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2008 News Archive

Dec 30 - The News Tribune has a nice look at Sounders FC progress: Checking Sounders' to-do list.

Dec 29 - Sounders FC introduce another addition to the coaching staff: Tom Dutra named goalkeeper coach. From the Seattle Times: Sounders FC hires Tom Dutra as goalkeepers coach. From the News Tribune: Former PLU assistant Dutra will coach goalkeepers for Sounders.

Dec 26 - From Sounders FC, A Sigi story. A note at the end says that the Sounders women's team, which competes in the USL W-League, has been purchased by Tacoma Tide owner Mike Jennings. The women will continue to play at Starfire next year.

Dec 22 - From Sounders FC, the expected announcement about the status of 2002-2008 Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer: Schmid names Schmetzer as first assistant coach. From the P-I: Schmetzer to assist Schmid in 2009: Former Sounders coach is staying put. From the Seattle Times: Sounders FC hire Brian Schmetzer as top assistant. From the News Tribune: Schmetzer selected as Sounders assistant.

Dec 20 - This news release from Sounders FC validates the concerns about Freddie Ljungberg's injury history: Ljungberg undergoes hip surgery. Best coverage from the P-I: Hip surgery halts Ljungberg's training: Sounders FC star might not be ready for March opener. From the News Tribune: Sounders' midfield star has hip surgery. From the Seattle Times: Sounders FC's Freddie Ljungberg to miss 10-12 weeks after surgery.

From Sounders FC, some good quotes from Sigi Schmid: Tears for reality.

Dec 19 - From the P-I: Calabro's voice must be heard.

Dec 18 - The News Tribune has an article with quotes from Brian Schmetzer regarding this week's head coach announcement: Schmid hire gets thumbs-up from ex-coaches. Also quoted is ex-Sounders coach Alan Hinton.

Dec 17 - Good details in Jose Romero's Sounders blog at the Seattle Times: More from today's announcement, and Sigi Schmid's contract.

Dec 16 - In a news conference broadcast live on FSN and on the web, Sigi Schmid was today announced as the first Head Coach of the Seattle Sounders FC. On the process, Adrian Hanauer said that they developed a list of US and international coaches, narrowed the list to 10, and had in-depth talks with 6. He said that Schmid stood out above all other candidates. Hanauer said, "Sigi is a winner." And, "Sigi understands Major League Soccer perhaps better than anyone on the planet." It was mentioned that Sigi's brother lives in Seattle with his wife.

When Schmid was given the microphone, he said, "I'm excited. I know without a doubt that I've made the right decision." In an emotional moment, Schmid broke into tears after saying, "It helps me to be close to my brother. We've been apart for a very long time." To close out his prepared remarks, Schmid said, "In these years ahead we're going to have some serious fun, and I'm very happy to be here in Seattle."

Regarding 2008 Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer, a logical choice for an assistant coaching position, Schmid expressed a lot of respect and said he would make a decision soon.

The Sounders FC news release has a good Schmid bio: Sigi Schmid named first Head Coach of Sounders FC.

Coverage of the coaching announcement:

Dec 13 - The anticipated resolution: Sounders, Crew settle dispute on coach job. The league ruled that there was no evidence of tampering, and regarding the so-called noncompete clause Adrian Hanauer said, "There was some language in his contract that was ambiguous, but rather than going through a long, drawn-out process we came to an agreement." The agreement involved some allocation money and some cash flowing eastward. The article also reports that Nate Jaqua visited team headquarters Friday. Hanauer filed discovery claims on 10 USL and/or international players to meet a deadline earlier in the week. The names are not disclosed. Back to the coach issue, here is the league's brief statement: Columbus, Seattle reach resolution regarding contract of Sigi Schmid.

Dec 12 - From the Seattle Times: Sounders FC accused of coach tampering, report says. An interesting bit of a correction from the Columbus Dispatch: Clarity.

Dec 11 - A Columbus Dispatch reporter analyzes the Schmid-Crew divorce: Unpleasant aftermath a case of 'he said, he said'. This report has more details on the tampering charge filed by the Crew: Separation anxiety: Schmid decides to leave after Crew disrupts talks with expansion team. Today's Seattle Times article is a short recap of the current situation: Door open for Sigi Schmid to coach FC.

Dec 10 - More signs that Sigi Schmid will be Sounders FC head coach. From the Columbus Dispatch: Schmid's tenure with Crew to end. However, the article says a source said that Schmid's contract had a no-compete clause, which could be an issue for the MLS 2009 season. A writer for SI.com isn't afraid to call it: Schmid leaving Crew for Sounders. Soccer By Ives chips in: Crew officially says goodbye to Sigi Schmid, next stop Seattle.

Posted in the afternoon by the P-I, with excellent depth: Sounders FC top coaching candidate now available. The reporter probed the MLS office and got a "no comment" reply, but probing the Sounders FC office got a response from Chris Henderson - no surprise disclosures, but a friendly reply worth a read.

Posted in the early evening at MLSnet.com: Schmid leaves Crew after Cup win. Plenty of discussion from Schmid, and the alleged non-compete clause is discussed with no conclusions.

Turning to the player front, Soccer By Ives posted a list of players invited to the MLS Combine: MLS releases list of Draft Combine invitees. Expect the great majority of SuperDraft selections to come from that list. Locals on the list are Raphael Cox and George John from the UW. Sounders FC have the first pick as the expansion team.

Dec 8 - From Sounders Fc: 10 questions with Sebastien Le Toux.

Dec 6 - From Goal.com: Schmid interviews for Sounders job.

Dec 5 - Reports from last night's kit show:

Sounders FC announced the results of voting for the band name and the name of the members association: Members vote for 'Alliance;' band becomes Sound Wave.

Dec 4 - From the Seattle Times: Former Columbus Crew coach Sigi Schmid interviewing for Sounders FC job. The article reports that defender Jeff Parke, picked in the expansion draft, is also in town for discussions. Great scoop by the Times!

Dec 2 - Soccer Insider reports that Sigi Schmid is due in Seattle on Thursday for talks: Columbus Day. Expect Adrian Hanauer to be wearing his closing suit.

Dec 1 - Ciaran O'Brien will be part of an MLS generation adidas team that will spend 8 days in London, including 3 matches: Generation adidas team announced: Club consists of 16 MLS players, will take part in tour of London.

Expansion Draft aftermath:

From the News Tribune: Schmid on tap to lead fledgling Sounders?.

From the Puget Sound Business Journal's TechFlash: High-tech Sounders FC tap social networking craze to connect fans.

Nov 30 - From the Columbus Dispatch on Crew coach Sigi Schmid: No news yet on status of three key parts; and Michael Arace commentary: If Schmid moves on, Crew can kick itself.

Nov 27 - From the Times: Sounders FC builds up team in MLS expansion draft.From the P-I: Jaqua brings dominant presence to front line: Sounders draft pick helped Dynamo to title. From the News Tribune: Expansion Sounders stock their roster.

GOALSeattle talks to Gary Boyle about the ticket situation: HOT TICKET: Gary Boyle sees Seattle soccer stock rising.

Nov 26 - Sounders FC Expansion Draftees:

Reports on the Expansion Draft results:

Draft day coverage from the P-I: Sounders to select 10 players in draft. And from the league, a nice review by position: Seattle to select from deep talent pool: A look at who may wind up in Seattle through the MLS Expansion Draft. From Soccer America: Seattle ponders its player options.

Prost Amerika is the latest to call Sigi Schmid the Sounders FC head coach: Mister Schmid Goes to Washington. We're expecting that 2008 Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer, the sentimental favorite, will be on the staff as an assistant coach.

Nov 25 - From the Seattle Times, a look at some of the prospects in the Expansion Draft: Sounders poised to fill out roster. From the P-I: MLS announces list of unprotected players for expansion draft.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Nik Besagno has been released by Real Salt Lake: RSL signs Olave, releases first-ever draft pick.

Rumors about Sigi Schmid getting the head coach job for Sounders FC are getting stronger. Schmid just won the MLS Cup with Columbus Crew and previously won it with the LA Galaxy. From Soccer By Ives: Seattle Sounders FC closing in on Schmid. An article in the Columbus Dispatch says that the Crew may have filed tampering charges against Sounders FC: Crew ponders possible losses: Expansion teams want Schmid; key players in limbo.

Nov 24 - Today is the day that protected lists are due from MLS teams. A report from Sounders FC has the unprotected players: Sounders FC set for Nov. 26 Expansion Draft.

Nov 22 - From the Yakima Herald, on the last of the three open tryouts: Few are chosen to advance with Sounders tryouts.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber gave his annual state of MLS address: Garber delivers State of the League address: MLS Commissioner discusses scheduling, roster size. Substantial changes include an end to the reserve league, an increase in the limit for senior roster players from 18 to 20, and a decrease in the limit for developmental players from 10 to 4. That should shift quite a few of the younger players to USL. Montreal has dropped out of the running for two 2011 expansion slots, and Garber reflected positively on the bid presentations from Vancouver, Portland, Miami, and Ottawa. In 2009, teams will play each opponent at least twice, home and away, with two additional matches. From Sounders FC, on the same topic: MLS Changes Await Seattle in '09.

Nov 21 - Plenty from Sounders FC today. A report on upcoming events: One less mystery. A look at what Chris Henderson has been doing: Chris Henderson: A day in the life. A promise of match replays and Sounders FC news shows from FSN: Sounders FC and FSN announce members association partnership.

The current season ticket count? More than 18,000 sold.

Nov 20 - Prost Amerika reports: First ever membership meeting high on feel-good factor. If you are a season ticket holder, you proabably received an invitation to vote for the name of the membership association and the name of the band. If you have not voted for someone for the membership council, I (Ron Stickney) still need votes and would appreciate yours. You will need your Sounders FC account number, which is in the e-mail from Seattle Sounders FC titled Choose Your Sounders FC Season Tickets.

Nov 18 - From the P-I, written by a UK reporter: The Beautiful Game: Ljungberg sports a bit of Beckham.

The new USL PDL franchise in Bremerton will be called the Kitsap Pumas: Pumas on the prowl. Coverage from GOALKitsap: 'Waite' is over in Kitsap; Pumas to prowl Bremerton in 2009.

Nov 16 - From the Seattle Times, results from the weekend's open tryouts at Starfire: Dream is still alive for three hopefuls trying to earn a spot on the Sounders. And a nice video of the tryouts from KING 5.

From Sounders FC, quotes from Keller and Ljungberg: More than star power.

Prost Amerika talks to Bart Wiley about stadium rules for supporters and about giridron lines on the pitch. The answers are favorable: Sounders FC draw battle lines – well, remove them actually.

Nov 12 - From Sounders FC: 10 questions with Adrian Hanauer.

From Goal.com: Keller eager to play.

From GOALSeattle.com, a guest piece by Prost Amerika's Steve Clare: More love lost than anyone cares to admit as Sounders, Whitecaps And Timbers bid adieu.

Nov 11 - From the P-I: Sounders taking slow steps to first season: Team in process of interviewing possible coaches.

From Sounders FC, a fashion show, Dec 4, 6:30 PM, WaMu Theater. Promised are "the team's official uniform and complete fashion line." Tickets are $65 and proceeds benefit Seattle Children’s Research Institute and the Quest for a Cure Guild.

Nov 10 - From Sounders FC, a report on the first of three open tryouts, this one in Spokane: From wannabes to finalists.

Nov 7 - Sounders FC look back at the first year since the big announcement: Only just begun.

Nov 4 - From Seattle Sports Online: Former USL Sounders play waiting game. Good off-season quotes from Kevin Sakuda and Roger Levesque.

Oct 31 - Provocative words from Joe Roth, in the LA Times: Would Obama's election make soccer a major league American sport?.

Oct 30 - Soccer 365 interviewed Kasey Keller: Keller Excited To Be Back In U.S..

From Soccer America, on Freddie Ljungberg and much more: Seattle bets big again on Ljungberg.

Oct 28 - It's official! Freddie Ljungberg is the Sounders FC designated player, announced at this morning's press conference. The money shot? Look for Freddie holding up the club scarf, SEATTLE on one side, SOUNDERS FC on the other side. Coverage:

Oct 26 - The P-I picked up the Ljungberg rumors: Former Sweden soccer captain to join Sounders.

Oct 25 - From the Times, this comes close to confirming the rumors: Sounders FC ready to sign Freddie Ljungberg. Better details from Prost Amerika: Freddie Ljungberg arrives in Seattle; Sweden's captain is here to play on a $2.5 million contract. And the article that triggered the stateside reports is from Sweden's Fotbolls Expressen: Fredrik Ljungberg väntas fĺ drömlön - tack vare Beckham, or web translated: Fredrik Ljungberg is expected to get dream - thanks to Beckham.

Oct 24 - From MLS: MLS announces 2008 Expansion Draft rules; Expansion draft scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 26. In a nutshell, Sounders FC can take one player from ten teams, and those teams get to protect 11.

The Times picks up the story on the tryouts: Sounders FC holding open tryouts — with a twist.

Oct 23 - Sounders FC announced that open tryouts in three Washington cities (Spokane, Tukwila, Yakima) will take the form of a reality show, with viewers having some say in who advances. The team is promising a roster spot to the winner. Details: Sounder super search.

Oct 16 - Vancouver BC and Portland are among seven bids submitted for the next two expansion slots in MLS. Three more USL towns submitted bids: Montreal, Atlanta and Miami. Completing the list of seven are St. Louis and Ottawa. The league says two winners will be announced sometime in the range of next month to March. Seattle Sounders FC will bring the league to 15 teams next year, with Philadelphia making it 16 in 2010.

The Sounders are now off to Argentina on a trip that is partly a thank you from the owners and partly a chance to try out players next year's MLS side. Over 9 days the Sounders will play friendlies vs. Estudiantes de la Plata, Platense, Rosario Central and CA Jorge Griffa. Who is travelling? The entire 2008 roster except for Josh Gardner (recovering from injuries) and the two loaned players.

Oct 13 - A nice interview of Adrian Hanauer by Prost Amerika: 'I'll do whatever's necessary for the team to succeed'.

Tony Ventrella's video interview of Joe Roth ends with a surprise -- Roth says that althought they are not all signed just yet, Sounders FC are one player short of a starting eleven. He hinted that there will be quite a few players announced over the next six weeks.

Oct 9 - USOpenCup.com has named Chris Eylander the 2008 Player of the Tournament: Eylander narrowly wins player of the tournament: Record-setting Seattle Sounders goalkeeper edges D.C.'s Jamie Moreno.

Oct 7 - From the Times: Sounders have form to follow for inaugural season. And quoting former players: Former Sounders endorse Brian Schmetzer to coach MLS team.

Oct 2 - Season recap from the P-I: End of the line for USL Sounders: But as one era ends, MLS buildup begins in earnest.

Oct 1 - Robin Waite is reporting that the USL has approved a USL 2nd Div franchise for Kitsap County. As Waite was a part owner of the USL Sounders, this is sort of a shift of the franchise to the opposite side of the Sound. You can vote for a team name at www.kitsapsoccerclub.com. More from the Kitsap Sun: Pumas? Kaisers? Name the New Soccer Team.

Sep 30 - USL 1st Div All-League Teams were announced. Taylor Graham was named to the First Team and Sébastien Le Toux is on the Second Team.

Sep 25 - From the Times: Current Sounders have eyes on MLS moves.

Sep 20 - Seattle Sounders 2 - 3 Vancouver Whitecaps (Le Toux 10, Sakuda 69; Sebrango 54, Moose 57, Clarke 67). It was the final USL match with the local rivals. The Sounders finished the regular season as middle of the road as you can get, with a 10-10-10 record. The Sounders will face the Montreal Impact in the first round of the playoffs.

Sep 18 - Today's report from Sounders FC features the Emerald City Supporters: Supporters thinking big.

Sep 12 - Reporting on the Sounders FC meeting with supporters: Supporters group meeting Sept. 11. Sounders FC has a bit on the meeting in today's piece: A change in the weather.

Sep 11 - Soccer By Ives is reporting that Peter Vermes has declined the Sounders FC head coaching job: Vermes turns down Sounders FC coaching job. The article says that he was offered the job, but it would make more sense that what he declined was an offer to interview for the job. Other names that are popping up as candidates are Paul Mariner, Fernando Clavijo, and of course Brian Schmetzer is a candidate.

Sep 7 - From Sounders FC: Countdown to a coach.

Sep 6 - From the P-I: Sounders sign third player, a midfielder from Gambia.

Sep 5 - Trialist Sanna Nyassi, a 19-year-old midfielder from Gambia, has become the third player signed by Seattle Sounders FC, and he will be loaned to the USL Sounders for the remainder of this season. anna's twin brother, Sainey Nyassi, plays for the New England Revolution. From Sounders FC: Gambia youth international becomes 3rd signee. From the Sounders: Sounders receive Sanna Nyassi on loan from Sounders FC.

Sep 4 - From the TNT's Indirect Kick: Sounders FC talks about coaching search.

Sep 3 - From Sounders FC: 10 questions with Kasey Keller.

Aug 29 - Ciaran O'Brien has been recalled to the Colorado Rapids. After being the playmaker for three goals in the last league match, he will be missed.

Aug 27 - From Sounders FC, on Keller: He's home for good.

Aug 24 - From the Times: Sounders FC developing headquarters, practice facility at Starfire.

Aug 20 - From Sounders FC, analysis of the TV broadcast deal: What's the Big Deal?.

Aug 19 - From the P-I: Sounders take the European approach to going big league, and Le Toux thrilled with his new lot in life.

From the European Weekly: Seattle United FC?.

Aug 18 - From the TNT: A big-league building block for Seattle Sounders.

Aug 15 - From SoundersFC.com, more on Keller: You sold him. He's a believer.

Aug 14 - Goalkeeper Kasey Keller was introduced today as the second signing for Sounders FC. A press conference upstairs was followed by a meet and greet on the pitch with fans in the stands and youth players surrounding Keller on the pitch under a cloudless sky. Coverage:

Today's Keller news before the announcement:

Aug 13 - Confirming the rumors of the imminent announcement of the signing of goalkeeper Kasey Keller:

Aug 12 - From PNWLocalNews.com: Sounders' Eylander eyes MLS stardom.

Aug 11 - SoundersFC.com interviews one of our favorite referees: 10 questions with Sandra Hunt.

Aug 7 - Portland Timbers 0 - 1 Seattle Sounders (Le Toux 20). A memorable match, the last USL match between these two rivals, and the Sounders won it in Portland. The early goal by Sébastien Le Toux held up after Scot Thompson was sent off late in the first half.

A good read from the Sounders: Memories of the Sounders-Timbers rivalry. Portland has some player memories of the rivalry in a video: Stirring the Portland / Seattle Rivalry. From the Portland Tribune: One more time around for Seattle-Portland soccer rivalry. From the Oregonian: Timbers-Sounders rivalry will end (or could) tonight.

Aug 4 - From the Sounders: 10 minutes with Taylor Graham.

Jul 31 - Here's the Sounders news release on the welcome additions: Sounders receive midfielder Ciaran O'Brien on loan and sign forward Kevin Forrest. More in a nice article from the P-I: Sounders pluck two off family tree: O'Brien, Forrest brought in to fill glaring needs.

SoundersFC.com posted Adrian Hanauer's report on his trip to the MLS All Star match: Good times in Toronto.

Jul 30 - From the Seattle Weekly: The shocker in soccer: Calabro shuns Okies for Sounders.

Jul 29 - From the P-I: Ailing Sounders expect to add midfielder, forward. Namely, Ciaran O'Brien (on loan from the Colorado Rapids) and ex-Husky Kevin Forrest. It will be ahwile before we see Ciaran on the pitch with his brother Leighton, though. Leighton suffered a broken wrist late in the last match.

From SoundersFC.com: 10 questions with Kevin Calabro.

Jul 22 - Flying chickens in the barnyard! Voice of the Sonics Kevin Calabro will transition to become voice of the Sounders. Every home and away Sounders FC match that is not broadcast nationally will be broadcast live on Kong 6/16 or King 5. This is fan-friendly news, indeed. Coverage:

The P-I shines a spotlight on Chris Eylander: Sounder's stock soars: Eylander making strong case for MLS spot in '09.

Jul 21 - A good read from USOpenCup.com: Eylander is unanimous POTR for quarterfinals.

Jul 10 - More on the voting for the Sounders FC Membership Council: Once again, it's time to vote. Seattle Pitch senior editor Ron Stickney is running and needs votes. If you are a season ticket holder, your vote would be appreciated! Meeting notes would be posted here on the Pitch.

From the P-I: Sounders ties still tug at Ching amid MLS, national team success.

Jul 2 - Sounders FC talks to an ex-Sounder: 10 questions with Brandon Prideaux. And an interview from Prost Amerika: Sébastien Le Toux "Je suis un Américain. I want to play for the country which has accepted me!".

Jun 25 - From SoundersFC.com: 10 (more) questions with Brian Schmetzer.

Jun 23 - The Sounders news release announcing the recent addition: Sounders sign Costa Rican defender, Michael Rodríguez. Adrian Hanauer reports on his scouting trips to Ghana and England: Going to Ghana, Wembley.

Jun 20 - From the Times: Sounders pleased to borrow native son Nik Besagno.

Jun 19 - From the P-I: Graham eyes return to MLS: But Stanford product keeps focus on helping Sounders win another title.

Jun 18 - From SeattleSounders.net: Ten minutes with Sounders goalkeeper Chris Eylander. From SoundersFC.com: 10 questions with Brian Schmetzer. In the interview, Schmetzer mentions that Costa Rican defender Michael Rodríguez will join the Sounders as soon as he gets his visa.

Steve Nash wants to put MLS in Vancouver, where his brother Martin plays for the Whitecaps. From National Post: Suns' Nash Wants MLS To Expand To B.C..

Jun 17 - An alert fan spotted this in-depth piece, from The Offside: Better know your Sounder, pt. 1: Sébastien Le Toux.

Jun 16 - If you have purchased season tickets, today you probably received a message from Seattle Sounders FC titled "Attention Sounders FC Members!" with a link to a page titled Sounders FC Membership Council. Your senior editor, Ron Stickney (ronstickney@comcast.net), desires to join that council. If you appreciate Seattle Pitch and you are a Sounders FC season ticket holder, please vote for Ron at the Sounders FC Membership Council page. To vote, you will need your Sounders FC account number, which was e-mailed to you in a message from Seattle Sounders FC titled "Choose Your Sounders FC Season Tickets". Thank you for your vote!

Another travel report from Adrian Hanauer: It's game-on.

Jun 13 - From BYU NewsNet, the best article yet on the loan of Nik Besagno: RSL Loans Veteran Player to Seattle.

Jun 12 - From the P-I: Sounders enlist defender from MLS: Barring a recall, Real Salt Lake's Besagno on loan until Sept. 8.

Jun 11 - More on the player loan, from the Salt Lake Tribune: RSL loans former No. 1 pick Besagno to lower-level team.

Jun 10 - Some welcome news on the player front: Sounders receive former #1 pick Nikolas Besagno on loan. The native of Maple Valley and brother of 2007 Sounder Jacob Besagno is on loan from Real Salt Lake.

Jun 9 - From SoundersFC.com: 10 questions with Drew Carey (part 2).

Jun 2 - From SoundersFC.com on the travels of Hanauer and Henderson: Two more continents, two to go.

Jun 1 - From the P-I: Sounders FC likes Brazil's style: Expansion MLS squad envisions 'Beautiful Game' in Seattle.

May 31 - Friendly in Seattle: Brazil 3 - 2 Canada (Diego 4, Fabiano 45, Robinho 63; Friend 10, de Guzman 56).

May 29 - From SoundersFC.com: 10 questions with Drew Carey.

May 28 - The MLS Sounders FC jersey unveiling was today, and the naming sponsor is Microsoft, more specifically the Xbox 360. Reports:

May 17 - From the P-I: Sounders FC owner caters to fans: Carey launches members club for new MLS club. From the Times: Sounders FC announce fan association.

From SoundersFC.com, on Drew Carey's plans for a marching band: Hey, you with the band?

May 10 - From the P-I: Schmetzer in the running to be Sounders FC coach. And an article on Maple Valley native Nik Besagno: Besagno on the rise at Salt Lake: Former No. 1 pick from Maple Valley eyes starting role.

May 9 - From the News Tribune: Northwest MLS soccer rivalry could reach new pitch. More on the signing of Sébastien Le Toux from SeattleFC.com: Who is number 1?

May 8 - From the Times: Sounders FC signs its first player: Sébastien Le Toux. News Tribune: Sounders sign LeToux, a player they're familiar with.

May 7 - From the P-I: Present and future Sounders.

May 5 - From the News Tribune: Major roadwork ahead for Sounders FC. An in-depth article on what to expect from Sounders FC over the remainder of this year.

May 3 - From Inside Kick, the News Tribune soccer blog: Sounders FC: No Seahawks lines on Qwest pitch.

Apr 30 - Seattle Sounders FC announce ticket pricing. Season ticket prices range from $16 to $35 per match, with club packages at $39 or $75. The $75 price is all-inclusive with food and beverage.

Sébastien Le Toux was reported as the first player signed for Sounders FC 2009: Le Toux granted MLS wish: French star first signee of Sounders FC.

Apr 28 - Adrian Hanauer reports on his scouting trip to Argentina: Adrian's postcard from Buenos Aires.

Apr 24 - Today the Sounders announced the re-signing of Craig Tomlinson, who was waiting for a new visa, and the addition of French midfielder Youssouf Kante: Sounders sign Tomlinson and Kante.

Apr 22 - From SoundersFC.com: 10 questions with Gary Wright.

Apr 21 - From the P-I: Scoring Keller may be goal of Sounders' inaugural team: World Cup goalie says he's keen to play in Seattle.

Apr 19 - Season opener: Charleston Battery 1 - 1 Seattle Sounders (Rolko 37; Treschuk 90).

From the P-I: Sounders start last USL year: Players, coaches see season as tryout for Seattle's MLS team.

Apr 18 - From the Seattle Times: Season preview: Sounders open 2008 USL season, eye MLS in 2009. And from the Sounders: 2008 Sounders preview.

This SoundersFC.com report hits a variety of topics, and of greatest interest is the report on the first week of the South American scouting trip taken by Adrian Hanauer and Chris Henderson: Stay tuned, there is more.

Apr 17 - We've forgotten to mention it until now, but besides the drafted players with local ties that made MLS rosters as rookies (Ely Allen, George Josten, and Austin Washington), undrafted Vito Higgins has made the LA Galaxy roster as a backup goalkeeper. Higgins is from Kailua, HI, and played college ball at Gonzaga U.

Apr 16 - Friendly in Seattle: Mexico 1 - 0 China (Villaluz 14).

We've updated the Sounders 2008 roster page after learning who is left in camp. Now gone is Colin Rigby, who had previously been announced as having had his option picked up. Nathan Knox has joined the Atlanta Silverbacks. Youssouf Kanté, a 23-year-old from France, appears to be the only international addition to the team this year, at least in the early part of the season. There are five rookies, all from in-state colleges, left in camp: Daniel Scott, Jason Cascio, John Fishbaugher, Mike Morris, and Brett Hite.

This just in: Sounders sign former SU players Cascio and Fishbaugher.

Apr 14 - A great read from SoundersFC.com: 10 questions with Hugo Alcaraz-Cueller.

Apr 11 - Confirming that Sébastien Le Toux is the first player signed for the 2009 Sounders FC squad is a list of MLS player salaries from the MLS Players Union. Le Toux is listed with a base salary of 84 kilobucks. He is the only player listed for Seattle.

From Sounders FC: Next stop: South America.

Apr 10 - From Sounders FC.com: 11 questions with Alan Hinton.

GOALSeattle.com reflection on the big press conference: Reflecting on the name adventure.

Apr 9 - From SoundersFC.com: Sounders FC rings true.

Apr 8 - On the name:

Apr 7 - And the name of the Seattle MLS team shall be ... Seattle Sounders FC.

The announcement at the Space Needle opened with a video that honored Seattle, the Sounders, the MLS team ownership group, and the Seattle fans. 15,000 votes were cast for the team name. According to Joe Roth, 82% of the votes were for some derivation of Sounders or Seattle FC.

Now open for business: SoundersFC.com. Be sure to click on "Seattle Sounders FC Logo Reveal" for the second video that was played at the press conference.

View the badge and color details here: Badge and colors fact sheet.

The news release: Seattle Sounders FC selected as team name. The news release discloses that about 50% of the votes were write-ins, and about 49% of those included a derivative of the name Sounders.

Apr 6 - From MLSinSeattle.com on tomorrow's announcement of the name: Give the people what they want.

Apr 2 - MLSinSeattle.com interviews some fans regarding their name votes: What's in a name?.

Apr 1 - The voting for the Seattle MLS team name is done. Sounders fans were impressive in getting out the vote from across the country and around the world. Thanks to all who voted. We now await the name announcement, scheduled to be webcast live, Apr 7, noon Seattle time.

Mar 26 - From the current Sounders: Camp update - weekend preview.

The Seattle Times reminds us that MLS name voting starts at midnight tonight: MLS Seattle fans can write in vote for team name. Don Ruiz wrote a great article for the Olympian: MLS franchise seeks names from area fans. Pull quote: "About a year from now, when Major League Soccer's newest expansion team takes the pitch at Qwest Field for the first time, its jersey crest might read: 'Seattle Sounders.'" See the article for new quotes from the Seattle MLS and the league front offices.

Our recommendation is to write in "Seattle Sounders". Voting is from Midnight tonight through the end of the month at MLSinSeattle.com.

Voting announced at the MLS site: Fans to vote for Seattle franchise name.

Mar 25 - MLSinSeattle.com has announced the three rumored candidates for a team name (Seattle Alliance, Seattle Republic, and Seattle FC), and to the surprise of us and a whole lot of other fans, they are allowing a write-in choice! Kudos to the ownership group for this!

The Sounders announced the re-signing of left midfielder Josh Gardner: Sounders re-sign midfielder Josh Gardner. That completes the return of the starting eleven from last season. Also now shown on the roster at the Sounders web site is Craig Tomlinson.

It's Seattle native and ex-Sounder Ian Russell fielding this version of 10 questions: Ten questions with Ian Russell.

From the P-I: MLS franchise hires Wright: Veteran Seahawks VP to oversee business side. And from MLSinSeattle.com: Gary Wright to oversee MLS Seattle business operations.

Mar 14 - From MLSinSeattle.com, Darren Sawatzky on his new job: Youth development kick into gear.

Mar 10 - From MLSinSeattle.com: Ten questions with Craig Waibel.

From MLSinSeattle.com, Hanauer's thoughts on the expansion Philadelphia MLS franchise: Applause and effects.

Soccer America reports on yesterday's MLS waivers. On the list is ex-Sounders defender Brandon Prideaux, waived by Colorado, then picked up by the Chicago Fire. The Rapids also announced that they will not be offering a contract to Husky striker Kevin Forrest. Forrest is back to being a good possibility for the Sounders this year.

Feb 28 - Interesting developments today. Washington State Youth Soccer Association, "in partnership with the Seattle Sounders and the newly-formed Seattle Major League Soccer (MLS) team," have hired Darren Sawatzky as the Director of Youth Development for the MLS/Washington Youth Soccer Camps and Academy Programs: Joint hire to help develop and identify elite talent for Washington youth soccer and Seattle's MLS team.

Feb 27 - The Sounders have come to terms with goalkeeper Chris Eylander: Sounders make it official, re-sign goalkeeper Chris Eylander.

Confirming rumors, MLS reports that Philadelphia will be announced tomorrow as the next expansion side: MLS to make major announcement in Philly.

Feb 26 - From the current issue of Washington CEO magazine, a look at the Seattle MLS ownership group and their plans: Are you ready for some fútbol?.

Feb 25 - More from Chris Henderson, from MLSinSeattle.com: 10 questions with Chris Henderson.

Feb 19 - From MLSinSeattle.com: Ten questions with Brian Ching.

Feb 13 - The first returning players were announced for this year's Sounders side, and it seems to be most of the 2007 side: Defending champs re-sign six in advance of 2008 campaign. Announced as re-signed were defenders Danny Jackson and Taylor Graham, forward Roger Levesque, and midfielders Leighton O'Brien, Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, and Kenji Treschuk. Announced as having their options picked up were goalkeeper Ben Dragavon, defenders Noah Merl, Zach Scott, Adam West, and Kevin Sakuda, and forwards Sébastien Le Toux, Colin Rigby, and Andre Schmid. In negotiations and probable is goalkeeper Chris Eylander. That is 15 from last year's squad.

Feb 6 - This one from MLSinSeattle.com is written by technical director Chris Henderson: Coming home.

Feb 5 - MLSinSeattle.com has quotes from ex-Sounders Criag Waibel and Brian Ching: Take it from the champions.

Feb 1 - From MLSinSeattle.com, Hanauer on Henderson's job: Now hiring.

Jan 29 - Great stuff from MLSinSeattle.com on Chris Henderson's role: Technically speaking. And another one on the same topic from MLSnet.com: Henderson returns home to Seattle.

Jan 25 - More on Chris Henderson from the Everett Herald: Henderson joins Seattle's MLS team as technical director. And from Soccer America: Seattle hires technical director. And a KOMO radio interview with Henderson.

Jan 24 - The first big name has been announced for the Seattle MLS club, and it is Everett native Chris Henderson as technical director: MLS Seattle hires Henderson as technical director.

Striker Kevin Forrest (UW, Edmonds) went to Colorado in today's MLS Supplemental Draft: Rapids Pick Up Four Players In 2008 Supplemental Draft. That makes 5 players with local ties taken in the two MLS drafts.

Jan 19 - From the Times: Sounders scouting players with MLS potential.

Jan 18 - Locals taken in today's MLS draft:

Jan 17 - The P-I has a report on Brian Schmetzer and Adrian Hanauer at the MLS combine: Sounders' perspective broadens at MLS combine. Mentioned as taking part in the combine are four players with local ties, Ciaran O'Brien (brother of Leighton, from Federal Way), Ely Allen (UW, from Kent), Kevin Forrest (UW, from Edmonds), and George Josten (Gonzaga, from Idaho Falls, ID).

Taylor Graham is playing for the Puerto Rican national team, and he notched the winning goal in a 2-0 win over Bermuda.

Jan 9 - UC Santa Barbara reports that midfielder Ciaran O'Brien from Federal Way will leave college 2 years early to join Generation adidas, the MLS youth development program. Details: Avila, O'Brien sign professional contracts with Generation adidas.

Jan 2 - From MLSinSeattle.com: And an eventful new year.

Jan 1 - In the P-I, Fred Mendoza looks back at the past decade: Seattle's soccer community ready to live the dream.

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