Who are they?
Seattle Sounders. One of the big beasts of MLS. While they may have only been around as an MLS club since 2009, there has been a team in Seattle called the Sounders since as far back as 1974 (old NASL), and the team came to MLS via USL, forging a path that would eventually be followed by Orlando.
Wait...is that a whale heading a soccer ball?
Yes, yes it is. Their old USL logo is perhaps best consigned to the history books
On Field Success?
Along with a smattering of lower league honours, the Sounders have been pretty successful since their jump to MLS, with a Supporters Shield and an amazing 4 US Open Cups since 2009.
4 US Open Cups?
Indeed, they are tied with Chicago Fire on 4, only behind the now defunct Bethlehem Steel and Maccabi Los Angeles who both have five. no-one can accuse them of not taking the Open Cup seriously.
What about the Disney Pro Soccer Classic?
For a team that values a cup competition, they have been noticeably absent from Central Florida’s now defunct pre season soiree.
Last Season?
A dominant season for Seattle saw them lift the Supporters Shield and US Open Cup, but failed in their bid for a first ever MLS Cup in the post season against LA Galaxy, losing out on away goals.
This year...
An aging defense has been exposed of late, with the previously magnificent Alonso, one of the league's best defensive midfielders, looking like a shadow of his former self. Throw in some key injuries to their forward line and the Sounders have struggled this season. They come into the game this weekend on the worst slump of any MLS team, five straight defeats (8 losses in their last nine games) and look to be in danger of slipping out of the playoff spots.
Star players
Martins and Dempsey. In the run of nine games mentioned above, Martins has played in none, and Dempsey only one. Obafemi Martins scored 19 goals last season, with 15 assists, and while it may seem like he’s been around forever, the former Inter Milan player is only 30. It’s possible either or both could return from injury on Saturday.
The Boss
Sigi Schmid is the only coach the Sounders have known in MLS. He previously won an MLS cup with Columbus Crew, and is widely regarded as one of the best managers in MLS.
Supporters?
Obviously in terms of sheer numbers they are sitting pretty. The club also has a Supporters Alliance, which gives
members a chance to vote on the removal of their GM, amongst other things. The brain behind this was minority owner Drew Carey, who chairs the Alliance. They have four registered supporter groups, of which Emerald City Supporters is the largest. They also have a marching band, which can make Century Link field seem more like a high school football game than a soccer match.
Rivalry
The Portland Timbers. The Cascadian Derby gets Don Garber excited just thinking about it, a massive game with two teams who really, truly hate each other.
