2009 Seattle Sounders FC season explained

Club:Seattle Sounders FC
Mgrtitle:Head coach
Chrtitle:General manager
League Result:Conference

3rd
Overall: 4th

Cup1 Result:Conference Semifinals
Cup2 Result:Winners
League Topscorer:Fredy Montero (12)
Highest Attendance:All: 66,848 (Aug. 5 vs Barcelona)
League: 33,108 (Oct. 24 vs. Dallas)
Playoffs: 35,807 (Oct. 29 vs. Houston)
Lowest Attendance:28,548 (Mar. 28 vs. Salt Lake)
Average Attendance:30,943[1]
Largest Win:League: 3–0 vs. New York RB (Mar. 19)[2]
Largest Loss:League: 0–4 at San Jose (Aug. 2)
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The 2009 season was Seattle Sounders FC's first in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top flight of American soccer. It was the 29th season played by a professional team bearing the Sounders name, which was chosen for the MLS expansion team by a fan vote. An MLS franchise was awarded to a group from Seattle in 2007, including Adrian Hanauer, the owner of the second-division incarnation of the Sounders.

The Sounders hired head coach Sigi Schmid, who had won the MLS Cup with the Columbus Crew in 2008, and retained Hanauer as general manager. The club made their home debut on March 19, 2009, at Qwest Field against MLS Cup runners-up New York Red Bulls and won 3–0. During their inaugural season, the Sounders set MLS records for attendance, averaging 30,943 per match; the highest attendance of 66,848—a Washington state record for soccer—was recorded on August 5 during a friendly against FC Barcelona.

Seattle won the U.S. Open Cup, defeating D.C. United 2–1 in the final in Washington, D.C. The club finished third in the Western Conference and became the first MLS expansion team to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs since 1998. In the first round of the playoffs, they were defeated in the Conference Semifinals by the Houston Dynamo. Colombian forward Fredy Montero scored 12 goals and was the team's top goalscorer; four Sounders players were also named to the All-Star Game roster.

Background

In a press conference on November 13, 2007, MLS awarded an expansion franchise to an ownership group based in Seattle.[3] In 2008, Sounders FC developed the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila and the USL team played most of the 2008 season at the updated facility. At the time, the USL team's management thought that practicing and playing at Starfire could provide more continuity and a smoother transition for those hoping to play for the new MLS franchise.[4]

In late 2008, Seattle Sounders FC interviewed several head coach candidates, including Columbus Crew manager Sigi Schmid, New England assistant Paul Mariner, and Kansas City technical director Peter Vermes.[5] The club offered a contract to Schmid, who had led the Crew to an MLS Cup title that season, but the ownership of the Columbus Crew filed a tampering complaint with the MLS that put the offer on hold. The Crew's ownership complained that Schmid had communicated with Sounders FC during the 2008 season, despite being denied permission to do so, and that he shared confidential information with Sounders FC after leaving the Crew.[6] The MLS ruled that no tampering occurred, but ordered Sounders FC to financially compensate the Crew before signing Schmid.[7] Sounders FC officially introduced Schmid as their first coach on December 16.[8] Former USL Sounders player and head coach Brian Schmetzer was retained as the top assistant coach, and Tom Dutra was selected as goalkeeper coach.[9] [10] Retired Major League Soccer veteran defender Ezra Hendrickson joined the Sounders as an assistant coach in January, 2009.[11] Former MLS player and Everett, Washington, native Chris Henderson was named technical director on January 24, 2008.[12] Joining Henderson in the front office is longtime Seattle Seahawks VP Gary Wright as the senior vice president of business operations.[13] Drew Carey was named the chairman of the Membership Association.[14]

Signings and drafts

Seattle Sounders FC was given first negotiation rights to any player that was not drafted in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft and joined the USL Sounders for the 2008 season. The team was also allowed to promote as many players from the 2008 USL Sounders squad as they'd chose, as long as the player's rights were not controlled by another team.[15] Seattle Sounders FC officially announced the 2007 USL First Division MVP and former USL Sounder Sébastien Le Toux as its first signing on May 7, 2008.[16] On August 14, 2008, the Sounders announced in a press conference their second signing for the 2009 season, former United States men's national team goalkeeper Kasey Keller, a Washington native.[17] On September 5, 2008, Seattle 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. Sanna's twin brother, Sainey Nyassi, was signed by the Revolution and is a regular starter in MLS this season.[18] On October 28, 2008, it was officially announced that the Sounders had signed Swedish midfielder Freddie Ljungberg using the Designated Player Rule. He signed a two-year contract reported to be worth $2.5 million per season.[19]

Team building continued with the 2008 MLS Expansion Draft and the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. In the expansion draft, held on November 26, 2008, Seattle 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).[20] As the 2009 expansion team Sounders FC was given the first pick in each round of the SuperDraft. With the number one pick of the first round of the draft, Seattle Sounders FC selected University of Akron forward Steve Zakuani. As the first picks of the second round (16th overall), third round (31st overall), and fourth round (46th overall), Seattle selected Wake Forest University defender Evan Brown, Azusa Pacific University defender Jared Karkas, and Harvard University midfielder/forward Michael Fucito respectively.[21]

The team lineup was adjusted throughout. Defender Jeff Parke was selected in the expansion draft, and reported for training camp after tryouts with teams in Belgium.[22] [23] After training with the club for less than a week, Parke was unable to reach a contract agreement and left to train with the Vancouver Whitecaps of the USL.[24] FC traded a conditional draft pick to Houston in order to acquire defender Patrick Ianni, who had worked with Seattle's coach Schmid on the under-20 US national team.[25] Seattle also traded allocation money to Toronto FC in exchange for Tyrone Marshall in order to increase their depth on defense.[26] The Sounders also traded away midfielder Khano Smith, another expansion draft selection, to Red Bull New York for allocation money.[27]

Review

Preseason

Seattle's preseason was broken up into four stages. The team started in southern California, then moved back to the Northwest, then to Argentina, and then finished back in Seattle.[28] On February 9, 2009, in their first ever exhibition game, Sounders FC beat the Los Angeles Galaxy 3–1 on a practice field beside The Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Fredy Montero, Roger Levesque and Sanna Nyassi all scored goals in the win.[29] The next day, Sounders FC had their second training match in Ventura, California against Chinese club Shandong Luneng. They won 2–0 with both goals provided by midfielder Sanna Nyassi.[30] The following day, February 11, Sounders FC defeated the Ventura County Fusion of the USL Premier Development League 6–1 in their third preseason match in three days. Steve Zakuani and Nate Jaqua both scored two goals while Fredy Montero and Roger Levesque added one each.[31] On February 14, Sounders FC experienced their first loss of the preseason falling 3–2 to the San Jose Earthquakes while playing on the campus of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. Fredy Montero scored both of the Sounders FC goals in the loss.[32]

Following their activities in southern California, Sounders FC's returned to the Pacific Northwest to continue their training. On the evening of February 20, 2009, Sounders FC defeated the University of Portland Pilots 4–1. Nate Jaqua and Kasey Keller received a pregame ovation because they both had played collegiate soccer with the Pilots. Jaqua, along with trialist Jeff Clark, Fredy Montero, and Brad Evans scored goals for Seattle.[33] Two days later, the club played their first preseason match at Qwest Field as they defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 4–0. Forwards Nate Jaqua and Fredy Montero scored two goals apiece.[34]

Next the club traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina where they continued training and played 4 more preseason matches. Seattle played the first of these matches against Estudiantes de La Plata on February 27, who they lost to 1–3.[35] On February 28, Sounders FC had their first tie of the preseason, 1–1 against CED, a team made up of local free agent players.[35] [36] The club defeated Argentine second division opponents Tristán Suárez 5–0. Michael Fucito, Fredy Montero, Brad Evans and Zach Scott and Sebastian Le Toux all scored in the victory.[37] One day later, due to heavy rain, an exhibition match against Gimnasia La Plata was canceled.[38] In the club's final preseason match in Argentina, they faced reserve players of River Plate on March 5. They were held scoreless by River Plate with a final score of 1–0.[39]

After completing training exercises in Argentina, the club returned to Seattle for the remainder of the preseason. On March 9, Designated Player Freddie Ljungberg joined practice for the first time. Ljungberg had missed most of the preseason due to hip surgery he had undergone in December.[40] On March 12, Sounders FC played their final preseason match against the Colorado Rapids of the MLS at Qwest Field. Seattle lost 1–0 on a penalty kick by Colorado's Conor Casey.[41] Seattle finished preseason exhibition play with a record of 7 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie.

March

Prior to the first game of the season, all 22,000 season ticket packages offered by the team were sold, giving the team the most season ticket holders in Major League Soccer.[42] On March 19, Seattle Sounders FC began their first regular season with a 3–0 win over the New York Red Bulls. 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.[43]

On March 24 Seattle signed Kevin Forrest as a Senior Developmental player after he was released by Colorado.[44] On March 28 Sounders FC continued the success of their fast start with a second consecutive home shutout, defeating Real Salt Lake 2–0. Designated player Freddie Ljungberg made his first regular season appearance as a substitute in the 61st minute of play. Nate Jaqua scored in the 17th minute, and Fredy Montero scored his league leading third goal of the season in the 77th minute.[45] [46]

March saw Montero winning Player of the Week honors for week 1 and Keller for week 2.[47] [48] Montero won Goal of the Week for the first two games and was named the Player of the Month.[49]

April

After their first two victories at home, Sounders FC played their first away game in history against Toronto FC. The Sounders expected a challenging away environment but were victorious were able to win in another 2–0 shutout. Montero missed the match due to illness. 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.[50] and a police inquiry resulted in no charges being filed.

After winning their first three games, 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 against the San Jose Earthquakes.[51]

April 28 was the beginning of the team's Open Cup campaign. Schmid asserted that the competition was important and won the first of two qualifying rounds 4–1 against Real Salt Lake.[52] The Sounders have played home games at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila. The facility is older and smaller than Qwest Field but the Sounders say the atmosphere is better for smaller cup matches.[53]

May

The following 5 weeks the Sounders managed to gain 5 points in the standings as they tied each game. First, a 1–1 tie at the Chicago Fire in which striker Fredy Montero was sent off in the 48th minute for an elbow to the face of Gonzalo Segares while both players went up for a ball in the air.[54] Then another 1–1 tie the next week at home against the Los Angeles Galaxy in which yet another red card was issued, to James Riley this time, in the 57th minute for a "phantom blow" to Mike Magee as the two got into a scrum.[55] Two more away ties followed, first against FC Dallas 1–1 and then another at Colorado, 2–2. Ljungberg missed three games during this period due to migraine headaches.[56] May 31, 2009 Sounders FC then returned home for their 5th consecutive tie in league play, this time 1–1 against the Columbus Crew in which Tyrone Marshal was ejected in the 92nd minute when he threw what the referee believed was a punch at Steven Lenhart in retaliation for an elbow. The Sounders accumulated another three yellow cards throughout the match.[57] Jaqua's goal received Goal of the Week honors.

On May 26, the Sounders qualified for the U.S. Open Cup by defeating the Colorado Rapids 1–0 at Starfire.

June

Seattle started June with a 1–0 loss at Chivas. Their penalty woes continued as Jhon Kennedy Hurtado accumulated his fifth yellow card and Nate Jaqua received two yellow cards resulting in them both being suspended for the next game. After the first 12 games of the season, Sounders FC were in 5th place overall and were tied for the league lead with 5 red card ejections and 6 disciplinary suspensions.

On June 13, in a rematch with San Jose, Sounders FC began a stretch where 4 of their next 5 games would be played in front of their home crowd at Qwest Field. The match was the first to be counted for the supporter sponsored Heritage Cup. Ljungberg and Montero both scored as the Sounders prevailed with a 2–1 victory.

On June 10 Lamar Neagle was signed as a Senior Developmental player on the official roster.[58]

On June 17, the Sounders blew a 3–1 lead to tie against D.C. United by a score of 3–3. The match was the sixth draw in eight regular season matches.[59] They drew again with a goal a piece at New York the following week.

In week 23, the Sounders defeated the Rapids who had been undefeated in the previous eight games. Jaqua set up the first goal by Montero. Jaqua then scored twice off of assists from Montero to end the game 3–0.[60] Jaqua's performance earned Goal of the Week and Player of the Week.

July

On July 1, Sounders FC traveled to Portland and eliminated the Timbers of the USL in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup. The game was played in front of an emotionally charged sold-out crowd.[61] Roger Levesque—a player Portland fans have had a particular dislike for – scored Seattle's first goal within the opening minute.[62] The following week, in a quarterfinal match, Sounders FC defeated visiting Kansas City on a penalty kick in the 89th minute by Sebastien Le Toux.[63]

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.[64]

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.[65] 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.[66]

On July 18, 2009, the Seattle Sounders lost 0–2 in a friendly game with Chelsea. All sections of the stadium were open and sold out with a crowd of 65,289 in attendance.[67] The game was the first with the team for Chelsea's new manager, Carlo Ancelotti, and their new forward Daniel Sturridge.

Seattle finished July at home with a scoreless draw against Chicago. The Fire went a man down in the 54th minute but Ljungberg was ejected minutes later after protesting a yellow card for what the referee saw as diving in the penalty area.[68]

Keller and Ljungberg were named to the 2009 MLS All-Star Game by votes from fans. Ljungberg lead the MLS in total votes. Hurtado and Montero were later selected for the game held on July 29. Ljungberg missed the final shot in the loss which was decided by penalty kicks. He was later hospitalized due to another migraine.

August

On August 2, the Sounders were shut out 4–0 by last-place San Jose. Riley received a red card in the 39th minute while the Earthquakes scored three times in the second half.[69] Although Seattle had won the previous two matches, San Jose won the Heritage Cup by goal differential since the first game was not included in the supporter created competition.[70]

In the second international friendly of the season the Sounders lost against FC Barcelona 0–4 on August 5. The attendance set the state's record for a soccer match at 66,848. Thierry Henry compared the crowd to those in Europe and called the fans "amazing". Schmid expressed his hope that the fans were not disappointed by the loss and said "I hope they realize they got to watch a great team".[71]

On August 8, Sounders FC received their third straight shutout in regular season play in a 1–0 loss at Salt Lake. Schmidt called it "a silly loss".[72]

At Los Angeles on August 15, Seattle won for the first time on the road since April 4. Along with the Marshall, the match saw the Galaxy's Beckham and Lewis ejected in a two-goal shutout. Zakuani won Goal of the Week for his goal made after a run into the box and cross from Evans.[73]

Seattle lost at New England 1–0. Ljungberg did not travel with the team due to what would be diagnosed as hypoglycemia.[74]

September

See also: 2009 U.S. Open Cup Final.

When D.C. United won the US Soccer bidding process to host the tournament's final match,[75] Sounders FC general manager Adrian Hanauer expressed skepticism that D.C.'s bid to host the final had been better than the Seattle bid. He further noted that if Seattle had hosted the match, it likely would have sold out.[76] This prompted a pointed reply from D.C. United president Kevin Payne in which he argued that D.C. United had won the bidding process fairly and that he was offended by Hanauer's comments.[77] On the heels of this public disagreement, D.C. United launched a marketing campaign to sell more tickets to the match which included a web site heralding the club's history of titles as an original MLS franchise, WeWinTrophies.com; an open letter placed in local newspapers declaring that D.C. fans set the standard for support in the league and that Sounders FC and its fans did not think D.C. deserved to host; videos on the team's official blog from local celebrities urging fans to attend and ticket and concession specials for the game.[78] On September 2, 2009, the U.S. Open Cup final was played in Washington D.C.'s RFK Stadium. Sounders FC prevailed 2–1 becoming the second MLS expansion team in league history (Chicago being the first) to win the Cup in their inaugural MLS season.[79]

October

Significance

Match results

MLS regular season

See also: 2009 Major League Soccer season.

MLS Cup Playoffs

See also: 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs.

U.S. Open Cup

See also: 2009 U.S. Open Cup.

Friendlies

Competitions

Standings

Western Conference
Overall

Summary

Squad

class="wikitable sortable"
NatNoPlayerAgePosStartsAppsGAAcquired
2 FucitoMike Fucito19850420March 19, 20090 0 0 0 0 0 SuperDraft
3 EvansBrad Evans19850420March 19, 200923 25 2 2 4 0 Expansion Draft
4 IanniPatrick Ianni19850615March 19, 200910 17 1 2 3 0 Trade
5 WahlTyson Wahl19840223March 19, 20099 11 0 0 1 0 Expansion Draft
6 AlonsoOsvaldo Alonso19851111March 19, 200924 25 1 3 4 0 Signed
7 RileyJames Riley19821027March 19, 200926 26 0 4 3 2 Expansion Draft
8 VagenasPeter Vagenas19780206March 19, 20098 13 0 2 3 0 Expansion Draft
9 Le TouxSébastien Le Toux19840120March 19, 200915 26 1 3 0 0 Signed from USL Sounders
10 LjungbergFreddie Ljungberg19770416March 19, 200919 20 2 5 6 1 Signed Designated Player
11 ZakuaniSteve Zakuani19880209March 19, 200922 27 4 4 1 0 SuperDraft
12 SturgisNathan Sturgis19870706March 19, 20095 9 0 0 0 0 Expansion Draft
14 MarshallTyrone Marshall19741112March 19, 200923 24 1 1 6 2 Trade
15 KingStephen King19860306March 19, 20093 10 0 0 0 0 Expansion Draft
16 BrownEvan Brown19870501March 19, 20090 0 0 0 0 0 SuperDraft
17 MonteroFredy Montero19870726March 19, 200925 25 12 6 5 1 Signed On Loan
18 KellerKasey Keller19691129March 19, 200927 27 0 0 0 1 Signed
19 GonzálezLeonardo González19801121March 19, 20099 9 0 0 1 0 Signed
20 ScottZach Scott19800702March 19, 20096 9 0 0 2 0 Signed from USL Sounders
21 JaquaNate Jaqua19811028March 19, 200925 26 7 7 6 1 Expansion Draft
23 NyassiSanna Nyassi19890131March 19, 20092 14 0 0 2 0 Signed
24 LevesqueRoger Levesque19810122March 19, 20092 12 1 0 1 0 Signed from USL Sounders
26 GrahamTaylor Graham19800603March 19, 20090 0 0 0 0 0 Signed from USL Sounders
34 HurtadoJhon Kennedy Hurtado19840516March 19, 200924 25 1 1 8 0 Signed
33 40 56 8

Goalkeepers

class="wikitable sortable"
NatNoPlayerAgeStartsAppsGAGAACSAcquired
1 EylanderChris Eylander19840314March 19, 20091 1 2 2 0 Signed from USL Sounders
18 KellerKasey Keller19691129March 19, 200927 27 23 0.87 10 Signed
22 DragavonBen Dragavon19831231March 19, 20090 1 1 1.53 0 MLS goalkeeper pool[85]
28 BossTerry Boss19840314March 19, 20090 0 0 0 0 Signed
26 0.93 10

Transfers

In

Out

Player awards and honors

MLS All-Stars

See also: 2009 MLS All-Star Game.

U.S. Open Cup

MLS Player of the Week[89]

MLS Player of the Month[89]

MLS Goal of the Week

MLS Save of the Week

MLS Newcomer of the Year[89]

See also: MLS Newcomer of the Year Award.

Golden Scarf

Before each home game, Sounders FC honors a member of the community or special guest with a Golden Scarf.

DateOpponentRecipientNotes
March 19, 2009New York Red BullsDon Garber[90] MLS Commissioner
March 28, 2009Real Salt LakeJimmy Gabriel[91] NASL Sounders legend
April 11, 2009Kansas City WizardsRobbie Bach[92] Microsoft executive
April 24, 2009San Jose EarthquakesJimmy McAlister[93] NASL Sounders legend
May 10, 2009Los Angeles GalaxyMeredith Teague2009 NCAA Div II soccer National Player of the Year
May 31, 2009Columbus CrewJim Mora[94] Seahawks head coach
June 13, 2009San Jose EarthquakesFred Mendoza[95] Seattle Public Stadium Authority (Qwest Field) chairman
June 17, 2009D.C. UnitedSue Bird & Swin Cash[96] WNBA Seattle Storm team
June 28, 2009Colorado RapidsLorenzo Romar[97] UW Men's Basketball coach
July 11, 2009Houston DynamoDoug AndreassenWashington Youth Soccer President
July 18, 2009ChelseaDale Chihuly[98] Glass artist, creator of the sculpture presented to friendly opponents
July 25, 2009Chicago FireMike Ryan[99] First U.S. women's national soccer team coach
August 5, 2009FC BarcelonaBill Russell[100] NBA Hall of Famer and Seattle resident
August 20, 2009New England RevolutionJohn Nordstrom[101] NASL Sounders co-founder
August 29, 2009Toronto FCMichelle Akers[102] Former US Women's National Team striker
September 19, 2009Chivas USAAlan Hinton[103] Former coach of NASL Sounders

Notes and References

  1. Sounders FC set all-time attendance mark . October 26, 2009 . October 25, 2009 . MLSNet.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20100119212611/http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20091025&content_id=7542382&vkey=pr_mls&fext=.jsp . January 19, 2010 . dead . mdy-all .
  2. Web site: Seattle Sounders FC Performance Stats – 2009–10 . . October 29, 2023.
  3. News: It's official: Seattle to get MLS team in 2009 . . November 14, 2007 . June 13, 2009 .
  4. News: USL Sounders to make Starfire their home base . Massey . Matt . May 10, 2008 . The Seattle Times . August 15, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080618031240/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2004404693_sounders10.html . June 18, 2008 .
  5. News: Gaschk . Matthew . October 2, 2008 . End of the line for USL Sounders . D4 . Seattle Post-Intelligencer . December 27, 2022.
  6. News: Mitchell . Shawn . Crew: Separation anxiety . https://archive.today/20130119152739/http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2008/12/11/crew11.ART_ART_12-11-08_C1_30C6V0K.html?sid=101 . dead . January 19, 2013 . The Columbus Dispatch . December 11, 2008 . December 12, 2008 .
  7. News: Sounders to introduce Coach Sigi Schmid Tuesday . Seattle Post-Intelligencer . Washburn . Gary . December 15, 2008 . December 15, 2008.
  8. News: Sigi Schmid becomes Sounders FC's first coach . The Seattle Times . Romero . José Miguel . December 16, 2008 . December 16, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081217050552/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2008524337_sounders16.html . December 17, 2008 . dead . mdy .
  9. Schmid Names Schmetzer As First Assistant Coach . Seattle Sounders FC . December 22, 2008 . December 30, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20090116015155/http://soundersfc.com/article.aspx?id=2814. January 16, 2009 . dead.
  10. Tom Dutra Named Goalkeeper Coach . Seattle Sounders FC . December 29, 2008 . December 30, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20090116081021/http://www.soundersfc.com/Article.aspx?id=2842. January 16, 2009 . dead.
  11. News: Jose . Romero . It's official: Ezra Hendrickson is in . . January 20, 2009 . May 25, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090430174350/http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/01/20/its_official_ezra_hendrickson.html . April 30, 2009 . dead . mdy-all .
  12. News: José Miguel . Romero . Henderson named technical director for Seattle's MLS team . . January 24, 2008 . January 30, 2009.
  13. News: Longtime Seahawks VP moves to MLS team . March 24, 2008 . . March 30, 2008.
  14. News: Sounders FC owner caters to fans . Gaschk . Matthew . . May 16, 2008 . May 19, 2008.
  15. News: Sounders scouting players with MLS potential . The Seattle Times . José Miguel . Romero . January 19, 2008 . January 30, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090327171252/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soccer/2004133749_mls19.html . March 27, 2009 . live . mdy .
  16. News: Gaschk . Matthew . Present and future Sounders . May 7, 2008 . Seattle Post-Intelligencer . October 12, 2009.
  17. News: Keller to join Sounders FC, adding to club's local flavor . Seattle Post Intelligencer . Matthew . Gaschk . August 13, 2008 . October 12, 2009.
  18. Web site: Gambia Youth International Becomes 3rd Signee . Seattle Sounders FC . September 5, 2008 . October 12, 2009.
  19. News: Sounders sign Freddie Ljungberg . Major League Soccer . October 28, 2008 . November 4, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081101051956/http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20081028&content_id=200073&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp . November 1, 2008 . dead .
  20. News: Seattle Selects... . The Washington Post . Goff . Steven . November 26, 2008 . November 26, 2008.
  21. Web site: SuperDraft 2009 Tracker . Major League Soccer . April 5, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090220171236/http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/superdraft/2009/draft_tracker.jsp . February 20, 2009 . dead . mdy-all .
  22. News: Jose . Romero . Stuck in Parke . Seattle Times . January 28, 2009 . May 6, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110929033023/http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/01/28/stuck_in_parke.html . September 29, 2011 . dead . mdy-all .
  23. News: Jose . Romero . Jeff Parke finally comes home to Sounders FC . The Seattle Times . March 23, 2009 . May 6, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090427033954/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2008911561_sounders24.html. April 27, 2009 . live.
  24. News: Ives . Galarcep . Parke leaves Seattle, will train with Vancouver as Sounders shop his rights . SoccerByIves.net . March 27, 2009 . May 6, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090430225949/http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/03/parke-leaves-seattle-will-train-with-vancouver-as-sounders-shop-his-rights.html. April 30, 2009 . live.
  25. News: Jose . Romero . Sounders trade for Patrick Ianni . Seattle Times . January 27, 2009 . May 6, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090503103744/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2008674186_sounders27.html . May 3, 2009 . live . mdy .
  26. News: Jose . Romero . Looking inside the Marshall trade . The Seattle Times . February 10, 2009 . April 5, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090505203022/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2008967682_sounders02.html . May 5, 2009 . live . mdy .
  27. News: Jose . Romero . Sounders FC trades Khano Smith to New York . The Seattle Times . February 13, 2009 . April 5, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090419032207/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2008737636_sounders13.html. April 19, 2009 . live.
  28. News: Sounders FC signs Alonso, releases exhibition schedule . February 17, 2010 . Romero . José Miguel . January 28, 2009 . The Seattle Times.
  29. News: Romero . José Miguel . Sounders FC beats Galaxy in exhibition . The Seattle Times . February 9, 2009 . February 17, 2010.
  30. Web site: Sounders FC defeats Chinese Champs . February 17, 2010 . Gaschk . Matt . February 10, 2009 . Seattle Sounders FC . July 16, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110716224951/http://www.soundersfc.com/News/Articles/2009/02-February/Shandong-Luneng.aspx . dead .
  31. News: SSFC 6, VC Fusion 1 . February 17, 2010 . Romero . José Miguel . February 11, 2009 . The Seattle Times . https://web.archive.org/web/20120224175938/http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/02/11/ssfc_6_vc_fusion_1.html . February 24, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
  32. News: Final game report vs. San Jose . February 17, 2010 . Romero . José Miguel . February 14, 2009 . The Seattle Times . https://web.archive.org/web/20090224023935/http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/02/14/final_game_report_vs_san_jose.html . February 24, 2009 . dead . mdy-all .
  33. Web site: Seattle downs Pilots, 4–1 . February 17, 2010 . Gaschk . Matt . February 20, 2009 . Seattle Sounders FC.
  34. Web site: Jaqua scores two in 4–0 victory over Whitecaps . February 17, 2010 . Gaschk . Matt . February 22, 2009 . Seattle Sounders FC.
  35. News: Sounders FC moves to 6–1 in exhibition season . February 20, 2010 . Romero . José Miguel . February 27, 2009 . The Seattle Times . https://web.archive.org/web/20090503065308/http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/02/27/sounders_fc_moves_to_6-1_in_ex.html . May 3, 2009 . dead . mdy-all .
  36. News: First tie of the preseason . February 20, 2010 . Romero . José Miguel . February 28, 2009 . The Seattle Times . https://web.archive.org/web/20090302105205/http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/02/28/first_tie_of_the_preseason.html . March 2, 2009 . dead . mdy-all .
  37. News: SSFC moves to 7–1–1 . February 20, 2010 . Romero . José Miguel . March 3, 2009 . The Seattle Times . https://web.archive.org/web/20090525064919/http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/03/03/ssfc_moves_to_7-1-1.html . May 25, 2009 . dead . mdy-all .
  38. News: Sounders FC v. Gimnasia La Plata rained out . February 20, 2010 . Romero . José Miguel . March 4, 2009 . The Seattle Times . https://web.archive.org/web/20120224180025/http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/03/04/sounders_fc_v_gimnasia_la_plat.html . February 24, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
  39. News: River Plate 1, Sounders FC 0 . February 20, 2010 . Romero . José Miguel . March 5, 2009 . The Seattle Times . https://web.archive.org/web/20120224180031/http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/03/05/river_plate_1_sounders_fc_0.html . February 24, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
  40. News: Romero . José Miguel . Freddie Ljungberg likely to miss opener and possibly more . The Seattle Times . March 10, 2009 . February 20, 2010.
  41. News: Rapids 1, Sounders FC 0 . Romero . José Miguel . March 12, 2009 . The Seattle Times . February 20, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090523055202/http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/03/12/rapids_1_sounders_fc_0.html . May 23, 2009 . dead . mdy-all .
  42. Web site: Sounders FC Sells Out Home Opener . March 3, 2009 . Sounders FC Public Relations . March 2, 2009 . Seattle Sounders FC. https://web.archive.org/web/20090305003745/http://www.soundersfc.com/News/Articles/2009/03-March/Home-Opener-Sold-Out.aspx. March 5, 2009 . live.
  43. Web site: Sounders FC win inaugural game . Matt . Gaschk . March 19, 2009 . Seattle Sounders FC . April 11, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100406042745/http://www.soundersfc.com/News/Articles/2009/03-March/Game-1.aspx. April 6, 2010 . live.
  44. Web site: Sounders FC Signs Kevin Forrest . May 3, 2009 . March 24, 2009 . SoundersFC.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090327053030/http://www.soundersfc.com/News/Articles/2009/03-March/Kevin-Forrest.aspx . March 27, 2009 . live . mdy .
  45. News: Sounders FC one of only two perfect teams in MLS . Romero . José . March 29, 2009 . The Seattle Times. April 11, 2010.
  46. Web site: Seattle blanks Real Salt Lake . Matt . Gaschk . March 28, 2009 . Seattle Sounders FC . April 11, 2010.
  47. Web site: Seattle's Montero wins Player of Week . January 23, 2010 . Major League Soccer . April 11, 2010 .
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  49. Web site: Forward Montero earns Player of Month . January 23, 2010 . Major League Soccer . April 11, 2010 .
  50. News: Agent defends Sounders FC soccer star Fredy Montero . The Seattle Times . April 6, 2009 . February 16, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101013141813/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2008990345_sounders06.html . October 13, 2010 .
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  52. News: Sigi Schmid quotes, 4–27–09 . July 5, 2009 . José Miguel . Romero . April 27, 2009 . Seattle Times . https://web.archive.org/web/20120224175029/http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/04/27/sigi_schmid_quotes_4-27-09.html . February 24, 2012 . dead . mdy .
  53. News: Colorado coach miffed at Sounders' playing facility . July 5, 2009 . Greg . Johns . May 27, 2009 . SeattlePI.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090531183912/http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlesports/archives/169659.asp . May 31, 2009 . live . mdy .
  54. Web site: Fire settle for draw with Sounders FC . May 3, 2009 . McDill . Kent . May 3, 2009 . MLSNet.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090506035049/http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20090502&content_id=247563&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp . May 6, 2009 . dead . mdy-all .
  55. News: Sounders FC sees red in rough 1–1 draw with L.A. Galaxy . June 1, 2009 . Romero . José Miguel . May 11, 2009 . Seattle Times . https://web.archive.org/web/20090513133635/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2009203803_sounders11.html . May 13, 2009 . live . mdy .
  56. News: Sounders FC misses chances, finishes with fifth straight draw. Romero. Jose. May 31, 2009. The Seattle Times.
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  59. News: Sounders angered by 3–3 draw with D.C. United. Johns. Greg. June 18, 2009. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
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  61. News: José Miguel . Romero . Sounders FC cuts down Portland 2–1 in spirited battle of Northwest rivals . Seattle Times . July 2, 2009 . July 5, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090704213607/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2009409566_sounders02.html . July 4, 2009 .
  62. News: Timbers-Sounders matchup: a 'fight for every ball' . The Oregonian . June 29, 2009.
  63. News: José Miguel . Romero . Sounders FC earns 1–0 victory over Kansas City Wizards in Open Cup . The Seattle Times . July 8, 2009 . September 10, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090711160233/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2009430839_sounders08.html . July 11, 2009 .
  64. News: Sounders FC signs Costa Rican defender Leonardo Gonzalez . Jose . Romero . July 3, 2009 . The Seattle Times . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090704235825/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2009414215_sounders03.html . July 4, 2009 .
  65. Web site: Seattle 2–1 Houston: Ianni's dramatic winner. https://web.archive.org/web/20090715214750/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=261940&cc=5901. dead. July 15, 2009. ESPN. October 15, 2009.
  66. News: José Miguel . Romero . Sounders beat Dynamo in Open Cup semis, 2–1 . The Seattle Times . July 21, 2009 . September 10, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110604100157/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009513240_apsocopencupdynamosounders1stldwritethru.html . June 4, 2011 .
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  68. News: Sounders FC plays the Chicago Fire to a scoreless tie. Romero. Jose. July 26, 2009. The Seattle Times.
  69. News: Earthquakes beat Sounders to snap winless streak. Fox News. October 15, 2009 . May 16, 2008.
  70. Web site: Seattle Falls To San Jose. Gashk. Matt. Sounders FC. October 15, 2009. August 5, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090805062917/http://www.soundersfc.com/Matchday/Matches/2009/Season/Game-19-at-San-Jose.aspx. dead.
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  72. News: Sounders FC shut out again. Gustavson. Jennifer. August 8, 2009. The Seattle Times.
  73. News: Sounders F.C. ends slump with win over Los Angeles. Romero. Jose. August 15, 2009. The Seattle Times.
  74. News: Sounders FC's Freddie Ljungberg diagnosis: low blood sugar. Romero. Jose. August 21, 2009 . The Seattle Times.
  75. News: José Miguel . Romero . U.S. Open Cup has been battle, and that's just on final site . The Seattle Times . August 31, 2009 . October 9, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090904214537/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2009781867_sounders01.html . September 4, 2009 .
  76. News: Don . Ruiz . Hanauer defends Sounders' failed Open Cup bid . The News Tribune . July 22, 2009 . September 11, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090917052005/http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/soccer/2009/07/22/sounders_made_very_aggressive_bid_to_hos . September 17, 2009 . dead . mdy .
  77. News: Goff . Steve . Payne Responds to Sounders . The Washington Post . July 23, 2009 . September 11, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120902091656/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2009/07/payne_responds_to_sounders.html . September 2, 2012 . live . mdy .
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  80. Web site: Andrew . Winner . Home crowd gives Sounders FC big boost . Major League Soccer . October 25, 2009 . April 11, 2010 .
  81. News: Fanatomy | Part 5: Record-setting first season puts Sounders FC fans on world's soccer map . Jerry . Brewer . December 30, 2009 . The Seattle Times . February 20, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100105160756/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2010642923_fanssounders31.html . January 5, 2010 . dead .
  82. News: Success story: Sounders FC has been winner on and off the field in first season . Romero . José Miguel . November 4, 2009 . The Seattle Times . February 20, 2010.
  83. Leiweke named PSBJ Executive of the Year . George . Erb . Puget Sound Business Journal . December 2, 2009 . February 20, 2010.
  84. News: José Miguel . Romero . Kevin Forrest gets medal from Sounders FC . The Seattle Times . October 9, 2009 . January 25, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091013093020/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2010035547_sounders10.html . October 13, 2009 .
  85. News: Keller's backup ready to step up for Sounders . April 29, 2009 . Johns . Greg . April 13, 2009 . SeattlePI.com.
  86. Web site: Sounders' Le Toux lauded as Player of the Round . October 11, 2009 . Hakala . Josh . August 24, 2009 . TheCup.us. https://web.archive.org/web/20091107015821/http://thecup.us/semifinals-player-of-the-round-sebastien-le-toux/. November 7, 2009 . live.
  87. Web site: Kasey Keller named TheCup.us Player of the Tournament, Fredy Montero MVP of Final . October 11, 2009 . Hakala . Josh . September 14, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091026041136/http://thecup.us/kasey-keller-named-thecup-us-player-of-the-tournament-fredy-montero-mvp-of-final/. October 26, 2009 . live.
  88. News: Matt . Gaschk . Keller is Player of the Tournament= . SoundersFC.com . September 8, 2009 . September 10, 2009 .
  89. Web site: MLS Communications Department . 2020 . 2020 Fact and Record Book . Major League Soccer . April 24, 2023.
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  91. News: Sounders FC vs. SJ Quakes game thread . May 3, 2009 . Romero . Jose . April 25, 2009 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20090330185549/http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/03/28/game_thread_sounders_fc-real_s.html . March 30, 2009 . dead . mdy-all .
  92. Web site: Wizards 1, Sounders 0: Postgame discussion . May 3, 2009 . Ruiz . Don . April 13, 2009 . TheNewsTribune.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090414123647/http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/soccer/2009/04/11/counting_down_wizards_sounders_kickoff_a_30 . April 14, 2009 . dead . mdy-all .
  93. News: Game thread, Sounders FC-Real Salt Lake . May 3, 2009 . Romero . Jose . March 28, 2009 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20090429093946/http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/sounders/2009/04/25/sounders_fc_vs_sj_quakes_game.html . April 29, 2009 . dead . mdy-all .
  94. News: Golden Scarf presentation . June 1, 2009 . Romero . Jose . May 31, 2009 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20090630171102/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soundersfcblog/2009281780_golden_scarf_presentation.html . June 30, 2009 . live . mdy .
  95. News: Lineups lineups, tonight's lineups . June 13, 2009 . Romero . Jose . June 13, 2009 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20090617061409/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soundersfcblog/2009336311_lineups_lineups_tonights_lineu.html . June 17, 2009 . live . mdy .
  96. News: Golden Scarf awarded to Bird and Cash . June 18, 2009 . Edelman . Byron . June 18, 2009 . SeattlePI.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090624212002/http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlesports/archives/171562.asp . June 24, 2009 . live . mdy .
  97. News: Romar receives Sounders' Golden Scarf . July 4, 2009 . Ruiz . Don . June 28, 2009 . The News Tribune .
  98. News: Game thread, Sounders FC vs. Chelsea . July 18, 2009 . Romero . Jose . July 18, 2009 . . https://archive.today/20120714092033/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soundersfcblog/2009495781_game_thread_sounders_fc_vs_che.html . July 14, 2012 . live . mdy .
  99. News: The banners at Qwest . July 26, 2009 . Romero . Jose . July 25, 2009 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20120201112441/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soundersfcblog/2009538162_the_banners_at_qwest.html . February 1, 2012 . live . mdy .
  100. News: Sounders FC-FC Barcelona game thread . August 8, 2009 . Romero . Jose . August 5, 2009 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20090808193731/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soundersfcblog/2009606556_sounders_fc-fc_barcelona_game.html . August 8, 2009 . live . mdy .
  101. News: Game thread, Sounders FC vs. Revs . August 24, 2009 . Romero . Jose . August 20, 2009 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20110604092559/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soundersfcblog/2009702325_game_thread_sounders_fc_vs_rev.html . June 4, 2011 . live . mdy .
  102. News: Portgame discussion: Sounders 0, Toronto 0 . August 30, 2009 . Ruiz . Don . August 29, 2009 . The News Tribune . https://web.archive.org/web/20100111183309/http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/soccer/2009/08/29/p44781 . January 11, 2010 . dead . mdy-all .
  103. News: Honoring the Sounders past, and celebrating the Cup . September 20, 2009 . Romero . Jose . September 19, 2009 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20110604102608/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soundersfcblog/2009901416_honoring_the_sounders_past_and.html . June 4, 2011 . live . mdy .