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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.

In another major announcement, Kevin Calabro was unveiled as the play-by-play commentator. The former 'Voice of the Sonics' was a winner of several Emmy award-winning broadcasts in his 21 years with the Oklahoma bound basketball side. He was named “Sportscaster of the Year” for the state of Washington in 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association of America.

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 anymore 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 stand point 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 1 : 3 Rochester Rhinos

July 18th, 2008
Starfire Sports Complex

Sounders sank to their first home defeat of the campaign to a Rochester side simultaneously achieving their first road win. It was also the Sounders first ever regular season loss at Starfire having previously only lost there to Puerto Rico in the second leg of a knockout match, where they did admittedly progress anyway. Taylor Graham, previously an ever present rock in the center of the defence, missed last night's game due to a hamstring injury.

Luke Kreamalmeyer, Andrew Gregor and Matthew Delicâte were the Rochester scorers, with Leighton O'Brien netting an equaliser for the Sounders two minutes after Kreamalmeyer's opener. It was the former Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake star's second goal in a week against Seattle, having scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 Rhinos win at Rochester on July 11. To double the Seattle agony another former Timber (not to mention former Sounder) Andrew Gregor  scored the second before Delicâte's 75th minute winner put the game beyond Seattle's reach.

Although the Sounders out shot their opponents by 15-6, it was the Rhinos who opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Kreamalmeyer beat Eylander with a shot that hit the post before nestling in the back of the net. Seattle took only two minutes to get back on level terms. Le Toux received the ball from O'Brien and subsequently found him again at which point he left Vallow helpless as he fired in the equaliser.

It was the effervescent Kreamalmeyer who again haunted the Sounders, this time as provider in minute 26. He fed Andrew Gregor who fell as he beat Eylander. Three Le Toux efforts were blocked either side of half time but it was the visiting Rhinos who scored the game's fourth goal when Matthew Delicâte's first action as a substitute for Mauricio Salles was to net the third after a breakaway.

Sounders now travel to Minnesota, a team they beat 3-1 at Starfire on June 7, since when last week's triumph in Montréal remains the Sounders' only league victory. The next home game is against US Open Cup semi final opponents the Charleston Battery on Saturday, July 26. Although a league game, both sides will be keen to achieve a confidence boost before their huge semi final date in Charleston on August 12th.

Seattle: Chris Eylander; Kevin Sakuda (Andre Schmid 82), Zach Scott, Danny Jackson (Nick Besagno 89), Noah Merl (Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar 45); Kenji Treschuk, Josh Gardner (Jason Cascio 69), Yousuff Kante (Craig Tomlinson 80), Michael Rodriguez, Leighton O'Brien; Sébastien Le Toux.

Rochester: Scott Vallow; Danny Earls, Tenywa Bonseu, Scott Palguta, John Ball; Alfonso Leoera, Ze Roberto (Steve Guppy 35), Johnny Menyongar, Luke Kreamalmeyer (Chad Severs 89), Andrew Gregor; Mauricio Salles (Matthew Delicate 73).

Attendance: 2965

Taylor Graham Doubtful for Visit of Rochester

Seattle Try to Build on Montréal Success as Rhinos Aim to Improve on Dismal Away Record.

 

July 17th, 2008

After a rest of five days for which the tired Sounders players will be very grateful, Brian Schmetzer's squad return home to face the Rochester Rhinos on Friday July 18th.

Chris Eylander’s ten saves enabled the Sounders to take all three points from their visit to Québec and move into sole possession of fourth place after their win over the Montréal Impact this past Sunday. As we reported, Eylander’s performance was rewarded with the USL-1 player of the week honor. The shutout was his sixth of the regular season to go with his four consecutive in U.S. Open Cup play.

In their last match, Rochester drew 0-0 at home to Miami FC. Former Sounder Andrew Gregor made his debut in the match for the Rhinos. The four points earned over last weekend was enough to move Rochester up two spots from last to ninth in the USL. Friday’s match marks the third and final meeting between Rochester and Seattle this season. The two sides met a week ago with the Rhinos winning 1-0. Luke Kreamalmeyer headed home from 19 year-old David Earl's cross to score the winner in just the 8th minute. The first meeting of the season on May 14 at Starfire resulted in a 1-1 draw with Zach Scott scoring Seattle's goal.

The Rhinos remain undefeated at home in USL first division play since a 0-1 loss to first place Charleston back on May 17th. However their away form is dire and they are without a win in league or cup on the road. Taylor Graham is doubtful due to a hamstring injury.

The Sounders are just four points from the top of the table and travel next to Minnesota to take on the Thunder on Thursday 24th before returning home against the current league-leading Charleston Battery on Saturday, July 26 in a preview of the U.S. Open Cup. The two sides meet in the semis of the U.S. Open Cup on August 12th in Charleston for the right to play the winner of the all MLS tie between D.C. United and New England Revolution. The venue for the final is as yet unknown but the word is that Seattle will bid to host it if involved and give the city a potential Cup final at Qwest Field.

Sounders Lady Hits the Big Time!

Dani Bridges to Join FC Saarbrücken

July 17th, 2008

The career of Sounders Women attacking midfielder Dani Bridges is set for a huge lift, as she prepares to join FC Saarbrücken in Germany's Zweite Frauenliga (Second Women's Division). Friday's match against Real Colorado will be her final match for Seattle unless they confirm a play-off place later if results go their way. The Sounders must win on Friday and then need to have the Whitecaps defeat Real Colorado in their final game.

Bellevue born Dani, a graduate of Tahoma High School, celebrated her 22nd birthday a week ago. She joins a FC Saarbrücken side undergoing transformation. They recently appointed Winfried Klein as their new manager, succeeding Guido Mey, and one of his first tests will be a benefit friendly against the Luxembourg national side on August 8th, a benefit match for Marco Thieser, a young auto accident victim.

The Saarbrücken Ladies first competitive fixture is on August 31st in a cup tie at Limburg, and their first league fixture is at FCR Duisburg on September 7th. Three of her new teammates, Josephine Henning, Lisa Schwab and Selina Wagner, have been representing Germany in the Under 19 European Championships, where they were knocked out of the competition in the semi finals by Norway on penalties. Dani will also be joining former Sounders Women Defender Kelli Cronkite over there. The cities of Saarbrücken and Seattle have something in common. They are both twinned with the City of Nantes in France.

Prost Amerika will try and catch up with Dani before the match tomorrow to get her thoughts on this huge move.

FC Saarbrücken Ladies Homepage (in German)

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.

Chris Eylander Named USL-1 Player of the Week

10 Saves in Montreal Convince USL Selectors

July 16th, 2008

The United Soccer Leagues announced their USL team of the week yesterday and Chris Eylander was included after another shut out. The selection is Eylander's first as Player of the Week and second of the year to the Team of the Week, after being included in Week 1. His ten saves equaled the best of his career and Chris now leads the league in saves with 73. Coach Brian Schmetzer told the official Sounders site, "Chris deserves every bit of recognition because he works extremely hard and not winning keeper of the year last year has only served to motivate him even more. I'm very happy for Chris and he's been a consistent performer all year long."

The Sounders return home for a Friday night match with the Rochester Rhinos. The Rhinos beat Seattle 1-0 last Friday at PAETEC Park in Rochester. The Rhinos remain undefeated at home in USL first division play since a 0-1 loss to first place Charleston back on May 17th. However their away form is dire and they are without a win in league or cup on the road. Former Sounder Andrew Gregor played the full 90 minutes for the Rhinos last Sunday against Miami and is sure to receive a warm welcome from the Sounders faithful in Tukwila.

Kick-off at Starfire is set for 8pm and tickets are available on the night.

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.

ROAD TRIP UPDATE:
Final: Montréal Impact 0 : 1 Seattle Sounders (Seb Le Toux 73')

Stade Saputo, July 13th 2008

The Seattle Sounders grabbed three valuable points as they survived a first half grilling from Montréal to go into the break on level terms. Eylander was once more the standout as the still-tired Seattle players survived a torrid opening 45 minutes. This was their sixth game in thirteen days and the fatigue was clearly showing in the first half. As in Rochester however, the Sounders rallied in the second half to not only compete more equally but on this occasion to steal the points. Sébastien Le Toux netted with 17 minutes left after Leighton O'Brien found him inside the six yard box. It was the Frenchman's first headed goal for two years.

With ten of their last fourteen USL games at home, coach Schmetzer will be delighted to have taken the maximum points from a road game at the end of a strength-sapping schedule. Seattle's next match is now on Friday when Rochester return the visit of last Friday when a 7th minute goal separated the sides with Rochester taking the points. With five days rest, the Sounders must be relatively optimistic of exacting revenge and continuing to consolidate their playoff position. After that, they have a further six day break before visiting Minnesota. Perhaps for the tired Sounders legs, the worst is now over!

Local radio made Chris Eylander their man of the match for a sequence of match winning saves, especially one from Roberto Brown. To cap a poor day for the Impact, coach John Limniatis was red carded after the match for verbally abusing the officials. In a post match interview with the radio station, he oddly maintained that referees should understand the principle of home advantage as having a duty to favour the home side. It was one of the more bizarre interviews heard this season and hopefully there will be no repercussions for the newly appointed coach.

Seattle now rise two places to fourth on 23 points, one behind a Vancouver side who have played three fewer games. Montréal have never failed to make the playoffs but now lie firmly rooted at the bottom of the table. Rochester drew 0:0 with Miami and Vancouver v Carolina also ended level, this time at 1:1.

Seattle: Chris Eylander; Kevin Sakuda, Noah Merl, Zach Scott, Danny Jackson; Kenji Treschuk, Michael Rodriguez, Yousuff Kante (Hugo Alvaraz-Cuellar 69'), Leighton O'Brien (Taylor Graham 85'), Josh Gardner (Jason Cascio 77'); Sébastien Le Toux.

Montréal: Matt Jordan; Adam Braz (Severino Jefferson 80'), Nevio Pizzolitto, Simon Gatti (Leonardo Di Lorenzo 29'), Cédric Joqueviel; Joey Gjertsen, Patrick Leduc (Pato Aguilera 88'), David Testo, Tony Donatelli (Mauro Biello 78'), Rocco Placentino; Roberto Brown.

Attendance: 12,890

Shots: Montreal 15 Seattle 44
Saves: Montreal 1 Seattle 10

Rochester Rhinos 1 : 0 Seattle Sounders

11 July, 2008

Seattle's poor away record in USL-1 play continued Friday against the Rochester Rhinos. An early Luke Kreamalmeyer goal was enough for Rochester, as Seattle had a mere seven shots in the 1-0 loss. The match was the 10th on the road for the Sounders this season (2-4-4). The Sounders, who have not won in their last five (0-2-3), face a rested Montreal side today, July 13th. The Sounders still sit sixth in the table but could fall as low as eighth if they fail to reverse their winless streak.

In another USL game yesterday, Lazo Alavanja scored for the third consecutive game for Charleston Battery but the league leaders surprisingly fell 1-3 at home to the Puerto Rico Islanders courtesy of three second half goals from Kendall Jagdeosingh, Cristian Arrieta and Jonathan Steele.

Sounders Set for Another Two Game Trip After Cup Triumph

Rhinos Game Live on Fox

9 July, 2008

Sounders don't get to enjoy their celebrations for very long before they have to set off on another cross-country trip. On Friday, they visit PAETEC Park to play the bottom side Rochester Rhinos. The match will be live on television on Fox Soccer Channel at 5pm Pacific Time. Rochester are currently propping up the table with three wins and five draws from 13 games. However one of those three victories was in their last outing on Saturday when they triumphed 3-1 over the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps. Midfielder Ze Roberto earned player of the week honors for his two goals in the win.

Prior to the previous game, a defeat against Charleston, they had not lost in five consecutive USL games. With only one defeat in seven league games therefore and given the Sounders failure to win a league game since June 7th, this may be a tough game to expect three points from on current form. The Rhinos return the visit a week later when they come to Starfire. Seattle and Rochester played to a 1-1 draw in their first meeting of the season on May 14 at Starfire. Zach Scott scored his first goal of the season in the match, which was countered by Scott Palguta’s equalizer in the 90th minute. In related news, former Sounders and Portland Timber midfielder Andrew Gregor was acquired Thursday by the Rhinos in a trade from Portland.

After leaving New York State, the Sounders then go on to play second bottom Montréal on July 13th at 12.30 Pacific time. The Impact have amazingly only played one game since they visited Seattle on June 28th. 13,034 Québecois watched them lose 0-1 to Puerto Rico in a game where the Impact outshot their opponents by 18-4 and still managed to lose. The Sounders have played three times since then and been on a long road trip. Nevertheless, the Sounders have to see this as a chance to start their annual late season charge.

Although the clubs lie last and second last, it should be noted that both clubs have an extremely good record to be in the bottom two places and have taken at least one point in at over 56% of their games.

Seattle Sounders 0 : 0 Kansas City Wizards Seattle win 6-5 on penalties

8 July, 2008
QWest Field

Seattle survived the tension of a penalty shootout to scrape through to the US Open Cup semi-final. They now travel to Charleston to face the Battery on August 12th in the semi-final. The Sounders hit the crossbar twice, Josh Gardener in normal time and Seba Le Toux in extra time, but could not beat the otherwise excellent Kansas keeper, Eric Kronberg. For their part, the Kansas City Wizards, disappointingly fielding a reserve team, tested Eylander on a number of occasions but the Washington native maintained his impressive record of not conceding a goal in this competition.

Two hours of scoreless action led to penalties where Zach Scott netted Seattle's seventh kick to seal the victory after Le Toux and two Wiz players had missed. Jackson scored Seattle's first penalty, and after Le Toux missed the next, Treschuk, Sakuda, O'Brien, Kante and Scott successfully converted. Jimmy Conrad and Tyson Wahl missed the second and seventh for Kansas (both shots being excellently saved by Chris Eylander), with Ryan Pore, Ryan McMahen, Roger Espinoza, Kerry Zavagnin and Michael Harrington converting.

Josh Gardner and Leighton O'Brien returned to first team action after missing the two-game road trip in the Carolinas. Rodriguez dropped to the bench to accommodate the return of fit again club captain Danny Jackson for Kansas City's first ever competitive match in Seattle. Seattle came closest to scoring when Josh Gardner rocked the cross bar from ten yards just after the hour mark with Eric Kronberg well beaten. Five minutes into the second half of extra time, Le Toux rattled the same piece of wood.

Beyond these two chances, there were a string of impressive saves by both goalkeepers. The Sounders players showed signs of fatigue from their fourth game in eight days, two of them on the east coast, while the Wizards were partially protected from schedule fatigue having dropped most of their first team for younger reserve players. Defender Rauwshan McKenzie, midfielder Lance Watson and forward Michael Kraus all played in the Wizards starting first team for the first time, and Nelson Pizarro's substitute appearance was his debut.

The crowd didn't have to wait long for excitement as the match was barely three minutes old when giant Sounders forward Andre Schmid found himself clean through on Kronberg (KAN). Sadly his shot had neither direction nor power and the chance was wasted. It wasn't just one way traffic however, and a quarter of an hour later Eylander (SEA) saved a Michael Krause (KAN) effort from point blank range after Ryan Pore (KAN) had supplied the debutant with a gilt-edged chance. The Wizards continued to play fluently and three times within twelve minutes blasted shots straight at Eylander's midriff, with Pore, Kraus and Jonathan Leathers being the straight shooters. Eylander may claim however that his positioning was perfect on all three occasions!

Twice before half time, Kronberg (KAN) brought off outstanding saves, firstly from Le Toux after 39 minutes and six minutes later from Leighton O'Brien (SEA) after an exquisite one touch lay off from Le Toux. In between controversy reigned, as Le Toux's pace got the better of Rauwshan McKenzie (KAN), and the Kansas defender appeared to pull the Frenchman back outside the box and then stand on his foot inside it. The former would have brought a red card, the second a penalty but referee Jeremy Vehar waved play on.

Kronberg was the first keeper to start in the second half when he tipped Zach Scott's effort around the post to complete a triumvirate of outstanding saves. He was helpless though just after the hour when Josh Gardner (SEA) thumped a drive against his crossbar from inside the box. As the Sounders tired, Kansas looked the likelier side to clinch this tie in regulation time and substitute Pizarro (KAN) forced Eylander to work hard in the 74th minute before Roger Espinoza (KAN) produced the save of the match from him. Between the two, Tyson Wahl (KAN) cleared from under his own crossbar after Le Toux had beaten the keeper with a lob. But despite all the chances, the game reached the 90 minute mark goalless though there was far from a shortage of excitement.

The half hour of extra time was no anticlimax. Jason Cascio (SEA) had come on for the tired Alcaraz-Cuellar and forced Kronberg into yet another great save before Le Toux hit the cross bar on 110' with Kronberg well beaten. Cascio chipped the keeper from an acute angle four minutes later, but the ball stubbornly refused to dip beneath the bar, and seconds before the end of extra time, the Sounders received a scare as Kerry Zavagnin's (KAN) curled free kick had Eylander going the wrong way, before a quick thinking adjustment allowed him to gratefully gather the ball.

So the game went to penalties, and Eylander performed the heroics Sounders fans have almost grown to expect from him. As one fan said on leaving the ground, "The next pen he saves should be the one he signed the MLS contract with." Credit should also go to former Wizard Taylor Graham (SEA) and Leighton O'Brien. Both of them momentarily delayed their participation in the team celebration to go over and console a young and disconsolate Kansas City playing staff. It was a very nice touch from two consummate professionals after a game that was contested in the best sporting fashion..

Next up for Seattle is another two game road trip to the eastern time zone with Rochester Raging Rhinos and Montréal Impact being the hosts. The Sounders are without a USL win since June 7th. With Brian Schmetzer having successfully juggled his resources to keep the Sounders in the US Open Cup, he will be seeking to end that winless league run and begin the Sounders' traditional end of season charge up the USL table.

In another quarter final, Charleston Battery shocked MLS club FC Dallas 3-1 in Texas to set up an all USL semi-final with Seattle. 5,911 people saw the Battery claim their second Texan opposition of this season's campaign with Lazo Alavanja, Ian Fuller and Randi Patterson scoring for them. Alavanja also scored the winner against the Sounders at the weekend.

The other semi final will be contested by the New England Revolution and DC United. The Revolution required penalties to dismiss plucky Crystal Palace Baltimore after the game finished 1-1 after extra time. DC United beat Chicago 2-1 also after extra time.

Seattle: Chris Eylander; Taylor Graham, Zach Scott, Kevin Sakuda, Danny Jackson; Kenji Treschuk, Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar (Jason Cascio 85'), Josh Gardner (Yousuff Kante 82'), Leighton O'Brien; Andre Schmid (Michael Rodríguez 61'), Sébastien Le Toux.

Substitutes not used: Ben Dragavon; Nick Besagno, Noah Merl, Craig Tomlinson.

Kansas City Wiz: Eric Kronberg; Matt Marquess, Rauwshan McKenzie (Jimmy Conrad 46'), Tyson Wahl, Chance Myers; John Leathers (Ryan McMahen 83'), Kerry Zavagnin, Roger Espinoza, Lance Watson (Michael Harrington 63'); Mike Kraus (Nelson Pizarro 57'), Ryan Pore.

Substitutes not used: Boris Pardo.

Attendance 4674

See the winning penalty and talk about the game on GOALSeattle.com.

Sounders Away Games Produce Scant Reward
 

6 July, 2008

 

TThe four game Seattle Sounders USL road trip has not begun well for them. A draw at the Carolina Railhawks was followed up with a single goal defeat at table toppers Charleston Battery last night. Now all eyes will turn to QWest Field where the Sounders entertain the MLS Kansas City Wiz in the US Open Cup quarter final before setting off on the road again. Starting already with a small squad, and with quite a few injuries, the schedule was always going to be tough on Seattle. It appears that coach Schmetzer has tried to juggle his options with Tuesday in mind.

Seb Le Toux and Kenji Treschuk netted for the Sounders in a 2-2 draw at Carolina on July 3rd but the Sounders had no answer to a solitary Lazo Alavanja (CAR) strike after ten minutes three days later. The draw at Carolina was somewhat fortuitous as Carolina missed na open goal and had a good penalty claim for handball turned down. Nevertheless, Seattle were leading until the 86th minute and will regret not being able to close the game out. Josh Gardner and Leighton O’Brien who played against Chivas did not travel with the squad.

The Charleston Battery also have a US Open cup date with MLS opposition to look forward to. They play Sounders' nemesis from last year, FC Dallas, with the winners meeting the winners of the Sounders tie. Their victory over the Sounders keeps them at the top of the league. Noah Merl, Danny Jackson, John Fishbaugher and Youssouf Kante were amongst the starters this time round. None started the Chivas game. Michael Rodriguez, Kevin Sakuda, Leighton O'Brien and Josh Gardener were the four from the Cup win to miss out. You can see the Battery's match report here.

We’re Off to See the Wizards!

Seattle Sounders 2 : 0 Chivas USA

01 July, 2008

Those who may have thought the Seattle Sounders USL side would fade gracefully into the past can think again. On another night of glory for Brian Schmetzer’s side, the Sounders convincingly beat MLS visitors Chivas USA for the second year running in the US Open Cup. They will play another MLS side, Kansas City Wizards, in the next round. In every area of the sport, Seattle outmatched and outfought their illustrious opponents. Just how many of either side will be in the line-ups when the two sides meet again in the league next year is open to question, but many on the Sounders rotation did themselves no harm at all in their quest for MLS contracts.

Rodriguez Heads Clear
Photo: Rick Morrison
GOALSeattle.com

Foremost amongst them was center-half Taylor Graham who was the outstanding player on either side. On several occasions, his perfect positioning and cool head saved Seattle as Chivas upped the tempo. Kevin Sakuda, Kenji Treschuk and Josh Gardner were also in form, with Gardner’s battle with his off field buddy Dan Paladini providing some entertainment in the quieter first half.

The first half started quietly, and there was little hint of what was to come as wayward drives by Gardner (SEA) and Justin Braun (CHI) were the closest to scoring. Between them was perhaps the most controversial of several poor decisions by referee, Yadar Reyes, when Zach Scott’s (SEA) shirt was clearly pulled by Shavar Thomas (CHI) as he tried to reach a Gardner corner. Amazingly the referee waved play on and the Sounders were denied a penalty.

It was really only in the five minutes before the interval that the game took off. On 42, Kenji Treschuk (SEA) showed how much his normally defensive game is expanding when his visionary pass put Sebastien Le Toux (SEA) clear through, only for the former Rennes forward to hit the onrushing Brad Guzan (CHI). Reprieve for Chivas was short lived however as from the resulting corner, Taylor Graham reacted faster than Jim Curtin (CHI) and glanced a powerful header beyond Guzan for the first goal.

Seb Le Toux in action
Photo: Rick Morrison
GOALSeattle.com

Now trailing, the MLS visitors from Los Angeles looked livelier and eight minutes after the restart Chris Eylander (SEA) had to look sharp to save an Atiba Harris (CHI) header after Paladini’s cross. Chivas were looking increasingly threatening and Schmetzer reacted accordingly by withdrawing Gardner and bringing on the Sounders' returning captain Danny Jackson. It was a master stroke. Gardner was beginning to tire and struggle with the higher gear and increasing frequency of the Chivas attacks and Jackson, nominally a defender, strengthened that aspect of the midfield. What may have surprised a few is that Jackson missed the next big chance to score. In the 78th minute, he rose above everyone to meet a Leighton O’Brien (SEA) corner but his firm header went over the bar.

With Chivas now committed to the attack, chances became more plentiful. Just after Jackson’s near miss, Chivas inexplicably played a free kick on the right too far to the right and rendered the angle of Sacha Kljestan’s (CHI) shot easy for a grateful Eylander. It was Chivas' last chance. Seconds later the tireless Le Toux flicked Eylander’s subsequent clearance over the helpless Guzan to double Seattle’s lead. It was a fair reward for the immense workrate Le Toux had put in against a better class of defender than he faces in the USL.

The Sounders' reward is a return to Qwest Field on Tuesday July 8th, kick off 7pm. Tickets go on sale Wednesday morning at Ticketmaster. Prices are $17 in advance, or $20 on game night.

Oh yes, we’re off to see the Wizards indeed.

Seattle: Chris Eylander; Taylor Graham, Zach Scott, Kevin Sakuda, Michael Rodríguez; Kenji Treschuk, Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, Josh Gardner (Danny Jackson 62'), Leighton O'Brien (Nick Besagno 81’); Andre Schmid (Noah Merl 70'), Sébastien Le Toux (Youssuf Kante 89’).

Substitutes not used: Ben Dragavon, Craig Tomlinson, Jason Cascio.

Chivas USA: Brad Guzan; Jonathan Bornstein, Jim Curtin, Shavar Thomas, Dan Paladini; Jorge Flores (Anthony Hamilton 73’), Kraig Chiles (Jesse Marsch 65’), Paulo Nagamura, Sacha Klejstan (Keith Savage 83’); Justin Braun (Francisco Mendoza 60’), Atiba Harris.

Substitutes not used: Dan Kennedy, Claudio Suarez, Carey Talley.

Attendance 2997
43' SEA: Graham
80' SEA: Le Toux

Seattle Sounders 1 : 1 Montreal Impact
28 June, 2008

The injury-hit Sounders battled hard for a lead for 79 minutes, then having obtained it, kept it for just five. This was the story of a game in which neither side really deserved all three points. Certainly the visitors from Québec fully merited their share and belied their lowly league status.

The game seemed headed towards a frustrating goalless draw until Sounders forward Andre Schmid received the ball from Sébastien Le Toux (SEA) on the left wing and opened the score in the 80th minute. Schmid beat keeper Matt Jordan (MON) to put Seattle in sight of a win they scarcely deserved. Also unexpected was the possibility that it was Schmid who would score the winner. Up until then, the big striker hadn’t put a foot right and was having a poor game. Hopefully the goal will boost his confidence. To be fair to him, by scoring he became the first striker to beat Jordan for 444 minutes, but this cannot disguise just how uncomfortable the big man looked.

However the lead Schmid earned lasted just five minutes before a Rocco Placentino (MON) corner from the right was powerfully headed in by Pat Leduc (MON).

Although he didn’t have as quiet a night as Chris Eylander in the Sounders goal, Jordan was really only tested three times. As early as the seventh minute, Leighton O’Brien forced Jordan to dive leftwards after driving from 25 yards. Six minutes later, Josh Gardner was slightly closer in when he unleashed a shot that Jordan was equal to. In the second half, five minutes before Schmid broke the deadlock, Le Toux fired straight at him. Eylander’s main first half contribution came just before the whistle when he punched away a corner.

Up until the late flurry of goals, the second half yielded fewer clear cut opportunities, and it was Le Toux who missed the best of them, shooting wide from close in just after the hour mark.

The Impact are now unbeaten in five matches and it was easy to see why, as they worked hard as a team and looked well organized in defence.

With a raft of injuries which may have prevented coach Brian Schmetzer (SEA) from replacing some out of form players, Seattle now approach their judgment day encounter with MLS Chivas USA in the US Open Cup on July 1st.

Seattle: Chris Eylander; Taylor Graham, Noah Merl, Kevin Sakuda, Michael Rodríguez; Kenji Treschuk, Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, Josh Gardner (Youssouf Kante 87'), Leighton O'Brien; Andre Schmid, Sébastien Le Toux. Substitutes not used: Ben Dragavon, Danny Jackson, Nik Besagno, Craig Tomlinson, Jason Cascio.

Montreal: Matt Jordan; Adam Braz, Nevio Pizzolitto, Stefano Pesoli, Simon Gatti (Gabriel Gervais 46'); Leo Di Lorenzo, Pat Leduc, David Testo, Mauro Biello (Taty Matondo 82'); Severino Jefferson (Rocco Placentino 64'), Roberto Brown. Substitutes not used: Andrew Weber, Alex Surprenant, Cédric Joqueviel, Joey Gjertsen.

Goals:
80' SEA: Schmid (Le Toux)
84' MON: Leduc (Placentino)

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.

Sounders Progress in US Open Cup
24 June, 2008

The Seattle Sounders breezed past Hollywood United of the U.S. Adult Soccer Association 6-0 at Starfire Sports Complex  in the US Open Cup action. The USL Sounders now advances to host Los Angeles MLS side Chivas USA on July 1st at the same venue. Chivas is the USA rebranding of a Mexican league side Chivas Regal.

Goals from Zach Scott, Josh Gardner and an amazing four by France's Sebastien Le Toux completed the rout of the side who beat Portland Timbers 3-2 in an earlier round of the cup..

Tickets for the Chivas game are $17 in advance of the game, and $20 on the day of the game. Due to limited seating at Starfire, fans are encouraged to buy early in advance. The two sides also met last year in the US Open Cup with the Sounders winning 3-1 at Qwest Field.

Brazil : Canada 3:2
31 May, 2008

47,052 people filled QWest Stadium last night for the friendly international between Brazil and Canada. A large number of Brazilian shirts were in evidence in the crowd, although how many of them were actually Brazilian remained debatable. A healthy following of fans had also descended from British Columbia to support Dale Mitchell's Canadian side.

The result was settle in the 63rd minute when the otherwise excellent Juan de Guzman (CAN) who plays for La Coruna in La Liga in Spain, played a lazy back pass into nowhere. Canadian keeper Pat Onstad hesitated and an astonishingly grateful Robinho (BRA) rounded the Houston Dynamo keeper to slot home

This was harsh on the Canadians and Guzman in particular as up until that point they had more than being competitive, in fact at half time they were arguable the better side, despite trailing 2-1. They had recovered well from an early goal in 4 minutes when Robinho fed Diego who memerisingly beat Canadian captain Paul Stalteri with a one two using both feet. He fed Diego in open space who opened the scoring.

But the heads didn't go down and the Canadian XI increased in confidence and deservedly equalised six minutes later. Mike Kluowski (CAN) who plays his club football for Bruges in the Belgian league hoisted a long ball into the Brazilian penalty area. Julio Cesar (BRA) committed that goalkeeping cardinal sin by coming for the ball and being too late. Rob Friend leapt majestically to beat him to the ball and the ball and he headed into an unguarded Brazilian net.

After that equaliser, Canada were the better team and should have further embarrassed their illustrious opponents. Issey Nakajima-Farran (CAN) found himself clean through on goal with only Julio Cesar to beat and managed to place his chip well wide of Cesar's left post twelve minutes later, and within seconds, Rob Friend hit the side netting from an acute angle. Adrian Serioux (CAN) brought out a further save from Cesar after an intricate passing move which looked for a while like no Canadian was going to shoot after 32 minutes.

That seemed to wake Brazil up and Luis Fabiano (BRA) troubled Onstad within seconds. Two events within minutes changed this game within sight of half time. Houston's Dwayne de Rosario (CAN) became the latest Canadian to find himself clean through against the overworked Julio Cesar but the alert Brazilian goalkeeper blocked his tame effort. If missing the chance to allow Canada to go in 2-1 ahead at half time wasn't bad enough, Robinho (BRA) fed Gilberto (BRA) seconds later. His pinpoint cross reached Luis Fabiano whose effort was parried by Onstad but somehow dropped over the Canadian goal line.

Yet the plucky red shirts weren't done and eleven minutes after halftime, de Guzman fired an unstoppable shot in to bring the score to 2-2. It was no more than Canada deserved and the nearly took the lead two minutes later when the same player fired narrowly wide form 19 yards. Brazil then had a goal chalked off for offside as the players kept the crowd enthralled. But de Guzman's moment of madness was by them minutes away and it was a blow from which Canada didn't recover.

De Rosario brought a futher good save from Julio Cesar, Atiba Huthchinson (CAN) and Rosaria again blasted over, before substitute Tam Nsaliwa (CAN) shot wide having beaten three Brazilian defenders.

But it was not to be and Brazil can take credit in winning the showpiece. Some of the skill they displayed entertained the crowd immensely. Dale Mitchell can take great credit for the entertaining football he has Canada playing, and in de Guzman and Hastings, he probably had the two best players on show. Finally, the crowd of 47,052 will delight Seattle Sounders FC who can look forward to the arrival of Major League Soccer in this town with some enthusiasm.

Seattle Sounders : Portland Timbers 0:0
10 May, 2008

The last local derby in Seattle between these two fierce rivals ended goalless as a bumper crowd of 10184 watched the home team dominate. The crowd was the highest in a regular-season league match since the Sounders played the first event at Qwest (then Seahawks Stadium) in front of 25,515 fans on July 28, 2002 against Vancouver.

Despite a string of chances, especially from the impressive Josh Gardner (SEA), the MLS bound home side failed to score and rarely troubled Ray Burse (POR) in the Portland goal, given the amount of midfield possession. This may well be the Sounders last game as a USL side in Qwest as all their scheduled home USL games now take place at the Starfire Sports Center in Tukwila.

All eleven Sounders starters were with the club last year but their three new signings, Cascio, Fischbaugher and the Frenchman Kante took places on the bench; all playing eventually as the Sounders tried to split open a dogged Portland defence. In fact their best chance fell to the mammoth Ander Schmid after just nine minutes but he inexplicably put the ball over from inside the six yard box. His confidence never recovered. The Sounders came closest eleven minutes later when the effervescent Gardner produced a splendid fingertip save from Burse who pushed the ball onto the crossbar. Gardner had been one of the two players specifically mentioned by coach Schmetzer earlier in the week as having the potential to play for the new club in the MLS. This performance will have done that claim no harm.

He tested Burse again in 33 minutes but the interval came with the scores level. What little goalmouth action the second period brought came late after Cascio, Fischbaugher and Kante had replaced Schmid, Sakuda and O’Brien. Cascio looked especially lively and drew another save from the beleaguered Timbers custodian three minutes from time and five after Gardner volleyed over on the turn from close in.

The defensive and overrun Timbers nearly stole all three points in injury time as the otherwise quiet Takayuki Suzuki (POR) headed over while under pressure from defenders.

Seattle Sounders Open Day
7 May, 2008

The Sounders preparation for their home season opener against the Portland Timbers continued when Bart Wiley and Brian Schmetzer addressed the media. With this being the last season in the USL for the Seattle Sounders before the city welcomes the MLS incarnation, everyone was struggling a little bit to focus on the upcoming 2008 season. Bart Wiley, Sounders General Manager, insisted that this wasn't a 'throwaway year' and passed the microphone to coach Brian Schmetzer.

Schmetzer is in a different position. No coach has been appointed for the MLS side and the championship winning manager is clearly a candidate. Clearly good results will enhance his chances. The terminology presented our first difficulty. It seems that the term "Sounders" alone will mean the USL side and the term "Sounders FC" refers to the MLS variety. Schmetzer told us that Adrian Hanauer is off scouting for players and had been in Argentina, England and Spain. Tough job, AH, but somebody's got to do it. He also specifically singled out Josh Gardner and Taylor Graham as players capable of making that step up to the next level. Praising the squad, he observed that "the top half of the Sounder's roster is better than the bottom half of many MLS clubs."

All eleven who started the Championship winning game against Atlanta are back together with three additions, Jason Cascio. John Fischbaugher and Frenchman Youssuf Kante, once of Dinamo Bucharest. Fischbaugher is a Washington State native and will play in midfield, Cascio played at Seattle University's defense but it is Kante who has the international flavour to his bio. A Parisian who is a natural centre midfielder but has also played right midfield and right back for the Sounders in exhibition matches. His wanderings are not confined to the field of play either. At 19, he left the Paris St Germain youth academy to play for Den Haag in the Netherlands before a two year hiatus. On return, Romania and Switzerland were stops before a trial in Canada for Toronto, then to Kansas before following the yellow brick out of there to the Emerald City.

As one Frenchman may be Seattle Sounders last ever signee, it was announced that Sebastien Le Toux is MLS Seattle's first ever signee. Until there is another, it seems Monsieur Le Toux will pretty much in demand for media appearances. Heureusement, son anglais c'est magnifique. He said he was 'proud and happy' to be the first ever MLS Seattle player. The November draft will see others join him but who knows what Adrian Hanauer will have in his luggage when he returns from his travels.

See our interview with Sebastien Le Toux here.

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.

Sounders Re-sign Goalkeeping Hero Chris Eylander
3 March, 2008

Many Sounders fans credit Chris Eylander with winning them the USL title. Certainly on that hard to forget night at Tukwila when a valiant Puerto Rico side nearly overturned a home loss, we had good reason to be grateful to the Washington State native. Therefore this week's news that he will be back performing his crazy and heroic antics in a Sounders jersey in 2008 will be good news for many.

“Chris had a phenomenal 2007 season which culminated with his dominance in the post-season,” Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer told the Seattle Sounders official website. “We are thrilled to have him back this year and will look for him to continue to improve.”

Read the full story here.

Prost Amerika Interviews Danny Jackson
1 March, 2008

As training for the new USL season begins amidst the uncertainty and excitement of soccer in Seattle, we caught up with Seattle Sounders Captain, Danny Jackson. We asked him about his love for the city of Seattle, the future of soccer here, his beloved Leeds United, and the prospects for new England boss, Fabio Capello, amongst other things.

See the whole interview here.

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.

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.

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

If Monday's announcement at the George and Dragon was for the fans, Tuesday's high profile press conference was for the movers and shakers in American soccer. A large crowd of invitees packed into the Columbia Tower building to hear Don Garber, the Commissioner of MLS, formally announce Seattle to the press, as a new home for an MLS Franchise. Paul Allen was absent (though only corporeally we were told), but Vulcan Sports and Entertainment was ably represented by Tod Leiweke, that organization's CEO. The remaining seats on the platform were occupied by the majority owner, Joe Roth, and new General Manager and Minority Owner, Adrian Hanauer. So illustrious was the "first eleven" that Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire could only get a place "on the bench". Her presence was no less welcome however and underlined just how much everyone is behind this new venture. With two daughters who are devoted to the beautiful game, she proudly described herself as a "soccer mom", and it seems the more we hear, the more we learn that soccer is very deeply entrenched in the hearts and minds of this State and this City. It augurs very well.

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 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 decision 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.

Listen to Hanauer on the Sounders in 2008

MLS Seattle Daten und Fakten auf deutsch.

SOUNDERS MLS LATEST

A Look Back on the Press Coverage Building up to the Big Announcement:

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.

By SEATTLE TIMES STAFF

The Seattle Times
November 11

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.

Full story here

 

Seattle gets Major League Soccer franchise
More confirmation from the Seattle Times, and an official announcement on Tuesday.

The Seattle Times
November 9

"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."

Full story here

 

Seattle Sounders to announce they're moving to up to MLS
What we think we already know is confirmed.

The Province
November 6

"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. "

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.

By CHUCK STARK

Kitsap Sun
October 24

"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. "

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?

By MARI A SCHAEFER

Philadlephia Inquirer
October 20

"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. "

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

JOHN CANZANO

The Oregonian
October 19

"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."

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

BOAZ HERZOG
The Oregonian
October 18

"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."

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?

BOAZ HERZOG

The Oregonian
October 17

"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. "

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

CRAIG WHITE

Seattle Times
October 11

"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.""

Full story here

 

Major League Soccer Announcement Tomorrow
A short piece about what role Qwest Field might play in the future of soccer here.

Seattlest
October 10

"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."

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.

BOAZ HERZOG

The Oregonian
October 10

"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."

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.

Read the full story

 

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

Paul Allen has joined a potential ownership group for a Major League Soccer franchise in Seattle, lending more strength to a bid to get an expansion team that would presumably start play in 2009.

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.

Read Matthew 's full story in the PI here.