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In 2009, Gorilla FC formed to support the Sounders.
In 2009, Gorilla FC formed to support the Sounders.

In November 2008 the 1,000,000 Seattle Sounders FC Fans, a facebook group with nearly 7000 fans was formed.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29931990243


== Rivalries ==
== Rivalries ==

Revision as of 01:17, 22 March 2009

For other teams using this name, see Seattle Sounders (NASL) and Seattle Sounders (USL).
Seattle Sounders FC
File:Seattle Sounders FC.PNG
Full nameSeattle Sounders FC
Nickname(s)The Sounders
Founded2007
GroundQwest Field
Seattle, WA
Capacity27,700 (expandable to 67,000)
Owner(s)United States Joe Roth
United States Adrian Hanauer
United States Paul Allen
United States Drew Carey
Head coachUnited States Sigi Schmid
LeagueMajor League Soccer
2009MLS, 1st[1]
Current season

Seattle Sounders FC is an American, professional soccer club based in Seattle, Washington that began play in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2009. The team plays its home games at Qwest Field. The MLS club is the third Seattle team to share the heritage of the Sounders name. The Sounders first game was played on March 19th, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, where they defeated the New York Red Bulls 3-0 in front of a sell-out crowd.

History

Seattle Sounders FC began play in the 2009 season and is the league's 15th team. The city of Seattle was awarded an expansion team on November 13, 2007. The announcement provided a continuation to a long standing soccer tradition in Seattle that has included the Seattle Sounders of the North American Soccer League from 1974 to 1983 and the Seattle Sounders of the USL First Division[2] since 1994.

Team ownership revealed the first Sounders jersey on May 28 along with announcing Microsoft and Xbox 360 as the team's sponsor worth $20 million over 5 years.[3] As part of the agreement, the Xbox 360 and Xbox Live brands will be featured prominently on the front of the jersey.[4]

Team name, badge and colors

Seattle Sounders FC was announced as the team name on April 7, 2008, along with the team logo, colors and badge design in a presentation held at the Space Needle. The badge design, loosely resembling a heraldic shield, consists of two layers representing the partnership between the ownership, the community, the players, and the fans. The logo incorporates the Space Needle, an internationally recognized Seattle landmark. The official team colors are Sounder Blue, representing the waters of the Puget Sound; Rave Green, representing the forests of the Pacific Northwest; and Cascade Shale, representing the Cascade Range to the east of Seattle.[5]

Fans were able to choose a new name for the team in an online poll held between March 27, 2008 and March 31. When the possible names to be selected from where initially announced, only three names were to be included on the poll: Seattle FC, Seattle Republic and Seattle Alliance, with the Seattle Sounders name being left off to provide a "fresh start."[6] Despite the names having been selected by fan focus groups, internal committees, and fan suggestions, the lack of an option to continue the Seattle Sounders moniker was an unpopular decision.[7] In response to the reaction by the fans, the team added a fourth "write in" option for the team name, leaving the door open to any suggestion.[8] During the voting period, MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the Sounders name is a popular fan favorite which initiated the addition of the write-in vote.[9]

Of the 14,500 votes received for the new team name, 49% of the votes were a derivative of the name Sounders.[10] Upon announcing the name, Hanauer acknowledged the significance of keeping with tradition: “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.”[11]

Stadium

Main article: Qwest Field

Seattle Sounders FC play their home games at Qwest Field in Seattle, also home to the Seattle Seahawks.[12] The stadium is a 67,000 seat stadium designed for both American football and soccer. For Sounders FC games, the upper bowl of the stadium will be tarped off leaving a seating capacity of 27,700 to provide a more intimate feel.[13][14] The pitch will be entitled "The Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field" as part of the sponsorship deal with Microsoft.

Seattle Sounders FC have created a web site that will be used to identify seating arrangements for season ticket holders based on personal interests including preferred method for watching a game and foreign team preference.[15] The team is currently in negotiations to use the Starfire Sports Complex, in nearby Tukwila, as a training facility.

While Sounders FC will play on FieldTurf for the 2009 season,[16] Qwest Field has previously had a temporary natural grass surface installed for international soccer events.[17] If a MLS rule change requires natural grass playing surfaces, the field will be permanently replaced with natural grass.[18]

Supporters

The Seattle FC Alliance was established at the request of minority owner Drew Carey. Based on the fan association at Barcelona, members of the Alliance will have the ability to vote in the election of the General Manager and on other team decisions. Season ticket holders become automatic members while non-season ticket holders may buy into the Association for a fee. Membership grants the members voting privileges, invitation to an annual meeting and other team perks. Members can be nominated and selected to the Sounders FC Association Council on a yearly basis. Those interested must receive at least 25 nominations from other association members, with the first nominations accepted in June 2008. The first election on General Manager is scheduled to be held November 2012 following that season. [19]

Sound Wave

Another of Carey's requests prior to his involvement with the team was that the team would have a marching band, making it the only professional soccer franchise in America with a marching band.[20] This led to the creation of the Sound Wave, a 52-member marching band consisting of brass and marching percussion.[21] In a meeting on December 5, 2008 the Members Alliance voted on the official name of the band.[22] The band plays music from multiple genres such as Latin, funk, big band, pop and rock, and will sit with the supporters groups in south end of Qwest Field.[21] The March to the Match, in which fans and ticket holders will march from Occidental Park to Qwest before each home game, will be led by the Sound Wave. [23]

Independent supporter groups

The Emerald City Supporters, who formed in 2005 to support the USL Sounders, support the new team.[24]

In 2009, Gorilla FC formed to support the Sounders.

In November 2008 the 1,000,000 Seattle Sounders FC Fans, a facebook group with nearly 7000 fans was formed. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29931990243

Rivalries

Starting in 2011, the Seattle Sounders will continue the intense league rivalry with the Portland Timbers, that has gone on for so long. The Seattle-Portland Rivalry also contributes to the local derby, the Cascadia Cup. Local Canadian rivals Vancouver Whitecaps also participate in the competition for the cup.

Players

Seattle Sounders FC officially announced the 2007 USL First Division MVP and current USL Sounder Sébastien Le Toux as its first signing on May 7, 2008.[25] On August 14, 2008, Sounders FC announced in a press conference their second signing for the 2009 season, former United States men's national team goalkeeper Kasey Keller. Keller is set to return home to his native Washington to play for the new side. [26] On September 5, 2008, Sounders FC announced the third signee for the franchise to be Sanna Nyassi from Gambia. Nyassi, a 19-year-old midfielder, was a member of the Gambia U-20 National Team at the 2007 FIFA Championship. Like Le Toux, Nyassi is now being loaned to the Sounders of the USL First Division for the remainder of this season. Sanna’s twin brother, Sainey Nyassi, was signed by the Revolution and is a regular starter in MLS this season.[27]

On October 28, 2008, it was officially announced that Sounders FC had signed Swedish midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg using the Designated Player Rule. He signed a two-year contract reported to be worth $2.5 million per season.[28]

2008 Expansion draft

Seattle Sounders FC was given first negotiation rights to any player that was not drafted in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft and joins the USL Sounders for the 2008 season. The team can also promote as many players from the 2008 USL Sounders squad as they'd like, as long as the player's rights are not controlled by another team.[29] Hanauer expects several of the team's other key players, including Taylor Graham, to transfer to play for Sounders FC based on MLS Competition Committee rules.[30] Sounders FC can begin to sign players in the 2008 calendar year in accordance with MLS rules, which also allows Sounders FC to have first pick in the 2009 MLS Draft in January 2009.[31] The team is also expecting to use an Expansion Draft to select up to ten current MLS players from a pool left unprotected by the other teams.[32]

On November 26, 2008, Sounders FC selected the following players from other MLS teams: Nate Jaqua (Houston), Brad Evans (Columbus), Stephen King (Chicago), Jeff Parke (RBNY), James Riley (San Jose), Khano Smith (New England), Jarrod Smith (Toronto FC), Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake), Peter Vagenas (LA Galaxy) and Tyson Wahl (Kansas City).[33].

2009 MLS SuperDraft

In the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, as the 2009 expansion team, Sounders FC was given the first pick in each round of the draft. With the number one pick of the first round of the draft, Sounders FC selected University of Akron forward Steve Zakuani. As the first pick of the second round (16th overall), Sounders FC selected Wake Forest University defender Evan Brown.[34]

Current roster

As of March 5, 2009.[35] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK United States USA Chris Eylander
3 MF United States USA Brad Evans
4 DF United States USA Patrick Ianni
5 DF United States USA Tyson Wahl
6 MF Cuba CUB Osvaldo Alonso
7 DF United States USA James Riley
8 MF United States USA Peter Vagenas
9 FW France FRA Sébastien Le Toux
10 MF Sweden SWE Freddie Ljungberg (vice-captain)
11 FW Democratic Republic of the Congo COD Steve Zakuani
12 DF United States USA Nathan Sturgis
13 FW New Zealand NZL Jarrod Smith
No. Pos. Nation Player
14 DF Jamaica JAM Tyrone Marshall
15 MF United States USA Stephen King
16 DF United States USA Evan Brown
17 FW Colombia COL Fredy Montero (on loan from Deportivo Cali)
18 GK United States USA Kasey Keller (captain)
20 DF United States USA Zach Scott
21 FW United States USA Nate Jaqua
22 GK United States USA Ben Dragavon
23 MF The Gambia GAM Sanna Nyassi
24 FW United States USA Roger Levesque
26 DF Puerto Rico PUR Taylor Graham
34 DF Colombia COL Jhon Hurtado

Ownership and team management

The team ownership is split among several investors. The majority owner is Hollywood producer Joe Roth, with minority owners Adrian Hanauer, former owner of the now defunct USL-1 team Seattle Sounders; Paul Allen, Microsoft co-founder and owner of the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers; and Drew Carey, comedian and game show host.[20] The Seattle franchise is believed to have paid a $30 million expansion fee, $10 million more than the last expansion fee paid by the San Jose Earthquakes team.[36] Over 20,000 season tickets have been sold, from a maximum 22,000, giving Sounders FC the most season ticket holders in MLS.[37]

Coaching staff

Seattle Sounders FC reportedly offered a coaching contract to Sigi Schmid in early December, who led the Los Angeles Galaxy to a MLS Cup in 2002 and the Columbus Crew to a MLS Cup in 2008, but before Schmid could respond to the contract offer, the ownership of the Columbus Crew filed a tampering complaint with the MLS that put the offer on hold. The Crew's ownership believed that Schmid had contact with Sounders FC despite being denied permission to talk to other teams during the season and that he shared confidential information with Sounders FC after his contract with the Crew ended.[38] The MLS ruled that no tampering occurred, but ordered Sounders FC to financially compensate the Crew before signing Schmid.[39] Sounders FC officially introduced Schmid as their first coach on December 16, 2008.[40] Brian Schmetzer was later announced as the top assitant coach and Tom Dutra as the goalkeeper coach.[41][42] Retired Major League Soccer veteran defender Ezra Hendrickson joined the Sounders as an assistant coach in January, 2009[43].

Team management

Former MLS player and Everett, Washington, native Chris Henderson was named technical director on January 24, 2008.[44] Joining Henderson in the front office is longtime Seattle Seahawks VP Gary Wright as the senior vice president of business operations.[45] Drew Carey was named the chairman of the Membership Association.[46]

Broadcasting

Seattle Sounders FC matches will be televised locally by either KING or KONG (exceptions being nationally telecast matches on Fox Soccer Channel or ESPN2/ABC). Former Seattle SuperSonics play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro has been chosen to announce the televised matches.[47] Sounders matches on radio will be aired on KIRO-FM.

References

  1. ^ "MLS Standings". MLSNet.com. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
  2. ^ Moroney, Laurence (2007-11-13). "MLS announces expansion in Seattle". MLS.net. Retrieved 2007-11-20.
  3. ^ Futterman, Matthew (2008-05-28). "Soccer's Sounders Get a Microsoft Kick". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2008-05-28.
  4. ^ "Sounders FC Announce Sponsorship with Microsoft and Xbox 360". Seattle Sounders FC. 2008-05-28. Retrieved 2008-05-28.
  5. ^ "Seattle Sounders FC colors". Seattle Sounders FC. 2008-04-07. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
  6. ^ José Miguel Romero (2008-03-21). "NW Briefs: List narrows for Seattle Major League Soccer team names". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 2008-03-21.
  7. ^ McNerthney, Casey (2008-03-21). "Soccer team names? No gooaaaallll, cry fans". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 2008-03-21. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ Matthew Gaschk (2008-03-25). "Sounders name isn't dead yet". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 2008-03-27.
  9. ^ "LA Galaxy vs Colorado Rapids post-game report". 2008-03-29. {{cite episode}}: Missing or empty |series= (help)
  10. ^ "Seattle Sounders FC Selected as Team Name". Seattle Sounders FC. 2008-04-07. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
  11. ^ "Seattle Sounders FC Wins Out in Name Contest". Goal.com. 2008-04-07. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
  12. ^ "MLS awards Seattle expanison team for 2009" (Press release). Major League Soccer. 2007-11-13. Retrieved 2007-11-17.
  13. ^ "MLS awards Seattle expansion team for 2009". MLSNet.com. 2007-11-17. Retrieved 2008-04-10.
  14. ^ "Sounders FC Sells Out Home Opener" (Press release). Seattle Sounders FC. 2009-03-02. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  15. ^ Gaschk, Matthew (May 1, 2008). "Sounders FC expected to sign star". Seattle PI. Retrieved 2008-05-06. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  16. ^ Dell'Apa, Frank (March 4, 2008). "Opportunity is there for someone to strike". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  17. ^ "Qwest Field goes Au Naturel". Seattle Seahawks. March 19, 2003. Retrieved 2008-11-02.
  18. ^ "PSA Frequently Asked Questions". Washington State Public Stadium Authority. Retrieved 2008-11-02.
  19. ^ "Sounders FC announce fan association". Seattle PI. 2008-05-17. Retrieved 2008-05-18. {{cite news}}: |first= missing |last= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  20. ^ a b "Carey signs on to invest in Seattle expansion team". ESPNSoccernet. ESPN. 2007-11-12. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
  21. ^ a b "The Band". SoundersFC.com. Retrieved 2009-03-01.
  22. ^ Sounders FC Public Relations (December 5, 2008). "Members Vote for 'Alliance;' Band Becomes Sound Wave". SoundersFC.com. Retrieved 2009-03-01.
  23. ^ "March to the Match". SoundersFC.com. Retrieved 2009-03-01.
  24. ^ "Emerald City Supporters website". Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  25. ^ Gaschk, Matthew (May 7, 2008). "Present and future Sounders". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 2008-05-08.
  26. ^ Gaschk, Matthew (2008-08-13). "Keller to join Sounders FC, adding to club's local flavor". Seattle Post Intelligencer. Retrieved 2008-08-19.
  27. ^ "Gambia Youth International Becomes 3rd Signee". Seattle Sounders FC. 2008-09-05. Retrieved 2008-12-30.
  28. ^ "Sounders sign Freddie Ljungberg". mlsnet.com. 2008-10-28. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  29. ^ Romero, José Miguel (2008-01-19). "Sounders scouting players with MLS potential". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 2008-01-30.
  30. ^ "MLS Seattle". Prost Amerika. Retrieved 2007-12-24.
  31. ^ "MLS in Seattle". MLS in Seattle. Retrieved 2007-11-14.
  32. ^ Ruiz, Don (2008-05-05). "Major roadwork ahead for Sounders FC". The News Tribune. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
  33. ^ Goff, Steven (2008-11-26). "Seattle Selects..." The Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-11-26.
  34. ^ "Live From St. Louis". Seattle Sounders FC. 2009-01-15. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
  35. ^ "Seattle Sounders FC Roster". Major League Soccer. Retrieved March 5, 2009.
  36. ^ Stone, Larry (2007-11-10). "Big-time soccer coming in 2009". Seattle Times. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
  37. ^ Sounders FC Public Relations (2009-03-02). "Sounders FC Sells Out Home Opener". SoundersFC.com. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  38. ^ Mitchell, Shawn (2008-12-11). "Crew: Separation anxiety". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 2008-12-12.
  39. ^ Washburn, Gary (2008-12-15). "Sounders to introduce Coach Sigi Schmid Tuesday". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 2008-12-15.
  40. ^ Romero, José Miguel (2008-12-16). "Sigi Schmid becomes Sounders FC's first coach". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 2008-12-16.
  41. ^ "Schmid Names Schmetzer As First Assistant Coach". Seattle Sounders FC. 2008-12-22. Retrieved 2008-12-30.
  42. ^ "Tom Dutra Named Goalkeeper Coach". Seattle Sounders FC. 2008-12-29. Retrieved December 30, 2008.
  43. ^ http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420ap_soc_sounders_fc_hendrickson.html
  44. ^ Romero, José Miguel (2008-01-24). "Henderson named technical director for Seattle's MLS team". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 2008-01-30.
  45. ^ "Longtime Seahawks VP moves to MLS team". Puget Sound Business Journal. 2008-03-24. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
  46. ^ Gaschk, Matthew (2008-05-16). "Sounders FC owner caters to fans". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
  47. ^ "Sounders find voice: Kevin Calabro". Seattle TImes. 2008-07-22. Retrieved 2008-07-22.

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