manager Ray Heacox said "Everyone at KING5 the Home Team is very excited to begin this special partnership with another great home team - the Sounders FC. The television deal is a three year contract and reflects the supreme confidence BELO and Heacox have in the future of soccer in the Emerald City.
Tod Leiweke Welcomes Kevin
Calabro to the Sounders Team
Photo: Sounders FC
Calabro was quick to stress that he knows he is on a learning curve regarding the game but said Akeem Olajuwon had always stressed to him the importance of soccer in his basketball education. "I am thrilled to be part of Sounders FC soccer in a city that I know will embrace it," he said. "Seattle is blessed to have devoted ownership as well and I know people will be excited about the possibilities."
For the Sounders FC, Tod Leiweke commented that "The Sounders FC adds two broadcast icons to our family today. This partnership teams one of the most recognizable voices in sports with the number-one rated station in Western Washington."
"Good is Good"
Reaction from soccer's existing soccer community was upbeat. David Falk, Webmaster of GOALSeattle.com, reacted positively. "The announcement of Kevin Calabro as the first-ever voice of Sounders FC is a nice touch for our sports community. No one can deny Kevin's imprint on Seattle, and it is great to know that he'll be calling the first-ever kick in Sounders FC history in 2009. Kevin is known for basketball, but good is good, and he'll no doubt bring something special to the microphone for Seattle soccer fans," he said.
Speaking exclusively to Prost Amerika, Calabro had a message for any skeptics in the Seattle's soccer community , "I would just like them to know that I respect their game and I will respectfully approach this game, and work extremely hard to become as educated as I can about their sport; to learn every nuance that I can, to never pretend that I know any more than I know about this sport, and to always lean and depend upon expertise. Adrian is my expertise. He is our General Manager. We will have someone in that co-pilots chair, maybe two analysts; qualified soccer people that the soccer community here will know and respect. So from that standpoint we will hit all bases. We'll have somebody that will appeal to the hard core fan and myself who will bring along the casual fan and sell them on the game. I would think the hard core fan would want as many people as possible involved in the game as possible."
Prost Amerika would like to also welcome Kevin to Seattle's rapidly expanding soccer community - the fastest growing fanbase in American sport. A long journey is ahead of us all, and we are very happy to welcome our new crewmate on board!
Seattle Sounders FC Launch Youth Development Program
Club Joins Forces with Washington Youth Soccer
July 16th, 2008
Seattle Sounders today announced the launch of its new Youth Development Program (YDP). Supplementing the current youth soccer club experience, the YDP will run in six week increments at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila working on the technical aspects of soccer in a professional and enjoyable environment.
"We look forward to helping youth soccer grow in the years to come," said Sounders FC Director of Youth Development and current Sounders Assistant Coach Darren Sawatzky. "With the excitement of the new MLS team coming to town, both Washington Youth Soccer and the Seattle Sounders FC want to serve the youth soccer community the best way possible."
All Youth Development Program training will focus on improvement as a soccer player, responsibility to the community, and the expression of individual personality within the game. To serve as development tools for students of the game, each participant will receive nutritional education materials and reading lists related to high level sport.
Complementing the Youth Development Program will be specific position training. Goalkeeper training will run in six week increments on a yearly basis. Strikers, midfielders and defenders will each have a six week training cycle starting with the strikers and goalkeepers on August 11th.
The price per six week session is $200. Each participant receives a Sounders FC YDP jersey, shorts and socks to be worn at each training session. Registration begins the week of July 21st for an August 11th start date.
For more information please contact Darren Sawatzky at (206) 622-3415 ext. 122 or email him at darrens@seattlesounders.net.
Frère Jaqua!
Northwest Native to Come Home?
Bastille Day (July 14th), 2008
The news that forward Nate Jaqua has agreed to return to the Houston Dynamo for the rest of the season could have repercussions for the Sounders. Of course there are internet rumors about many players who may or may not be on the Sounders roster when they enter Major League Soccer in 2009, but those surrounding the Eugene, Oregon native have been persistent and stronger than most. Houston blogger Bernardo Fallas of Soccer y Fútbol seems convinced he will be a Sounders player next year.
Previously at SC Rheindorf Altach in Austria's Voralberg region where he played with Brazilian international Zé Elias, Jaqua has retuned to a Dynamo club for whom he made 15 appearances last year. He scored six goals for Houston in those appearances. He also netted a creditable goal every two games for the Austrians in his ten appearances.
Jaqua came on as a substitute in the 2006 MLS All Star side in 2006 at Chicago Fire's home field, Toyota Park. It was his home ground at the time and his performance was praised by many watching. He was awarded his first cap for the USA on January 29 2006, against Norway, and nearly scored in the U.S. victory.
The 26 year old is a graduate of South Eugene High School and played college soccer at the University of Portland from 2000 to 2002. He is the son of Jon Jaqua, a former National Football League player who played for the Washington Redskins. That can only be seen as a way to help Sounders FC connect with the huge fan base American Football has in Seattle. In the eyes of many, his return to the Pacific Northwest is inevitable with the arrival of MLS here. He would be partnering the only existing MLS signing so far, Frenchman Sébastien Le Toux, which explains our headline.
HAPPY BASTILLE DAY EVERYONE.
Seattle Sounders FC
to Create Membership Council
24 June, 2008
At the launch party of the Seattle Sounders MLS franchise, the intention was stated to make it North America's first democratically run club. In order to harness the voices of the fans and provide a democratic outlet, Seattle Sounders FC are setting up a Membership Council - Senate, if you will, for Sounders FC fans. The Members Association consists of all those who have bought Season tickets. The Council is intended to be their voice to the Ownership group. Here is some information:
ELECTION
Member Association Council Members interested in participating on Council must receive a minimum of 25 votes from other Members of the Association. The Members Association Council will meet two times per year in addition to the annual all members meeting held at the conclusion of each season. Each Council member will serve as a liaison between members and the ownership group. Five (5) Council members will also be chosen by ownership to serve on the Sounders FC Advisory Board – a board made up of ownership, technical staff, corporate partners, and members of the soccer community. Advisory board meetings will take place on a quarterly basis with the annual meeting serving as the 4th quarter Advisory Board meeting.
TERM OF OFFICE
Council members will be voted in annually with terms extending from March to November (in year one, council members will be voted in 2008 with terms extending through November of 2009).
DUTIES OF MEMBERS
Council members will attend two meetings per term, attend the annual meeting at conclusion of season – hosted by Drew Carey, serve as mouthpiece of other Members, fans, match attendees, report to ownership on the pulse of the Members Association, be tuned into the match-day environment in your seating section, gather comments, suggestions, and criticisms from Members and present them to ownership, communicate to other Members through Member Only forums, and chat rooms that will be integrated into newly designed Sounders FC website (early 2009), serve as monitors in Members Only forums and chat rooms and report inappropriate content to Sounders FC management, and have a desire to see the Members Association succeed and become the cornerstone of other sports teams wanting to see Members have a more pronounced voice.
Seattle Sounders Live On!
Fans write in campaign succeeds
7 April, 2008
In a major victory for fan power, the new MLS franchise in Seattle is to be called the Seattle Sounders. Despite not being named on the ballot, the football fans of the city wrote in the name which has been synonymous with soccer here for three decades. Seattle Sounders FC is one of the oldest names in the sport in the USA and is now set to not only continue, but once more flourish at the top level of the game.
Co-owner and general manager Adrian Hanauer commented (from the Puget Sound Business Journal): "The team playing at the highest level in our region has always been called Sounders. Starting with the NASL and then the USL 1st Division, we now have the chance to create a separate and distinct identity with the new MLS team."
While debate about the crest is sure to continue, fans were beginning to express their delight on Sounders message boards within seconds of the announcement. One supporter paid tribute to the fan unity shown by supporters of rival clubs, "I'd like to give a shout out to all the fans of Vancouver and Portland and around the world who helped out. Class acts all of you, thanks."
Fans of other clubs including DC United also joined in the sense of joy that tradition had won out.
We will have more later, and of course we will be renaming the page soon. And doing do with great glee!
MLS Seattle Launches Name Vote
Seattle FC, Republic or Alliance named candidates
24 March, 2008
In a surprising turn of events, MLS Seattle send out a ballot form to its members asking for their choice of name. The emailed message asks fans to choose between three names, Seattle FC, Seattle Alliance and the Seattle Republic.
Curiously, they have also allowed for a write in nomination. This will once more put the populist choice of keeping the Sounders name back on the agenda. Initial reaction from fan sites was negative with one fan questioning how happy fans would be calling themselves 'Seattle Republicans' in one of the most fiercely Democrat cities in the USA. Another said "Seattle Alliance sounds like an insurance company, and Seattle Republic reminds me of Banana Republic. I wonder if the team uniform would consist of a button down shirt and overpriced khaki shorts."
The new franchise that began in Toronto last season took the name Toronto FC and this didn't seem to hamper an immediate and close affinity between their population and the club. But more attention seems to be focused on the write-in component of the email with early indications suggesting that die-hard fans of the Sounders name may use this to make a protest. However, sources also indicate, there is also an increasing realization that there is no chance the Seattle Sounder will be adopted as the club's official name.
What now seems certain is that the names of the ballot paper are the only ones under consideration. The website MLS Rumors reports that the three names Seattle FC, Seattle Alliance and Seattle Republic have all been registered at the US Trademark Office.
Fans will be allowed one vote per unique email address. MLS Seattle season ticket deposit holders will receive the same number of votes as deposits purchased. MLS Seattle has hired Votenet™ Solutions, Inc. to provide a secure online voting system and Deloitte & Touche to recount the results. The winning name will be revealed via live web cast on Monday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m. (PT) at www.mlsinseattle.com.
More information about the names and how you can vote are available here.
Adrian Hanauer
Photo Larry Maurer
MLS Seattle Ticket Sales Top 10,000
1 January, 2008
A mere month after the announcement that Seattle had gained the next Major League Soccer place and a full 16 months before they even kick a ball, the club with no name reached another milestone. Seattle MLS has surpassed 10,000 season-ticket deposits.
Within a day, they had sold 24 hours but doubts that the surge would not last have disappeared under a tidal wave of Seattle soccer mania. Sales remain around 100 per day. What's more, they $50 doesn't even buy you a seat. The deposits merely give fans the opportunity to select seats when season tickets for the 2009 season go on sale. No price has been set on the season tickets.
"We're thrilled with the initial response to Seattle MLS season ticket memberships and are excited to see what 2008 will hold," Sounders general manager, Bart Wiley, told Prost Amerika.
The team is three months from selecting a name and colors and several more beyond that from signing players and coaches. Enthusiasm for the beautiful game is not a new concept here. Washington State's 130,000 registered youth players represent on a per-capita basis the highest number of youth soccer players in the nation.
Drew Carey arrives
Photo Katja Klöpfer
MLS Seattle Launch Party
George and Dragon Pub, Fremont
12 November
A large and expectant crowd gathered at the George and Dragon, long the home of pub soccer in Seattle. Some were there for their regular diet of English Premier League as Arsenal visited Reading whose goalkeeper is none other than Seattleite Marcus Hahnemann. However as is so often the case in London, the real excitement was nothing to do with Arsenal.
MLS soccer had arrived in Seattle and the George was chosen as the appropriate atmosphere to throw a fans' party. New GM Adrian Hanauer and Majority Owner Joe Roth attended but the show stopper was undoubtedly TV star Drew Carey who has agreed to be a minority owner in the new club. This was the culmination of a great deal of hard work by Hanauer and Roth, but they were prepared to let Carey take the spotlight. But their pride was palpable.
Whereas most of the large and noisy Sounder fan contingent were hoping to hear the news that they had a team to watch in 2008, it was another announcement that really drew (pun deliberate) the breath of the real football aficionados in attendance.
Carey announced that it was a precondition of his involvement that the club become a broad-based membership organization along the lines of FC Barcelona in Catalonia. This would be a totally new concept in American sports with only the Green Bay Packers coming close. As yet there are few details as to how it might work but the new owners are getting advice from the Catalan marketing giants. In a lighter moment, Carey confessed he had already insisted on a marching band. The Europeans there were somewhat perplexed by this. They'll be more perplexed if he keeps his promise to paint his face and play the trumpet in it.
The George and Dragon Staff
add glamour to the excitement
Photo Katja Klöpfer
In explaining what a membership system meant, Roth said that in four years' time the members would be able to to vote Adrian Hanauer out of office. Hanauer quipped, "Tell them they're also able to vote for me."
For many long-term soccer fans in the city this was a memorable day, and the sense of relief was only swamped by the sense of anticipation of the months to come. Amongst those reacting were Dave Martin, a native of Belfast, Northern Ireland who said "I'm absolutely delighted Major League Soccer is coming to this town. It's about time. There's a big soccer community in this town. Even Portland and Vancouver should be in there too." Passionate Sounders fan Greg Robb added that the new organization "had to get the community involved in the naming of the team, they need to get involved in community outreach, they need to get the media involved, sign a TV contract, a radio contract to get behind Major League Soccer in this town." He will doubtless be delighted to hear that Bonneville Radio, owners of KIRO and KTTH, have already agreed to broadcast the games over the radio.
John Bayliss, co-owner of the George and Dragon, was confident that some of his existing customers, who attend to watch European football, would become fans of the new club...including himself. "There are a lot of fans in here that are certainly going to be going to the games on a regular basis myself included. We hope to develop a fan base when they're playing away. We're all football fans together, aren't we?" For some of us, he may have meant soccer but he is right in one thing. The soccer fans of this city seem to be united with a purpose like never before.
Footnote: Next big soccer event at the George is on Saturday at 9am when
Scotland take on the World Champions Italy with a place in the Euro Finals
at stake. Prost Amerika asks that you wear anything tartan you can lay your
hands on.
MLS Seattle Press Conference
Columbia Tower
13 November
Self-confessed and Proud
'soccer mom' Governor Gregoire
Photo Larry Maurer
At 11.59 am, the words "Roll Video" were heard and a pastiche of MLS action to a melodious Latin beat flashed up on the screen. At first we could have been at the Houston launch but then Leiweke took over with the words that will resonate with all true believers:
"The world's greatest game is coming to Seattle."
Many will claim to have already seen evidence of that here before with our USL Champion Sounders, but today was not a day for pedantry but for joy. In a concession to the importance of the fans and how QWest will become more than just a rental for the new franchise, Leiweke expressed his hope that the loudest stadium in the NFL would become the loudest stadium in the MLS. This is good news for groups like the Emerald City Supporters whose raucous racket has occasionally seemed out of place in the sedate family-friendly atmosphere of the USL. Significantly, the new organization is already making moves to ask fans like this how they can be best accommodated in the new setup, and this approach is to be welcomed. It seems that there may be two categories of season ticket, regular season ticket holder and supporter season ticket holder. According to Bart Wiley who is spearheading the fan outreach, the latter will want to "sit with other supporters, stand, sing, chant, bang a drum, paint face, etc".
'A Very Historic Day for Soccer in North America'
Don Garber took us through a history of how the concept of MLS in Seattle began with a diehard soccer fan who was working for the Seahawks. Calling this "a very historic day for soccer in North America", Garber reminded us that the soccer vote was instrumental in securing the QWest vote. He paid tribute to Joe Roth's unique marketing skills and gave us some background on Roth's soccer addiction over many decades. He finished up by reiterating that the players and the clubs will represent the community and the city with pride, a city which he called "a soccer savvy and international and diverse city."
Joe Roth enjoying
the moment
Photo Larry Maurer
Joe Roth talked of his love affair with soccer, thanking the Governor and calling himself a "soccer dad". He has been playing and coaching for many a decade and no-one there could have had any doubt of his passion for the game. He admitted that there were very few facts to tell at present having only signed the contract three days ago, and admitted his frustration that the game hasn't caught on here like it has in the rest of the world. Confessing he had also looked at Portland and Vancouver, he chose Seattle as an "intelligent, smart, sophisticated non-conformist city" and pointed out that Washington has more youth soccer players (130,000) per capita than any other state. Outlining Drew Carey's role in persuading him to adopt the Barcelona concept of a membership organization, he explained briefly how it worked there. He told Prost Amerika later that he would be meeting with FC Barcelona officials in two weeks time to learn more about the mechanics of such a scheme. Interestingly, they asked MLS Seattle for the meeting. While admitting that he had applauded the now discredited signing of David Beckham by the LA Galaxy at the time, Roth insisted categorically that playing ability, and playing ability only, would be considerations in MLS Seattle's signings.
Committing to spending at least half his time in Washington State, he cited the goal of having Seattle be the home of soccer in America as New York City is of court basketball. His passion for the game shone through leaving no one in any doubt. Joe Roth is the real deal in a city where sporting franchise owners are not currently universally loved.
Adrian Hanauer spoke next. He perhaps is the man with most to lose out of the Barcelona idea as it is he who will be up for election in four years time. He is also the man who has been putting his money in soccer in Seattle for six years, bringing home a remarkable four USL titles in that time. Again stressing his long- time commitment to the game, he said that he believed that this consortium was the piece missing to bring a successful MLS team to Seattle. Then came the moment many of the faithful had been waiting for. The Sounders will be back in 2008. This will help territorially protect the players so that the new club can promote players from the USL side if they feel they can make it at a higher level. Sébastien Le Toux, the Sounders' mercurial Frenchman, was a name that arose frequently in that context, along with Taylor Graham and Kenji Treschuk, but clearly nothing has really been decided, and won't be until the new franchise has a coach. Hanauer expects that to be the middle of next year. He spoke of the coach's job and Brian Schmetzer's chances of landing the big one. Schmetzer, the current fan favorite, is "high on that list of candidates". On the thorny and contentious subject of the new team's name, he said "The vision for this team is a truly international brand, an authentic team, an authentic brand and the name will reflect that."
He moved onto the process and spoke of having a philosophy to make the community proud, of a smart soccer team, players who make good decisions both on and off the field. He wanted to see an attacking team with speed as a critical element. The players will have to be committed to both team and community, especially the designated player. He spoke of giving the side world class training facilities and mentioned Starfire in Tukwila. Finally, he spoke of needing agent and scout networks, some of which were in place already including working with the Washington State Soccer Association.
To their credit, Hanauer and Roth made themselves extremely available for questions after the official conference and stayed until the waiting journalist pack had answered all their inquiries. If they intend to meet their stated goal of being an open approachable club that belongs to the citizenry, then they have made a flying start. Adrian Hanauer stressed that he wanted to field a team with speed as a quality. Well, the new Seattle MLS club has certainly hit the ground running.
SOUNDERS MLS LATEST
A Look Back on the Press Coverage Building up to the Big Announcement:
Major League Soccer announced today that Seattle will begin play during the 2009 season. The Seattle team will play all home matches at Qwest Field.
"We are proud to award our 15th team to Seattle, a world-class city and tremendous soccer market," said MLS commissioner Don Garber.
MLS granted a club to Seattle after securing an ownership agreement with Hollywood movie studio executive Joe Roth, Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer, actor Drew Carey and Paul Allen's Vulcan Sports & Entertainment.
"Major League Soccer is coming to Seattle in 2009. Sources confirmed on Friday that the long-rumored
announcement of an expansion franchise for the city will come early next week. The new Seattle franchise will play at Qwest
Field on Field Turf. The primary ownership group will consist of Seattle Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer, Hollywood mogul
Joe Roth, and Seahawks' owner Paul Allen."
"The Vancouver Whitecaps' rivalry with the Seattle Sounders is about to become exhibition-only, as The Province has learned the Emerald City will announce next week that it will join Major League Soccer as an expansion team in 2009.
Rumours that the Sounders were moving to the top professional league in North American have been swirling for weeks.
It's not certain whether the club will continue to play in the United Soccer Leagues First Divsion in 2008. " "If Seattle lands a Major League Soccer expansion team — and all signs are pointing in that direction — then the Seattle Sounders franchise that recently won the United Soccer Leagues First Division title could wind up in Kitsap County.
"Yes, it's a possibility," said Robin Waite of Tracyton, part of the Sounders' ownership group who has been actively trying to build a soccer-only stadium with the hopes of luring a USL franchise to the region.
Waite is zeroing in on nearly 13 acres of land in Poulsbo after a recent attempt to purchase an eight-acre parcel of land in Olhava fell through. " "Delaware County has agreed to spend $30 million for the construction of a soccer stadium on the Chester waterfront, bringing a Major League Soccer franchise closer to the Philadelphia region.
The next big step may be taken in November, when MLS hopes to announce the league's two newest franchises at ceremonies surrounding the championship game in Washington.
Andrew J. Reilly, Delaware County Council chairman, said the $30 million would come from revenue generated by the new slots casino in Chester. A Delaware County Sports Authority would be created to own the stadium and lease it to the soccer team.
The Chester Redevelopment Authority would donate part of the land, south of the Commodore Barry Bridge. The prospective franchisees own 50 acres at the site.
With the agreement, those investors can make a final proposal to MLS, the county said.
The cost of the stadium, including the franchise fee, is expected to be about $150 million, Reilly said. " "Soccer fans usually look very peaceful and merry when you see
them dribbling a ball, or passing. So you can imagine my surprise this week
when I received a pile of angry emails, threats and hostile voice mails from
soccer fans who were upset with my interview of Major League Soccer chief
Don Garber on Wednesday's BFT radio show on KXL. All I said to Garber was
that MLS is minor league, and he's nuts if he thinks he can get public money
to assist in bringing an expansion team here, and also, that if he's not
going to answer a simple question in a simple interview, we might as well
move on and take calls from callers. So I moved on. The podcast (Hour One of
Wednesday's Bald-Faced Truth show) is available here if you want to catch
up." "Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber said he felt Portland's passion for the sport Wednesday.
From his chauffeur, who plays in an adult league, to the buzz at City Hall about Wednesday night's exhibition at PGE Park between the U.S. and Mexico women's national teams.
"You get the feeling this is a passionate soccer community, which is very positive for Portland's chances for MLS expansion," Garber said. But how much will it cost to bring PGE Park up to MLS standards?
Determining that amount -- probably more than $20 million -- has become the
next step in the bid to bring the highest level of U.S. soccer to Portland.
The league probably will name Seattle and an East Coast city as sites for
the newest franchises, to begin play in 2009, Garber said." "Major League Soccer's top brass plans to revisit Portland today to analyze more closely the possibility of fielding an expansion team at PGE Park, officials said Tuesday.
MLS commissioner Don Garber and league president Mark Abbott are scheduled to meet this afternoon with Merritt Paulson, who is negotiating to bring the highest level of U.S. soccer to Portland. In May, Paulson became owner of the Portland Timbers soccer franchise, which plays one notch below MLS, and the Portland Beavers, a Triple A baseball team. " "Seattle appears to be on the brink of getting a Major League Soccer franchise for 2009 now that Paul Allen has joined the potential ownership group.
"Hopefully, some time this fall we will be in a position to have something to announce," said Seahawks vice president Gary Wright.
The Seahawks are owned by Allen, and the MLS team would play at Qwest Field, which is operated by Allen's First and Goal company.
Allen's Vulcan Sports and Entertainment has joined with Hollywood mogul Joe Roth and Seattle Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer to form the potential ownership group.
Vulcan recently came aboard, and Hanauer called the development "certainly exciting."" "Sometime this week it's going to be announced that Seattle's soccer team the Seattle Sounders will be entering the MLS. GOALSeattle says tomorrow. Our friend in Chicago who knows about these things says it'll be announced at MLS Cup, which isn't until November 18, so we'll discount that and say tomorrow. It seems pointless, by now, to argue whether or not it will be announced. The Sounders aren't selling 2008 season tickets, Paul Allen is involved, Qwest Field, although not a fan favorite as a MLS venue, is ready and willing. It's happening. Tomorrow." "Reports in the past week indicated the league soon will name
Seattle as its next expansion site. League officials denied an agreement has
been finalized. But MLS officials said they remain in discussions with an
investor group that includes movie studio executive Joe Roth and Adrian
Hanauer, managing partner of the Seattle Sounders." It's official: Seattle to get MLS team in 2009
The official announcement: Hanauer will remain as manager, and a supporters club based on FC Barcelona.
November 11
Full story hereSeattle gets Major League Soccer franchise
More confirmation from the Seattle Times, and an official announcement on Tuesday.
November 9
Full story hereSeattle Sounders to announce they're moving to up to MLS
What we think we already know is confirmed.
November 6
Full story here
The Kitsap Sounders?
Seems the move to preserve the Sounders in the area is fairly well advanced with talk of a 6500 seater stadium in Poulsbo.
October 24
Full story here
Prospects for netting pro soccer here climb
Philadelphia area consortium seems to be splashing the big money on a soccer stadium. Are they in the running for one of the two expansion slots?
October 20
Full story here
The soccer fans are irritated and angry
John Canzano throws very cold water on the idea of Portland getting a MLS club
October 19
Read John's story here
MLS boss impressed with Portland's passion
Effusive about Portland's passion for soccer, but
Herzog reckons it will be Seattle and an east coast city named for 2009
The Oregonian
October 18
Full story here
MLS sets second expansion-study Portland visit
The MLS inspectors head to Portland to view the facilities there. Are they competition for Seattle for that coveted 2009 expansion slot?
October 17
Full story here
MLS | Gooooal? City may soon have franchise
The latest speculation on the future of soccer in Seattle and the short term future of the Sounders
October 11
Full story here
Major League Soccer Announcement Tomorrow
A short piece about what role Qwest Field might play in the future of soccer here.
October 10
Full story here
Seattle, Portland play MLS-franchise game
Article on the repercussions that the creation of an MLS team in Seattle would have on football in Portland.
October 10
Full story here
Philadelphia Bids for MLS Place
Prime time for pro soccer in Delaware Valley?
By DANEL WALSH
PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY
October 7th
An article on the chances of Philadelphia's chances of securing an MLS franchise. Good overall discussion of what role fans play in the process.
Allen signs on with MLS effort
Action boosts bid for an expansion team in Seattle
By MATTHEW GASCHK
SPECIAL TO THE P-I
October 5th
The Seattle group includes Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer and movie-studio executive Joe Roth, but the inclusion of the world's 19th-richest man, according to Forbes Magazine, was confirmed by Allen's First and Goal and Vulcan Sports and Entertainment groups Friday.