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.

The way the MLS works is different from European leagues and similar to other American sports. The league fixtures are played out during the regular season but the top teams all qualify and start again in a knock-out format. Columbus emerged the winners of that, beating New York Red Bulls in the final. But it's fair to say that the Crew were also the best side throughout the whole year. If you want to be the best, you have to measure yourself against the best.

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 a Success

Over $3300 Raised

January 29

Sounders FC's first ever community event, held at the George and Dragon, this past Monday raised over $3300 and was attended by over 200 people. Before the event, the SeattleSCORES charity had set a target of $3000 which they had thought optimistic.

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.

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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

It looks like Sounders FC will be good to their promise to keep NFL lines off the pitch. There are only two home games in September and October which would clash with the Seahawks season. Therefore the expense of removing NFL lines from the pitch in time may be minimalised.

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

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Sounders FC's First Ever Community Event Packs George and Dragon

Q and A Session with Fans Shows Surprising Candidness

January 27

A crowd approaching the pub's fire limit packed the George and Dragon last night for a fund raising event for the charity Seattle SCORES. Signed shirts and footballs, as well as match tickets, were the prizes on offer but most of the 200 plus crowd were there for the question and answer event with three representatives from the Sounders FC staff. Coach Sigi Schmid, GM Adrian Hanauer and Goalkeeper Kasey Keller fielded questions and demonstrated an openness with the fans which came as a surprise to those used to the closed and defensive press conferences of the EPL. The proceedings began with a four minute video outlining the arrival of MLS soccer in Seattle.

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. Topics included the time it would take to gel a brand new side in time for opening day, the Chelsea friendly, the Supersearch players and Freddie Ljungberg.

"You are part of the first ever Sounder s FC community event. We are all about winning but we are also about sharing in winning," announced Tony Ventrella to start the evening off and introduce SeattleSCORES, the beneficiaries of the evening's proceedings. He then introduced the three guests Adrian Hanauer, Kasey Keller and Sigi Schmid, making his first appearance at the George and Dragon.

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!"

But the highlight of the Q and A was Kasey Keller's response when asked about the episode that ended with a €3000 fine during his time with German Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach. Greg Mockos of the Fan Club, Emerald City Supporters, pointed out that MLS fines were somewhat smaller than in Germany. Keller explained that so were the salaries to some laughter and then told the story of how he became a legend in parts of North West Germany.

Greg Mockos of the Fan Club, Emerald City Supporters, pointed out that MLS fines were somewhat smaller than in Germany. Keller explained that so were the salaries to some laughter and then told the story of how he became a legend in parts of North West Germany.

"I was fined €3000 by the Deutscher Fussball Bund 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

Hanauer also announced the signing of Osvaldo Alonso from Charleston Battery. "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 Sounders Legend Craig Tomlinson - Hints at Future Role

The morning of the event had seen the release of four USL Sounders players, among then veteran and popular striker Craig Tomlinson. Asked to express his feelings about the long and loyal service Craig had given to his club, USL Sounders owner and GM of the new franchise, Adrian Hanauer, was fulsome in his praise, "Craig has been an amazing ambassador for our club, an amazing competitor. A guy who, quite frankly, year after year, there were questions about whether he would make the roster and through his own hard work made it. My most memorable and happiest moment in terms of Craig's career was watching him score against Atlanta in the Championship in 2007. Great great person in the community, and someone who I hope settles here in Seattle and, who knows, could pop up being involved in Sounders FC in some capacity."

Asked about further USL additions to the squad, "They're all in camp right now. That'll really be up to Sigi and Brian."

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.

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Sounders FC Acquires Patrick Ianni in Trade with Houston

Central Defender Played 3 Seasons for Dynamo; Member of 2008 Olympic Team

January 26

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)

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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.

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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.

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.

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Seattle SCORES Happy Hour Fundraiser Set for George and Dragon

Sigi Schmid, Adrian Hanauer and Kasey Keller among the Guests

January 24

A 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

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Voting is Now Open for the Sounders Super Search

King5 to Show the Finalists after the Superbowl

January 23

Sounders 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

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Taylor Graham Gets the Nod

Tall Centre-Half Brings MLS Experience

January 21

Last 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)

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Ezra Hendrickson Appointed Second Assistant Coach

Schmid Brings Former Charge from Columbus

January 20

Seattle Sounders FC completed its coaching staff with the addition of Ezra Hendrickson as an assistant to head coach Sigi Schmid. Hendrickson, 37, played for Schmid the past three seasons in Columbus, and was a member of the Crew’s 2008 MLS Cup championship team. It marked the third championship season of his career. He announced his retirement Jan. 8 after 14 years, including 12 in MLS.

“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.

Eight of the ten players chosen in the expansion draft will be on hand. The exceptions are midfielder Peter Vagenas, who has been given permission to join the squad next week, and defender Jeff Parke, who is out of contract. Missing from training will be Swedish international Freddie Ljungberg, who continues to rehabilitate from surgery to repair his hip.

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 three time 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 the USL 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.

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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.

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Sounders FC Appoint New Fitness Coach

Dave Tenney - A Man With International Experience

January 9

Sounders 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:

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.

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Eylander Joins Sounders FC

Fan Favourite Keeper Gets His Big Break

January 5

The goalkeeper who proved a hero time after time for the Seattle Sounders in the USL, Chris Eylander, has been signed to play for Sounders FC in the MLS. The 24-year old graduate from the University of Washington will prove a popular choice and will initially serve as understudy to USA legend Kasey Keller who was signed last year. Chris stands 6' 1" and is a native of Tacoma, Washington. Sounders FC released a statement announcing the signature today. Here it is in full:

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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: Goalkeeper
Height: 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)

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And Then There Were Zwei

Sigi Appoints Brian Schmetzer as His Deputy

December 22

In a move that will delight the hardcore Seattle Sounders fans, new head coach Sigi Schmid has appointed former Seattle Sounders chief, Brian Schmetzer as his number two. Schmetzer brings a wealth of Seattle soccer experience not to mention a close knowledge of the Seattle Sounders squad of 2008. The move is bound to increase speculation that players such as goalkeeper Chris Eylander and midfielder Kenji Treschuk among others will progress to the MLS squad. Brian is a second generation German whose father played football in Germany before emigrating. This should make for some interesting touchline conversation should Brian decide to dust off his rusty German!

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.