History of Seattle Sounders FC

The Seattle Sounders are a major league soccer team, sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation, based in Seattle, Washington with origins that go back to the 1970s and the North American Soccer League.

The starting lineup for Seattle Sounders FC before their inaugural game on March 19, 2009
Seattle Sounders
History
People
Overview
Stadiums
Teams

Inception

Even before the first cities in the United States were chosen to host Major League Soccer teams, Seattle was considered a viable location for a professional team.[1] In 1994, as the U.S. was preparing to host the FIFA World Cup, more than 30 cities were pursuing the rights to an MLS team, Seattle being among them.[2] However, despite the strong soccer fan base in Seattle, the absence of a soccer-only stadium was a drawback to establishing an MLS team.[3] Cities seeking consideration for an inaugural MLS team were also expected to secure 10,000 assurances from fans for season tickets.[2] By the June 3, 1994 deadline for MLS team bids, Seattle organizers had secured fewer than 1,500 such assurances.[4] These low numbers were a result of competition between the ticket campaign for the MLS expansion team and for the American Professional Soccer League (APSL) Sounders expansion team.[5]

In a June 14, 1994 announcement, Seattle was not included among the first seven cities to be awarded an MLS team.[1] Five more teams were to be announced later in the year, and to improve their chances this time, Seattle MLS organizers began working with the University of Washington to secure use of Husky Stadium as an interim stadium while they pursued the construction of a permanent soccer-specific facility.[6] In November 1994, the start of the first MLS season was postponed until 1996, and it was noted that the absence of an "adequate grass-field facility" in the area and the presence of the new APSL Seattle Sounders team had thwarted Seattle's MLS bid.[7] In the end, Seattle was not among the cities chosen to establish a team during the first season of MLS.[8]

In 1996, as Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen worked with the city to build a new football stadium for his team, the potential of an MLS expansion team that could be a co-tenant helped drive public support for the effort.[9] Many of the state's voters supported the referendum to construct Seahawks Stadium because it was also expected to be a professional soccer venue.[10] While the stadium problem was being resolved, a new issue emerged. By 2000, MLS was moving away from league-operated teams to investor-operated teams, so wealthy individuals would need to step forward for Seattle to obtain an MLS expansion team.[10]

In 2003, Seattle was again listed as a possibility for an MLS expansion team when the ten-team league announced plans to expand into new markets.[11] In 2004, MLS commissioner Don Garber indicated that Seattle had been "very close" to receiving the expansion team ultimately awarded to Salt Lake. Adrian Hanauer, then-owner of the United Soccer League's (USL) Sounders (formerly the APSL Sounders), was in discussions with MLS about an estimated payment of $1 million to secure rights to a Seattle franchise for 2006.[12] However, when Seattle was passed over again in 2006, Hanauer announced that he would not be able to secure an expansion team without the help of more investors willing to cover the increasing MLS franchise fees which had grown beyond $10 million.[13]

MLS expansion arrives

In 2007, Hanauer teamed up with Hollywood producer Joe Roth to make another bid for MLS expansion into Seattle, at a cost of $30 million.[14] Paul Allen, whose First and Goal company operated Qwest Field (now CenturyLink Field), joined the ownership group that same year, making the bid the most promising yet for Seattle.[15] During the first week of November 2007, rumors began to build that MLS would be announcing an expansion into Seattle the following week, and that the ownership group had taken on a fourth member, TV personality Drew Carey.[16] In a press conference on November 13, 2007, it was announced that Seattle had been awarded an expansion team. The announcement marked the return of top-level soccer to Seattle for the first time since the dissolution of its North American Soccer League (NASL) team in 1983. The announcement also meant that the Seattle Sounders of the USL First Division would play its final season the year before the new MLS franchise was formed.[17][18]

Team name, badge and colors unveiled

Fans chose a name for the team in an online poll held between March 27 and 31, 2008. The initial list of possibilities – Seattle FC, Seattle Republic and Seattle Alliance – deliberately did not include Seattle Sounders in order to provide a "fresh start". Despite the names having been selected through fan research and internal committees, the omission of the traditional Sounders name embittered many in the Seattle community.[19][20] In response to the backlash, the team added a fourth "write-in" option for the team name, allowing for any name to be suggested on the ballot.[21] Of the more than 14,500 votes received in choosing the new team name, 49% of the votes included some form of the name "Sounders".[22] Upon announcing the name of the club, 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."[23]

"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.[24] The "FC" in the team moniker stands for Football Club, but the team name is officially "Seattle Sounders FC". The badge design resembles a heraldic shield, and consists of two layers which represent "the partnership between the ownership, the community, the players and the fans."[25] The logo incorporates the Space Needle, an internationally recognized Seattle landmark. The official team colors are Sounder Blue, signifying 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.[25]

Team ownership revealed the first Sounders FC jersey on May 28, 2008, and announced Microsoft as the team's sponsor in a five-year deal worth approximately $20 million.[26] As part of the agreement, the Xbox 360 and Xbox Live brands appear on the front of Sounders FC jerseys and throughout the stadium.[27]

Sigi Schmid Era (2009–2016)

2009: Inaugural MLS Campaign
See also: 2009 Seattle Sounders FC season
New York Red Bulls kick-off to start the 2009 MLS season against Seattle

The Sounders began their inaugural MLS campaign during the 2009 MLS season. Prior to the opening match, the Sounders sold all 22,000 of their season ticket packages.[28] The 22,000 ticket holders, gave the Sounders a record for the most season ticket holders ever in MLS history.[29] They played their first home match on March 19, 2009, to a sold-out crowd of 32,523, defeating the 2008 MLS Cup runners-up, New York Red Bulls, by a 3–0 margin.[30] Seattle was the first MLS expansion team to win their first three games, and they did so with a shutout in each.[31] Fredy Montero scored the first regular season goal in team history, finishing a movement from Sebastien Le Toux and Osvaldo Alonso in the 12th minute. Montero assisted Brad Evans' goal, and also scored the team's third goal. Kasey Keller, a veteran American goalkeeper who had played his entire career abroad, made his MLS debut at 39 years of age, and made two saves to register the team's first regular season shutout.[32]

March 2009 saw Montero winning Player of the Week honors for week 1 and Keller for week 2.[33][34] Montero won Goal of the Week for the first two games and was named the Player of the Month.[35]

After their first two victories at home, Sounders FC played their MLS away fixture against Toronto FC. The Sounders expected a challenging away environment, but were victorious in a 2–0 shutout. Soon after, reports out of Seattle linked Montero to a sexual assault case with an unidentified woman. In a statement made by Sounders publicist, Montero asserted that the allegations stemmed from a disagreement in which he sought to end the relationship.[36] and a police inquiry resulted in no charges being filed. Seattle Sounders FC suffered their first competitive loss at home against the Kansas City Wizards. Kasey Keller was sent off in the 29th minute for a handball outside the 18-yard box, as the Sounders fell 1–0 to the Wizards. The following week they lost at Chivas USA. Chris Eylander was scored on twice while covering the goal during Keller's suspension. The Sounders again failed to score.

The Sounders returned to their winning ways in a 2–0 home win versus the San Jose Earthquakes.

It was announced in early July that the Sounders had signed left-footed Costa Rican defender Leonardo González to help at the left back position. The position had been a weak spot in Seattle's defense and filled by three separate players throughout the season.[37]

On July 11, the Sounders hosted the Houston Dynamo at Qwest Field. Brian Schmetzer filled in for Schmid who was at his son's wedding. Ianni scored his first goal of the season on bicycle kick that would earn him the MLS goal of the Week.[38] On the following Tuesday, the Sounders defeated the Dynamo at Strfire in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. Houston led when Jaqua scored in the 89th minute. King scored a goal five minutes into extra time, thus sending the Sounders FC to the Open Cup finals against D.C. United.[39]

On July 18, 2009 the Seattle Sounders lost 0–2 in a friendly with Chelsea. All sections of the stadium were open and sold out with a crowd of 65,289 in attendance. The game was the first with the team for Chelsea's new manager, Carlo Ancelotti, and their new forward Daniel Sturridge.[40]

The club set a state record for attendance at a soccer match on August 5, 2009, when 66,848 attended a friendly match with FC Barcelona.[41]

On September 2, 2009, Sounders FC became the second MLS expansion team in league history (Chicago was first) to win the U.S. Open Cup tournament in their first season.[42] They did so by defeating D.C. United 2–1 on the road at RFK Stadium.[43] In winning the U.S. Open Cup tournament, they qualified for the preliminary round of the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League.[42]

On October 17, 2009, Sounders FC became the second MLS expansion team in league history (again, Chicago had been first) to qualify for the playoffs in their first season. They clinched a playoff berth with a come-from-behind victory over the Kansas City Wizards 3–2 at Kansas City.[44] Seattle finished the regular season with a record of 12 wins, 7 losses, and 11 ties. The club set a new MLS record for average attendance at 30,943 fans per game.[45] Their inaugural season came to an end in the 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs when they lost in the conference semifinals to the Houston Dynamo with a 1–0 aggregate score in a two-legged series.[46] During the 2009 season, all 15 Sounders FC MLS regular season home matches, their home playoff match, and their 4 home U.S. Open Cup matches (played at Starfire Sports Complex) were sold out.[47]

First U.S. Open Cup Title
See also: 2009 U.S. Open Cup and 2009 U.S. Open Cup Final
Sounders FC captain, Kasey Keller and midfielder Osvaldo Alonso hoist the 2009 U.S. Open Cup trophy

During the Sounders FC first season in MLS, the club won their first ever U.S. Open Cup title, including any past Sounders franchise. The team was also the first club in modern Open Cup history to win the tournament after playing through a string of qualification propers to enter at the third round proper.

Prior to their first qualification match against Real Salt Lake, Schmid asserted that the Open Cup was extremely critical to the club and that they were playing to win. One of the reasons the club cited, was the opportunity to qualify into the CONCACAF Champions League upon winning the Open Cup title.[48] Sounders FC played U.S. Open Cup home games at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington. The facility is older and smaller than the club's home stadium for league matches, Qwest Field, but Sounders FC representatives preferred the atmosphere at Starfire for smaller cup matches.[49]

In the first qualification proper, on April 28, 2009; the Sounders defeated Salt Lake 4–1. Sebastian Le Toux scored two goals, and Roger Levesque had three assists in front of a sold-out crowd at Starfire.[50] Sounders FC hosted their second qualification match on May 26, 2009, also at Starfire, this time against the Colorado Rapids. Reserve player Kevin Forrest scored the only goal in the match as Seattle defeated the Rapids 1–0, securing their entry into the third round proper of the official cup competition as one of the eight teams representing MLS.[51]

One of the most unforgettable matches for the Sounders, was the third round proper fixture against their longstanding rivals, the Portland Timbers. Considered their most bitter rival over the past 30 years, it was the first time in four years that any Sounders or Timbers club competed against one another in the Open Cup. Traveling south to Portland, the Sounders claimed it would be one of the toughest matches of the entire tournament. In front of a sold-out crowd on July 1, 2009; the Sounders were able to defeat the Timbers 2–1, thanks to goals from Levesque and Nate Jaqua.[52] The following week, in a quarterfinal match at Starfire, Sounders FC defeated visiting Kansas City 1–0 on a penalty kick in the 89th minute scored by Sebastien Le Toux.[53] Three weeks later, on July 21, Sounders FC won their semifinal match 2–1 over the Houston Dynamo at Starfire. Seattle took the lead for good when Stephen King scored a goal five minutes into extra time, sending Sounders FC to the cup final.[54]

On September 2, 2009, Sounders FC became the second MLS expansion team in league history (Chicago was first) to win the U.S. Open Cup tournament in their first season.[42] They did so by defeating D.C. United 2–1 on the road at RFK Stadium.[43] In winning the U.S. Open Cup tournament, they qualified for the preliminary round of the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League.[42]

2010: Second U.S. Open Cup and return to Champions League
See also: 2010 Seattle Sounders FC season, 2010 U.S. Open Cup Final, and 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League
The Emerald City Supporters display their tifo before the first game of the 2010 MLS season at Qwest Field between Seattle Sounders FC and the Philadelphia Union.

For the second consecutive year, the Sounders were chosen to host the opening match of the MLS season, which was held on Thursday, March 25 and nationally televised on ESPN2.[55][56] Joe Roth, Sounders FC Majority Owner stated, "Being selected to participate in the first match of the season is a testament to the passion and energy of our fans."[56] Their opponent was the expansion franchise Philadelphia Union, the league's 16th team as they played in their inaugural match.[55] Seattle won the match 2–0 with goals scored by Brad Evans in the 12th minute and Freddy Montero in the 43rd minute. The attendance of 36,241 set a team record for an MLS regular-season or postseason game.[57]

2010 started off rough for the Sounders, first with a home loss to New York Red Bulls on April 2,[58] and subsequently relinquishing a two-goal lead against defending MLS Cup champions, Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto.[59] In spite of knocking off Kansas City's unbeaten streak, the same situation would happen against Dallas, where the Sounders would play to another two-goal draw.

The following week, on April 17, Seattle returned home to face the undefeated Kansas City Wizards. The game appeared to be ending a scoreless tie until late substitute Michael Fucito scored his first career goal in 92nd minute of the match off a throw in from Brad Evans. Sounders FC defeated Kansas City 1–0.[60] The following week, Seattle had two road games in a 4-day period. First they traveled to Frisco, TX to face FC Dallas on April 22. Steve Zakuani and Fredy Montero scored for Sounders FC while Jeff Cunningham scored two penalty kicks for Dallas, the second of which coming in extra time on a questionable call. The Dallas game ended in a 2–2 tie.[61] During the second leg of the road trip on April 25, Sounders FC was defeated 2–0 by Toronto FC at BMO Field. Seattle conceded their first ever goal to Toronto when Dwayne De Rosario scored in the 58th minute. He later assisted O'Brian White on a second goal in the 76th minute.[62]

Sounders FC began May with a tie at home against the Columbus Crew. Steve Zakuani scored an early breakaway goal in the 8th minute to take the lead. However, Seattle's stoppage time problems continued as the Crew's Steven Lenhart scored off a header in the first minute of stoppage time before the half. The game ended 1–1.[63]

The 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League lineup that defeated Isidro Metapán 1–0 at home

The following week, on May 8, Sounders FC hosted the Los Angeles Galaxy. Seattle's continued inability to score and their recent trend of defensive breakdowns culminated in an embarrassing 4–0 loss to the Galaxy. This was Seattle's worst ever defeat at home and it was played in front of a team record attendance for a regular season match of 36,273 fans.[64] Sounders FC newcomer Miguel Montaño made his debut with the club in the defeat to the Galaxy.[65] The day after the lopsided defeat to Los Angeles, Sounders FC owner Adrian Hanauer announced a refund for all 32,000 season ticket holders for the embarrassment and indicated that changes were in the works for the club.[66]

Three days later, May 26, the team participated in their first friendly match of the season, winning it 3–0 in a shutout against Boca Juniors. Roger Levesque, Pat Noonan and Mike Seamon each scored goals, the latter in his debut for the team.[67] The team ended the month with another 1–0 loss on May 29, this one against the Colorado Rapids, on the road; Conor Casey scored the only goal of the match.[68]

Sounders FC regrouped from the difficult loss to LA the next week when they visited the New York Red Bulls. Fredy Montero's absence from the starting lineup was a surprising change in the match. Montero, however, was subbed on late in the game and provided the winning goal in the 85th minute for a 1–0 victory.[69] During the first game of the 2010 Heritage Cup on May 22, the team lost 1–0 to the San Jose Earthquakes at Qwest. Chris Wondolowski scored 11 minutes in the match, lengthening the "scoring drought" for the Sounders FC at home.[70][71]

2011: Third U.S. Open Cup
See also: 2011 Seattle Sounders FC season and 2011 U.S. Open Cup Final

On November 22, 2010, Seattle made a trade with the Colorado Rapids for defenders Julien Baudet of France and Danny Earls of the Republic of Ireland for Peter Vagenas.[72] Also, the list of the ten protected players for the 2010 MLS Expansion Draft was decided by the club. The draft took place on November 24, 2010 when both the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC sectected ten players from the Major League Soccer teams, including Sanna Nyassi (who was later traded to Colorado) and Nathan Sturgis (who was later traded to Toronto) from Seattle Sounders FC.[73] Vancouver later traded Jamaican international O'Brian White to Seattle.[74]

On December 9, 2010, Swedish club, BK Häcken reported that midfielder, Erik Friberg completed a three-year deal with the Seattle Sounders FC. Seattle has completed a deal bringing him over to the Seattle-based club. They also have announced a contract extension with captain Kasey Keller. On December 15, 2010, the Sounders selected Chris Seitz of the Philadelphia Union in the 2010 MLS Re-Entry Draft.[75] The goalkeeper was later traded to FC Dallas for a fourth round pick of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.[76] Defender Tyrone Marshall was also selected in the draft by the Colorado Rapids.[75]

The Sounders also competed in two additional competitions during the 2010 season – the CONCACAF Champions League and the U.S. Open Cup. In the Champions League, Seattle progressed through the preliminary round, beating Isidro Metapán 2–1 on aggregate, but was eliminated in the group stage.[77] In the U.S. Open Cup, Seattle won matches at Portland and at home against the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA before reaching the final, which they hosted at CenturyLink Field against the Columbus Crew. On October 5, 2010, Seattle won the U.S. Open Cup final, 2–1, becoming the first team since 1983 to repeat as U.S. Open Cup champions.[78] The final was played in front of a U.S. Open Cup record crowd of 31,311,[79] and the victory ensured Seattle's return to the Champions League in 2011.[80]

Sounders FC players with the '09, '10, and '11 U.S. Open Cup trophies.

The Sounders began the 2011 season by hosting the opening match of the MLS season for the third straight year.[81] The club hosted the Los Angeles Galaxy, and lost 1–0.[82] On April 22, 2011, in a match against the Colorado Rapids, Seattle's star midfielder Steve Zakuani suffered a broken leg in a challenge by the Rapids' Brian Mullan, which ended his season.[83] Despite setbacks and a slow start to the season (the club won just 3 of its first 10 matches), the Sounders went on to finish the season with the second-best record in the league at 18 wins, 9 draws, 7 losses, and qualified for the playoffs for a third consecutive year.[84] On October 4, 2011, Seattle won its third consecutive U.S. Open Cup, becoming the first club to do so in 42 years, as they defeated the Chicago Fire 2–0 in front of another tournament record crowd of 35,615 at CenturyLink Field.[85] In the MLS playoffs, Seattle lost its Western Conference semi-final series 3–2 on aggregate to Real Salt Lake. The club dug itself a hole by losing 3–0 in Salt Lake, and could only net two goals in the second leg at home.[86]

Sounders midfielder Mauro Rosales was recognized by the league as the 2011 Newcomer of the Year.[87] In 2011, Seattle again broke its own league record for average attendance at 38,496. On October 15, 2011, the club hosted the third-largest crowd ever for a single MLS match, as 64,140 attended the final regular season home match.[88] In the 2011–12 CONCACAF Champions League, the club finished second in its group and advanced to the knockout round, which was played starting in March 2012.[89][90] In champions league group play, Seattle became only the second MLS team in history to win a competitive match in Mexico, defeating CF Monterrey 1–0 on August 23, 2011.[91]

2012: First trophy-less campaign
See also: 2012 Seattle Sounders FC season and 2012 U.S. Open Cup Final

Seattle opened the 2012 season with a run of five straight wins in April and May,[92] but fell into a month-long, nine-match winless streak in June. The winless streak ended in a match on July 7, which saw the return of Steve Zakuani from rehabilitation, against the Colorado Rapids.[93] Seattle reached the U.S. Open Cup Final for the fourth consecutive year, becoming the first team to do so since 1937,[94] but lost to Sporting Kansas City in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw.[95] In Champions League group play, the team advanced to the knockout round with four straight wins, each including a goal from Sammy Ochoa.[96] The Sounders finished third in the Western Conference and qualified for the playoffs, where they advanced out of the first round for the first time in the team's history.[97] In the Conference Championship, Seattle fell 3–0 to Los Angeles in the first leg and came within one goal of tying the series on aggregate before letting an away goal, winning the second leg 2–1 but losing 4–2 on aggregate.[98] The 2012 season ended without a major trophy for the Sounders, for the first time in their MLS history, and the team failed to qualify for the 2013–14 CONCACAF Champions League.[99] The top scorer in league play was 28-year-old striker Eddie Johnson, who scored 14 goals in his first season with the club; he earned Comeback Player of the Year honors for his performance, which came after unsuccessful loans to European clubs.[100]

2013: Arrival of Clint Dempsey
See also: 2013 Seattle Sounders FC season

During the 2013 preseason, the Sounders signed their first homegrown player, right back DeAndre Yedlin,[101] veteran defender Djimi Traoré,[102] and forward Obafemi Martins, who bought his release clause from his Spanish club.[103] Longtime forward Fredy Montero left Seattle on loan to Colombian club Millonarios F.C. in January and,[104] by July, was loaned to Sporting CP in Portugal with an option to buy; Montero was sold permanently to Sporting in 2014.[105] The Sounders began the 2013 season with the knockout round of the 2012–13 Champions League, facing Mexican club Tigres UANL in the quarterfinals. After losing 1–0 in the away leg and conceding an away goal in the return leg, the Sounders scored three unanswered goals in the second half to win 3–1 and advance to the semifinals. With the win, the Sounders became the first MLS team to eliminate a Mexican team in the knockout stage of CONCACAF Champions League.[106] Seattle once again played Santos Laguna in the semifinal, but failed to advance after losing 1–0 at home and drawing 1–1 in Torreón.[107]

The Sounders began the MLS season with a run of five matches without a win, the worst start in the team's history, due to injuries to key players.[108] The Sounders failed to advance in the U.S. Open Cup after losing to second-division Tampa Bay Rowdies in the third round, marking the end of the team's seven-year streak of appearances in the later rounds.[109] As players returned to the team, Seattle improved to a six-win, four-loss record in 14 matches by late June.[110] In August 2013, the Sounders completed the signing of U.S. national team captain Clint Dempsey from Tottenham Hotspur for $9 million, the largest transfer deal in the league's history, and a record salary of $32 million over four years.[111] The team's continued run of wins put them into Supporters' Shield contention in September, coming within one point of the league-leading Red Bulls,[112] but fell to fourth place in the conference after a run of four straight losses in October.[113][114] The Sounders beat the Colorado Rapids 2–0 in the knockout round, and drew rivals Portland in the conference semifinal.[115] Seattle fell 2–1 to the Timbers in the home leg and were defeated 3–2 in Portland, knocking the Sounders out in a performance that failed to live up to expectations.[116]

The Sounders continued to break the MLS average attendance record for the fourth and fifth consecutive year in 2012 and 2013, with an average of 43,144 and 44,038, respectively.[117] The higher attendances were helped by the opening of additional sections in the Hawks' Nest,[118] as well as the opening of the upper deck of CenturyLink Field for select regular matches.[119] The August 25, 2013, home match against the Portland Timbers drew a crowd of 67,385, the second-largest standalone attendance in league history.[120]

2014: First MLS Supporters' Shield and Fourth U.S. Open Cup
See also: 2014 Seattle Sounders FC season and 2014 U.S. Open Cup Final

After a disappointing 2013 season, the Sounders replaced starting goalkeeper Michael Gspurning with Toronto's Stefan Frei. Several veteran players, including Eddie Johnson, Patrick Ianni, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Mauro Rosales, and Steve Zakuani, left the club as part of a major restructure; Brad Evans was named as club captain.[121] Marco Pappa, an experienced MLS player and Guatemalan international, was added to the team. Homegrown player DeAndre Yedlin was transferred overseas to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season.[122]

The Sounders advanced to the 2014 U.S. Open Cup Final and defeated the Philadelphia Union in extra time, to win their fourth trophy of the tournament. On October 25, 2014, the final game of the 2014 regular season, the Sounders defeated the LA Galaxy 2–0 to secure and win their first Supporters' Shield.[123]

Entering the playoffs as the top seed, Seattle defeated FC Dallas on the away goals rule and advanced to the Western Conference Championship to face the LA Galaxy once again. The Sounders lost on aggregate score and the away goals rule after losing 1–0 away and winning 2–1 at home. LA would go on to win the MLS Cup.[124]

2015: Continued playoff frustration
See also: 2015 Seattle Sounders FC season

Former Real Salt Lake general manager Garth Lagerwey was hired by the club in January 2015, replacing Adrian Hanauer.[125]

Seattle was unable to repeat their successes in the 2014 season. The season started successfully, with several key wins that saw the team at the top of the Western Conference by June.[126] During a 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against the Portland Timbers on June 16, however, Obafemi Martins left the game with a groin injury and Clint Dempsey was suspended after tearing a referee's pocketbook, though he would be called away for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.[127][128]

The injury and suspension of the team's main attacking duo led to a death spiral during the summer, with Seattle winning only one match in nine games. By late August, Martins had recovered and led the team to an 8-match unbeaten streak to secure a playoff spot, finishing 4th in the Western Conference. The Sounders had also successfully topped their group in the 2015–16 CONCACAF Champions League, beating the Vancouver Whitecaps and Club Deportivo Olimpia, with two wins, one draw, and one loss.[129] Paraguayan international Nelson Haedo Valdez was signed as the club's newest designated player, and was joined by fellow international signings Andreas Ivanschitz and Román Torres in August 2015;[130] Erik Friberg also returned to the club after his stint in Europe.[131]

During the playoff's opening knockout round, the Sounders defeated the LA Galaxy 3–2, ending a "curse" for the club, who had lost to LA in each of the three previous playoff matchups.[132] The playoff run would end in the next round, the Western Conference semifinals against FC Dallas, during a penalty shootout after both teams were tied on aggregate score after extra time in Frisco, Texas.[133][134]

In November 2015, Adrian Hanauer was made majority owner of the club, succeeding Joe Roth.[135] The club set a new attendance record during the 2015 season, with an average attendance of 44,247.[136]

2016: Departure of Schmid
See also: 2016 Seattle Sounders FC season

Prior to the 2016 season, Obafemi Martins abruptly left the club to sign with Shanghai Greenland Shenhua F.C. in the Chinese Super League,[137] a move that would hamper the Sounders' offense during the season. The move was mitigated somewhat by the signing of homegrown product Jordan Morris.[138] GM Lagerwey also traded Marco Pappa and Lamar Neagle to other clubs in the offseason.[139]

During the first half of the 2016 season, the Sounders failed to meet expectations, placing near the bottom of the league with 6 wins, 12 losses, and 2 draws. After a 3–0 loss on July 24 to Sporting Kansas City, in which the Sounders had only one shot,[140] Schmid left the club on mutual terms.[141]

Brian Schmetzer Era (2016–present)

2016: Comeback and MLS Cup
See also: MLS Cup 2016

Long-time assistant coach Brian Schmetzer was named interim head coach upon Schmid's departure.[141] The next day, the club announced their signing of Uruguayan midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro on a designated player contract,[142] as well as the return of former designated player Álvaro Fernández.[143] Despite the sluggish start as well as the loss of midfielder Clint Dempsey, who was forced in August to stop playing after evaluations for an irregular heartbeat,[144] the Sounders rose from ninth place to fourth place in the Western Conference and qualified for the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs, with eight wins, two losses, and four draws. Schmetzer was named as permanent head coach as a result.[145]

The victory parade for the Sounders after MLS Cup 2016

At the end of the regular season, Jordan Morris was named the MLS Rookie of the Year after scoring the most goals of any American rookie in MLS (12),[146] and Nicolás Lodeiro was named MLS Newcomer of the Year for his 4 goals and 8 assists in 13 appearances.[147] The Sounders advanced from the Knockout Round of the playoffs through a 1–0 win over Sporting Kansas City, and beat FC Dallas 4–2 on aggregate to return to the Conference Final.[148][149] The Sounders then defeated the Colorado Rapids 3–1 on aggregate in the final, clinching a spot in their first-ever MLS Cup.[150] On December 10, 2016, the Sounders defeated Toronto FC 5–4 in a penalty shootout, to win MLS Cup 2016, their first MLS championship in franchise history, going the whole match without a shot on goal.[151] The team's performance was called a "cinderella season" and hailed as one of the most dramatic MLS seasons to date.[152]

2017: Falling short of repeat
See also: 2017 Seattle Sounders FC season and MLS Cup 2017

The Sounders began their title defense with the signings of two academy graduates and several veteran players from MLS and abroad.[153] Dempsey also returned from his hiatus and scored in his first match before being called up to the U.S. national team for World Cup qualification.[154] The season began with only five wins in the first 17 matches, but was followed by a 13-match unbeaten streak and additional wins to clinch a second-place spot in the Western Conference.[155][156][157] In the playoffs, the Sounders beat the Vancouver Whitecaps and Houston Dynamo to win the Western Conference and return to the MLS Cup, once again facing Toronto at BMO Field.[158] Seattle lost 2–0 to Toronto, who clinched the first domestic treble in MLS history.[159]

2018: Longest winning streak
See also: 2018 Seattle Sounders FC season

Seattle began the 2018 season with a run to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League, where they lost 3–1 on aggregate to eventual champions C.D. Guadalajara. During the Round of 16, Jordan Morris injured his ACL and was deemed unfit to play for the rest of the season.[160] Without Morris and several injured starting players, the Sounders lost nine of their first 15 matches and were placed bottom of the Western Conference by June. The club signed a new Designated Player, Peruvian forward Raúl Ruidíaz, that month and began a long unbeaten streak that resulted in a playoff position in late August.[161][162]

On September 1, the club broke the MLS record for most consecutive wins in the post-shootout era, having won eight consecutive matches. They then extended that win streak to nine games as they beat Vancouver 2–1 on September 15, before eventually losing to the Philadelphia Union on September 19.[163] The Sounders finished second in the Western Conference with 18 wins, 11 losses, and 5 draws. With 14 wins in the final 16 matches of the season, the Sounders completed the best half season in league history.[164] Minority owner Paul Allen died from complications related to non-Hodgkin lymphoma on October 15, 2018, leaving his stake in the Sounders to an estate executed by his sister Jody Allen.[165] Seattle then faced the Portland Timbers in the Conference Semifinals, losing the away leg 2–1 and winning the home leg 3–2 to tie the series on aggregate after extra time. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Portland won 4–2; the home leg is considered to be one of the best playoff matches in league history due to its dramatic finish.[166][167]

2019: Second MLS Cup title
See also: 2019 Seattle Sounders FC season and MLS Cup 2019

The 2019 MLS season began with the loss of team captain and inaugural season player Osvaldo Alonso, who was released into free agency and signed with Minnesota United FC before the season began.[168] Defender Chad Marshall, who had joined in 2014, announced his retirement from professional soccer on May 22, leaving unexpectedly mid-way through the season.[169] Despite the loss of these two players, plus the suspension of Román Torres for ten matches for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance in August,[170] the Sounders finished 2nd in the Western Conference and 4th in the overall league table, good enough to qualify for a spot in the 2020 CONCACAF Champions' League[171] and a record 11th-straight appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs.[172]

In the playoffs, the Sounders were able to defeat the Supporters' Shield winning-team LAFC in the Conference Finals, leading them to face Toronto FC in the MLS Cup Final for the third time in 4 years. The Sounders won the game 3-1[173] in front of a franchise-record 69,274 fans at CenturyLink Field.[174]

References
  1. Farrey, Tom (June 15, 1994). "Seattle Misses First Mls Cut—But Bid Isn't Dead". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
  2. Farrey, Tom (January 28, 1994). "Big Soccer Surprise: 38,000 To See Match". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
  3. Farrey, Tom (February 4, 1994). "Key Need For Soccer: A Stadium". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
  4. "Soccer Ticket Pledges Exceed 1,300". The Seattle Times. June 4, 1994. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
  5. Farrey, Tom (February 24, 1994). "Soccer League Rejects Sounders' Plan; Two Will Compete To Sell Season Tickets". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
  6. Farrey, Tom (July 17, 1994). "Seattle Gets Boost In Bid For Team—Husky Stadium Might Be Mls Site". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
  7. "Major League Soccer Postponed Until 1996". The Seattle Times. November 16, 1994. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
  8. "U.S. Pro Soccer To Become Reality In March Of '96". Deseret News. June 7, 1995. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
  9. Almond, Elliott (May 11, 1996). "Want A Stadium For Football? Try A Little Soccer". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
  10. Sherwin, Bob (May 10, 2000). "MLS team in Seattle no sure bet". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
  11. "Garber says MLS plans to add teams". The Seattle Times. October 19, 2002. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
  12. Romero, José Miguel (July 15, 2004). "Seattle at "top of list" for MLS team in 2006". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
  13. Massey, Matt (April 16, 2005). "Seattle's chances for MLS team take a hit". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
  14. Mahoney, Ridge (July 28, 2009). "Sounders bring MLS success in Seattle". USA Today. Retrieved December 5, 2009.
  15. Smith, Craig (October 11, 2007). "Gooooal? City may soon have franchise". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  16. Stone, Larry (November 10, 2007). "Big-time soccer coming in 2009". The Seattle Times. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
  17. "It's official: Seattle to get MLS team in 2009". The Seattle Times. November 14, 2007. Archived from the original on November 14, 2007. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  18. Moroney, Laurence (November 13, 2007). "MLS announces expansion in Seattle". Major League Soccer. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  19. MacDonald, Frank (April 9, 2008). "Sounders FC Rings True". Seattle Sounders FC. Retrieved December 5, 2009.
  20. Romero, José Miguel (March 21, 2008). "NW Briefs: List narrows for Seattle Major League Soccer team names". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 21, 2008.
  21. Gaschk, Matthew (March 25, 2008). "Sounders name isn't dead yet". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved March 27, 2008.
  22. "Seattle Sounders FC Selected as Team Name". Seattle Sounders FC. April 7, 2008. Retrieved July 19, 2009.
  23. Marcus, Jeffrey (April 7, 2008). "Introducing, the Seattle Sounders". The New York Times. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
  24. Gaschk, Matthew (April 7, 2008). "Sounders FC by fans' acclamation". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved July 19, 2009.
  25. "Badge and Colors Fact Sheet" (Press release). Seattle Sounders FC. April 7, 2008. Retrieved April 7, 2008.
  26. Futterman, Matthew (May 28, 2008). "Soccer's Sounders Get a Microsoft Kick". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved May 28, 2009.
  27. "Sounders FC Announce Sponsorship with Microsoft and Xbox 360" (Press release). Seattle Sounders FC. May 28, 2008. Retrieved July 19, 2009.
  28. Yardley, William (March 31, 2009). "New Soccer Team Stokes Seattle's Passion". The New York Times. Retrieved April 6, 2009.
  29. "Sounders FC Sells Out Home Opener" (Press release). Seattle Sounders FC. March 2, 2009. Retrieved March 3, 2009.
  30. Winner, Andrew (March 19, 2009). "Montero shines as Sounders FC roll". Major League Soccer. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  31. "Keller ejected as Sounders FC lose for first time". The Seattle Times. April 11, 2009. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  32. Gaschk, Matt (March 19, 2009). "Sounders FC win inaugural game". Seattle Sounders FC. Retrieved April 11, 2010.
  33. "Seattle's Montero wins Player of Week". Major League Soccer. January 23, 2010. Retrieved April 11, 2010.
  34. "Seattle's Keller is Week 2 Player of Week". Major League Soccer. January 23, 2010. Retrieved April 11, 2010.
  35. "Forward Montero earns Player of Month". Major League Soccer. January 23, 2010. Retrieved April 11, 2010.
  36. "Agent defends Sounders FC soccer star Fredy Montero". The Seattle Times. April 6, 2009.
  37. Jose, Romero (July 3, 2009). "Sounders FC signs Costa Rican defender Leonardo Gonzalez". The Seattle Times.
  38. "Seattle 2–1 Houston: Ianni's dramatic winner". ESPN. Retrieved October 15, 2009.
  39. Romero, José Miguel (July 21, 2009). "Sounders beat Dynamo in Open Cup semis, 2–1". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved September 10, 2009.
  40. Gaschk, Matt (July 19, 2009). "65,000 watch Chelsea FC top Sounders FC 2–0". Seattle Sounders FC. Archived from the original on August 14, 2009. Retrieved July 19, 2009.
  41. Winner, Andrew (August 6, 2009). "Messi shines as Barcelona tops Seattle". Major League Soccer. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  42. "Seattle Sounders FC Become Second MLS Expansion Team to Claim U.S. Open Cup Crown". United States Soccer Federation. September 2, 2009. Archived from the original on September 5, 2009. Retrieved September 3, 2009.
  43. Charles, Boehm (September 2, 2009). "Sounders FC edge United, earn first trophy". Major League Soccer. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  44. Rusert, Bob (October 17, 2009). "Seattle tops Wizards, clinches playoff spot". Major League Soccer. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  45. Winner, Andrew (October 25, 2009). "Home crowd gives Sounders FC big boost". Major League Soccer. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  46. Rakes, Jeremy (November 8, 2009). "Houston defeats Sounders, takes series". Major League Soccer. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  47. Romero, José Miguel (November 4, 2009). "Sounders success story, by the numbers". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on November 8, 2009. Retrieved November 10, 2009.
  48. Romero, José Miguel (April 27, 2009). "Sigi Schmid quotes, 4–27–09". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on August 14, 2009. Retrieved January 24, 2009.
  49. Johns, Greg (May 7, 2009). "Colorado coach miffed at Sounders' playing facility". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Archived from the original on August 14, 2009. Retrieved July 5, 2009.
  50. Winner, Andrew (April 29, 2009). "Sounders FC defeat RSL in US Open Cup qualifier". Major League Soccer. Retrieved April 9, 2010.
  51. Gaschk, Matt (May 26, 2009). "US Open Cup – Colorado Rapids Match Report". Seattle Sounders FC. Retrieved January 25, 2010.
  52. Romero, José Miguel (July 2, 2009). "Sounders FC cuts down Portland 2–1 in spirited battle of Northwest rivals". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 25, 2010.
  53. Romero, José Miguel (July 8, 2009). "Sounders FC earns 1–0 victory over Kansas City Wizards in Open Cup". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 25, 2010.
  54. Romero, José Miguel (July 21, 2009). "Sounders beat Dynamo in Open Cup semis, 2–1". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved January 25, 2010.
  55. "MLS clubs' 2010 Home Openers unveiled" (Press release). Major League Soccer. September 24, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2009.
  56. Romero, Jose (September 24, 2009). "More on First Kick and Sounders FC opener at home next year". The Seattle Times. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  57. Mayers, Joshua (March 25, 2010). "Sounders FC opens season with resounding 2–0 win". The Seattle Times. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  58. Mayers, Joshua (April 3, 2010). "Red Bulls end road blues, stun Sounders FC 1–0". The Seattle times. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  59. Mayers, Joshua (April 10, 2010). "Real Salt Lake gets late tie with Sounders FC, 2–2". The Seattle Times. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  60. Mayers, Joshua (April 17, 2010). "Michael Fucito scores in injury time to lift Sounders FC over Wizards". The Seattle Times. Retrieved April 24, 2010.
  61. Mayers, Joshua (April 22, 2010). "Sounders FC suffers another late-game disappointment, ties FC Dallas 2–2". The Seattle Times. Retrieved April 24, 2010.
  62. Millson, Larry (April 25, 2010). "Sounders FC loses one early for a change, 2–0 to Toronto". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 3, 2010.
  63. "Smash-and-grab Crew leave Seattle with a point". Major League Soccer. May 1, 2010. Archived from the original on July 7, 2010. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  64. Joshua, Mayers (May 8, 2010). "League-leading Galaxy shellacs Sounders FC, 4–0". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  65. Joshua, Mayers (May 10, 2010). "The silver lining in defeat, Miguel Montaño's sparkling debut". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  66. Mayers, Joshua (May 9, 2010). "Sounders FC to pay back fans for poor outing". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  67. Mayers, Joshua (May 26, 2010). "Sounders FC blasts Boca Juniors, 3–0". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  68. Mayers, Joshua (May 29, 2010). "Sounders FC drops 1–0 decision at Colorado". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 1, 2010.
  69. Keh, Andrew (May 15, 2010). "Fredy Montero comes off bench to give Sounders FC 1–0 win over Red Bulls". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  70. Mayers, Joshua (May 22, 2010). "Sounders FC can't overcome early San Jose goal, lose 1–0". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  71. Kelly, Steve (May 22, 2010). "San Jose hands Sounders FC 2nd consecutive shutout at home". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  72. "Colorado acquire Vagenas in trade with Seattle". MLSsoccer.com. November 22, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  73. MLSsoccer.com (November 24, 2010). "2010 Expansion Draft: pick by pick". Retrieved November 24, 2010.
  74. "'Caps pass O'Brian White on to Sounders". MLSsoccer.com. November 24, 2010. Retrieved November 25, 2010.
  75. "Wolff, Angel selected in Re-Entry Stage 2 draft". MLSsoccer.com. December 15, 2010. Archived from the original on December 19, 2010. Retrieved December 15, 2010.
  76. "Sounders draft keeper Seitz, trade him to Dallas". Seattle PI. December 15, 2010. Retrieved December 16, 2010.
  77. Mayers, Joshua (September 29, 2010). "Fucito's 2 goals boost Sounders past Marathon, 2–0". The Seattle Times. Retrieved October 11, 2010.
  78. Goff, Steven (October 6, 2010). "Nyassi is nice: Seattle Sounders defeat Columbus Crew, 2–1, to repeat as U.S. Open Cup champions". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 11, 2010.
  79. Booth, Tim (October 6, 2010). "Nyassi scores twice, Seattle beats Columbus 2–1". Associated Press. Archived from the original on December 6, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
  80. "Seattle claims first berth in 2011–2012 CCL". CONCACAF Web Site. October 5, 2010. Archived from the original on October 9, 2010. Retrieved October 7, 2010.
  81. Mayers, Joshua (December 10, 2010). "For the third-straight year, Sounders FC to host stand-alone opener to kick off MLS season". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  82. "Juninho scores as L.A. beats Seattle 1–0". The Seattle Times. March 15, 2011. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  83. "Sounders' Zakuani has fractured tibia, fibula". USA Today. April 23, 2011. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  84. Mayers, Joshua (October 28, 2011). "Give Sounders FC advantage entering Game 1". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  85. "Seattle Sounders Win Third Consecutive Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in Front of Record Crowd". US Soccer. October 5, 2011. Archived from the original on January 21, 2012. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  86. Mayers, Joshua (November 2, 2011). "Sounders win, come close, but won't move on in playoffs". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  87. Mayers, Joshua (November 15, 2011). "Mauro Rosales named MLS Newcomer of the Year". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  88. Ruiz, Don (October 31, 2011). "Sounders on pace for eighth-largest MLS playoff crowd?". The Tacoma News Tribune. Archived from the original on January 3, 2012. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  89. Mayers, Joshua (October 18, 2011). "Sounders lose 2–1 in group finale but advance to CONCACAF quarterfinals". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  90. "Alonso's goals let Sounders advance in CONCACAF Champions League". The Seattle Times. September 27, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  91. "Sounders FC pulls off historic win in Mexico, beating Monterrey, 1–0". The Seattle Times. August 23, 2011. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  92. Mayers, Joshua (May 13, 2012). "Sounders FC's win streak comes to end with 1-0 loss to Real Salt Lake". The Seattle Times. p. C1. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  93. Mayers, Joshua (July 8, 2012). "Sounders snap their winless streak". The Seattle Times. p. C1. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  94. "Sporting Kansas City, Seattle Sounders FC Advance to 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final". US Soccer Federation. July 11, 2012. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  95. Brewer, Jerry (August 9, 2012). "Sounders' quest for fourth U.S. Open Cup ends in penalty-kick loss". The Seattle Times. p. C1. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  96. Oshan, Jeremiah (October 25, 2012). "CCL: Estrada, Ochoa prove a dynamite duo for Sounders". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  97. Mayers, Joshua (November 9, 2012). "Sounders beat Real Salt Lake 1-0, advance in playoffs for first time". The Seattle Times. p. C1. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  98. Mayers, Joshua (November 19, 2012). "Sounders FC comes up short against Galaxy". The Seattle Times. p. C1. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  99. Mayers, Joshua (November 20, 2012). "Sounders will get to work shaping 2013 roster". The Seattle Times. p. C1. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  100. Boyle, John (November 27, 2012). "Sounders forward Eddie Johnson named MLS Comeback Player of the Year". The Everett Herald. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  101. "Sounders FC Signs First Homegrown Player" (Press release). Seattle Sounders FC. January 11, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  102. "Sounders FC Signs Djimi Traore". Seattle Sounders FC. February 23, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  103. Okeleji, Oluwashina (March 12, 2013). "Obafemi Martins relieved to complete Seattle transfer". BBC Sport. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  104. Mayers, Joshua (January 21, 2013). "Sounders officially loan Montero to Colombian champion Millonarios". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  105. "Portuguese club Sporting CP complete transfer of former Seattle Sounders forward Fredy Montero". MLSsoccer.com. January 30, 2014. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  106. Parker, Graham (March 13, 2013). "Traoré screamer helps Sounders to historic comeback against Tigres". The Guardian. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  107. Mayers, Joshua (April 10, 2013). "Seattle Sounders eliminated from CONCACAF Champions League by Santos Laguna". The Seattle Times. p. C3. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  108. Mayers, Joshua (April 17, 2013). "Sounders hope history of rebounds repeats itself". The Seattle Times. p. C2. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  109. Mayers, Joshua (May 31, 2013). "Sounders left speechless with recent tough losses". The Seattle Times. p. C1. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  110. Mayers, Joshua (June 22, 2013). "Sounders hoping to continue turnaround at Real Salt Lake". The Seattle Times. p. C1. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  111. Straus, Brian (August 2, 2013). "Shocking transfer has Dempsey headed to Seattle Sounders". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on August 6, 2013. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  112. Mayers, Joshua (September 23, 2013). "Supporters' Shield well within Sounders' reach in final stretch". The Seattle Times. p. C2. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  113. Mayers, Joshua (October 21, 2013). "Sounders clinch a playoff berth thanks to help from Galaxy". The Seattle Times. p. C2. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  114. Mayers, Joshua (October 29, 2013). "Playoffs mean new start for Sounders". The Seattle Times. p. C1. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  115. Moschetti, Mark (October 31, 2013). "Sounders survive, advance in playoffs". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  116. Mayers, Joshua (November 8, 2013). "Sounders' season of title hopes ends in playoff defeat to Portland". The Seattle Times. p. C4. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  117. Gaschk, Matt (October 29, 2013). "Seattle breaks attendance record for fifth straight season". Seattle Sounders FC. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  118. "Sounders' Hawks Nest tickets go on sale". The Seattle Times. November 17, 2011. p. C7.
  119. Gaschk, Matt (September 11, 2013). "Another massive crowd expected at CenturyLink Field on Friday". Seattle Sounders FC. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  120. "Eddie Johnson gives Sounders 1-0 win over Timbers". USA Today. Associated Press. August 26, 2013. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  121. Pentz, Matt (November 20, 2014). "How Sigi Schmid saved his job and moved the Sounders forward". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  122. "Tottenham confirm signing of DeAndre Yedlin on four-year contract". The Guardian. August 13, 2014. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  123. Bird, Liviu (October 25, 2014). "Pappa's brace carries Sounders to Supporters' Shield win over Galaxy". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  124. Lilgenwall, Ari (December 18, 2014). "2014 in Review: Seattle Sounders enjoy historic season, but fall just short of reaching MLS Cup". MLSsoccer.com. Archived from the original on December 27, 2014. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  125. Kamrani, Christopher (January 6, 2015). "As expected, Garth Lagerwey named GM of Seattle Sounders". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  126. Parchman, Will (November 11, 2015). "2015 In Review: Sounders FC began season with a bang". SoundersFC.com. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  127. Blue, Molly (June 19, 2015). "Seattle Sounders meltdown vs. Portland Timbers: What's next for Clint Dempsey?". The Oregonian. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  128. Scott, Nate (June 19, 2015). "MLS hits Clint Dempsey with a 3-game suspension for ripping ref's notebook". USA Today. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  129. "Seattle Sounders, LA Galaxy through to CCL knockout round". ESPN FC. Associated Press. September 23, 2015. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  130. Ruiz, Don (August 15, 2015). "Sounders to sport new look against Orlando". The News Tribune. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  131. Pentz, Matt (July 22, 2015). "Sounders happy with immediate impact from Erik Friberg". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  132. Cohen, Stephen (October 28, 2015). "Sounders exorcise playoff demons, move past Galaxy in thrilling knockout round victory". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  133. McCarthy, Kyle (November 8, 2015). "FC Dallas oust Sounders on penalties to reach West final". FOX Sports. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  134. Liljenwall, Ari (December 15, 2015). "2015 MLS Year in Review: Seattle Sounders". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  135. Pentz, Matt (November 12, 2015). "Adrian Hanauer is the new majority owner of the Seattle Sounders". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  136. "MLS sets new attendance records, Seattle hold highest average in league". MLSsoccer.com. October 26, 2015. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  137. "Obafemi Martins leaves MLS for Chinese Super League". BBC Sport. February 18, 2016. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  138. Pentz, Matt (January 21, 2016). "Seattle Sounders officially unveil Jordan Morris as Homegrown Player signing". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  139. Baxter, Kevin (July 23, 2016). "Seattle running out of patience with Schmid and floundering Sounders". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  140. McDowell, Sam (July 24, 2016). "Sounders limited to one shot in 3-0 loss at Sporting Kansas City". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  141. Straus, Brian (July 26, 2016). "Little choice for Seattle Sounders to oust Sigi Schmid, change course". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  142. Pentz, Matt (July 27, 2016). "Sounders sign Uruguayan attacking midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro to Designated Player contract". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 8, 2016.
  143. Pentz, Matt (July 30, 2016). "New signings Nicolas Lodeiro and Alvaro Fernandez both available for Sounders against Galaxy on Sunday". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 8, 2016.
  144. Pentz, September 27, 2016. "Sounders forward Clint Dempsey ruled out for the remainder of this season". The Seattle Times. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
  145. Pentz, Matt (November 2, 2016). "Sounders remove interim tag, hire coach Brian Schmetzer on a full-time basis". The Seattle Times. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
  146. Pentz, Matt (November 10, 2016). "Sounders forward Jordan Morris named MLS Rookie of the Year". The Seattle Times. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
  147. Pentz, Matt (November 21, 2016). "Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro named MLS Newcomer of the Year". The Seattle Times. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
  148. Rosano, Nicholas (October 28, 2016). "Seattle Sounders 1, Sporting KC 0 | 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs Match Recap". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
  149. Rodriguez, Alicia (November 6, 2016). "FC Dallas 2, Seattle Sounders 1 | 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs Match Recap". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
  150. Rosano, Nicholas (November 27, 2016). "Seattle Sounders reach first MLS Cup with win over Colorado Rapids". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved November 27, 2016.
  151. Stejskal, Sam (December 10, 2016). "Seattle Sounders defeat Toronto FC in shootout to win MLS Cup 2016". MLS. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
  152. Murray, Caitlin (December 14, 2016). "There's never been a comeback like the Seattle Sounders' in MLS". Fox Sports. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
  153. Miles, Todd (December 1, 2017). "3 biggest reasons the Sounders are back in the MLS Cup". The News Tribune. Tacoma, Washington. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
  154. Baker, Geoff (March 4, 2017). "Clint Dempsey scores in return to lineup, but Sounders drop season opener". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
  155. Baker, Geoff (August 11, 2017). "Sounders enter first-place showdown with Sporting KC healthy and riding 7-game unbeaten streak". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
  156. Smith, Brennan (September 23, 2017). "Sounders' 13-match unbeaten streak comes to end with 2–0 loss to Real Salt Lake". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
  157. "Defending MLS champion Seattle Sounders claim No. 2 playoff seed in West". USA Today. Associated Press. October 22, 2017. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
  158. Mahoney, Ridge (December 8, 2017). "MLS Cup Preview: Title game matches up tactics and toughness". Soccer America. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
  159. Parker, Graham (December 9, 2017). "Jozy Altidore has last laugh to seal MLS Cup glory for Toronto FC". The Guardian. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
  160. Baker, Geoff (February 26, 2018). "Sounders striker Jordan Morris out for the season with ACL injury". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
  161. Baker, Geoff (August 14, 2018). "Forget the playoffs, Sounders now have a shot at a first-round bye". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
  162. Baker, Geoff (August 18, 2018). "Sounders move into playoff territory with record rout of Galaxy". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
  163. Liljenwall, Ari (September 19, 2018). "Amazed at nine-game winning streak, Sounders not ready to talk history yet". Major League Soccer. Major League Soccer. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
  164. Baker, Geoff (October 28, 2018). "Decision Day drama rockets Sounders into MLS playoff bye, win over San Jose". The Seattle Times. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  165. Booth, Tim (October 16, 2018). "Future of Paul Allen's sports holdings remains unclear". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  166. Baker, Geoff (November 8, 2018). "Cascadia classic: Sounders' season ends on penalty kicks in wild loss to Timbers". The Seattle Times. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  167. Creditor, Avi (November 9, 2018). "Timbers Outlast Rival Sounders in PKs to Advance After MLS Playoff Classic". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  168. Baker, Geoff (January 10, 2019). "Sounders captain and original 2009 member Osvaldo Alonso signs with Minnesota United FC". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  169. Evans, Jayda (May 22, 2019). "Sounders defender Chad Marshall announces retirement, ending 16-year MLS career". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  170. Evans, Jayda (August 2, 2019). "Sounders defender Roman Torres suspended 10 games for violating MLS substance-abuse policy". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  171. Quillen, Ian (October 25, 2019). "How MLS teams can qualify for the 2020 Concacaf Champions League". Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  172. "MLS Playoff Power Rankings: Separating MLS Cup Contenders From the Pack". 7 October 2019. Retrieved 11 November 2019.
  173. Rosano, Nick (10 November 2019). "Seattle Sounders FC 3, Toronto FC 1 | 2019 MLS Cup Match Recap". Retrieved 11 November 2019.
  174. Bogert, Tom (10 November 2019). "2019 MLS Cup breaks Seattle Sounders all-time attendance record". Retrieved 11 November 2019.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.