Seattle Pitch 2012 News

Nov 18 - Western Conference final, leg 2: Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 1 Los Angeles Galaxy (Johnson 12, Scott 57; Keane 68). The Sounders played well and won the match, but Los Angeles won the series 4-2 on aggregate.

It was another outstanding year for the Sounders FC in their fourth MLS season. However, it was a bit disappointing to fall short of any trophies. The Sounders were victims of bad luck in losing in the second round of the playoffs and in losing the US Open Cup final. A poor stretch in the middle of the season dropped them out of reach of the Supporters Shield. In the CONCACAF Champions League the Sounders opened the season with a poor showing in the 2011-12 quarterfinal series with Santos Laguna, then excelled to finish first in their group for the 2012-13 tournament.

On the whole, many thanks to the players, coaches, staff, and owners for another year filled with memorable play.

Nov 12 - Sounders FC: Martinez called up to Honduras National Team.

Nov 11 - Western Conference final, leg 1: Los Angeles Galaxy 3 - 0 Seattle Sounders FC (Keane 45, Magee 64, Keane 67). The Sounders were beaten badly in the opening leg and will need a heroic effort at home to advance to the MLS final.

Nov 10 - MLS: Sounders' Burch suspended three games, fined for slur.

Nov 8 - Western Conference semifinal, leg 2: Real Salt Lake 0 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Martinez 81). A wonder strike from Mario Martinez gave Seattle the 1-0 aggregate series win. They will next travel to LA to face the Galaxy, who overpowered the San Jose Earthquakes in the other Western Conference semifinal series.

Nov 2 - Western Conference semifinal, leg 1: Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 0 Real Salt Lake. The two sides opened their playoff campaign with their third scoreless draw of the year. The series will be decided in Salt Lake.

Oct 28 - Los Angeles Galaxy 1 - 0 Seattle Sounders FC (Magee 83). The Sounders finished the regular season third in the Western Conference behind the San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake. Seattle will host Salt Lake first in a two-leg semifinal playoff series. Los Angeles finished fourth in the conference and will host the Vancouver Whitecaps in one match for the right to face San Jose.

Oct 26 - The CONCACAF Champions League group round ended last night with Mexico's Tigres de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León slotting into the 6th seed to be paired up with 3rd seed Sounders FC. The first match in the quarterfinal series will be held in Monterrey Mar 5-7, with the Sounders hosting the second leg a week later.

Oct 25 - Sounders FC: Hahnemann pleased to be back on the pitch.

Oct 24 - CONCACAF Champions League: Seattle Sounders FC 3 - 1 CD Marathon (Ochoa 23, Zakuani 27, Estrada 76; Brown 37). The Sounders finished group play with a perfect 4-0-0 record and will be seeded in the top four in the quarterfinals next spring.

Oct 23 -

Seattle Times: Martinez: "I want everyone to understand that I want to help the team and support the team."
Sounder at Heart: Sigi Schmid says Sounders 'cherish' Mario Martinez, takes blame for misunderstanding

Oct 21 - Seattle Sounders FC 3 - 1 FC Dallas (Evans 32, 60, Rosales 79; Perez 41). The visiting FC Dallas were fighting for their playoff lives and fell short, giving Vancouver the spot. Brian Schmetzer took over as coach for the match with Sigi Schmid's suspension for comments on referee Salazar.

MLS: Suspended Schmid: We won't miss beat under Schmetzer

Oct 17 - Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 0 Real Salt Lake. Two Zach Scott yellow cards in the first half hour hurt Seattle's chances for a win.

Oct 16 - Sounders FC: Mario Martinez scores twice as Honduras routs Canada.

Oct 12 - Sounders FC: Johnson bags a brace on return to USA action.

Oct 11 - Seattle Times: Michael Tetteh returns from loan, admits he doesn't know if future lies with Sounders.

Oct 8 - Sounders FC: Three Sounders FC players called in for World Cup qualifying matches: Johansson, Johnson and Martinez set to join national teams.

Oct 7 - Seattle Sounders FC 3 - 0 Portland Timbers (). The Sounders put on a dominating show for the largest MLS crowd of the year, 66,452 fans.

Oct 3 - Sounders FC: Sounders FC announces details and locations for general manager vote.

Sep 29 - Vancouver Whitecaps 0 - 0 Seattle Sounders FC. The offenses generated few chances in the final meeting between these two sides. The Sounders edged Vancouver in the season series with a win and two draws.

Sep 22 - Seattle Sounders FC 1 - 2 San Jose Earthquakes (Zakuani 14; Dawkins 2, Wondolowski 30). The Sounders were outhustled at home by San Jose.

Sep 19 - CONCACAF Champions League: CD Marathon 2 - 3 Seattle Sounders FC (Berrios 35, 68; Ochoa 11, Johnson 62, Evans 78). The Sounders have maximum points from three group round matches and have gone through to the quarterfinals.

Sep 15 - Portland Timbers 1 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Wallace 78; Montero 57). Another amazing goal by Fredy Montero.

Sep 14 - Chewie is back! Sounders FC acquires Marcus Hahnemann. From MLS earlier: Hahnemann returns to MLS, lands with hometown Seattle. More from the Sounders: A legend returns home. Quotes: Marcus Hahnemann: "Hopefully I can give the team that backup they need and that experience.". From the Times: Marcus Hahnemann makes long-awaited return to Seattle.

Sep 9 - Times: Romanian defender George Ogararu joins Sounders for tryout.

Sep 8 - Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 1 Chivas USA (Johnson 29, 89; LaBrocca 8). Eddie Johnson completed his brace late to give the Sounders the home win.

Sep 4 - Sounder at Heart: Ex-Chelsea forward Eidur Gudjohnsen on trial with Sounders.

Sep 2 - FC Dallas 1 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Jackson 32; Rosales 20). Steve Zakuani notched an assist in his first MLS start since recovering from a broken leg. 100 degree Dallas heat slowed down both sides.

Aug 30 - CONCACAF Champions League: Caledonia AIA 1 - 3 Seattle Sounders FC (Joseph 67; Caskey 45, Ochoa 60, Montero 69). The Sounders completed a two-match sweep of Caledonia in Trinidad. Prematch news:

Aug 29 -

Aug 25 - Chivas USA 2 - 6 Seattle Sounders FC (Agudelo 38, Bolanos 64; Evans 10, Montero 27, 34, 67, Ochoa 82, own goal 90). Fredy Montero with his first hat trick for the Sounders.

Aug 24 - Sounders FC: Tetteh on loan to Ft. Lauderdale.

Aug 18 - Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 0 Vancouver Whitecaps (Montero 64, Johnson 87). The Sounders returned to the win column at home against a Cascadia rival.

Aug 14 - Times: Mario Martinez has received his visa and is expected to join the Sounders this week.

Aug 11 - San Jose Earthquakes 2 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Dawkins 70, Lenhart 90; Montero 90). In a hard-fought match, the Sounders tied it up in added time, then lost it in the last seconds.

Aug 8 - US Open Cup Final: Sporting Kansas City 1 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (AET: Kamara 84; Scott 86; KC win kicks 3-2). Host Kansas City ended the Sounders' run of USOC championships at three. Two late goals in regulation time led to scoreless extra time, then the hosts won the tiebreaker, kicks from the penalty mark.

Aug 5 - Seattle Sounders FC 4 - 0 Los Angeles Galaxy (Johnson 6, Montero 52, Caskey 61, Rose 88). The Sounders played a complete game in front of 60,908.

Aug 2 - CONCACAF Champions League: Seattle Sounders FC 3 - 1 Caledonia AIA (Ochoa 19, Montero 30, Rose 43; Joseph 50). The Sounders opened the 2012-13 CCL campaign with a win. Prematch news:

Aug 1 - Sounders FC: Honduran midfielder Mario Martinez has joined Seattle Sounders FC on loan from Real España.

Jul 30 - Sounders FC: Back in goal: Goalkeeper Michael Gspurning returned to the field after a 13-match absence because of a hip injury.

Jul 28 - Colorado Rapids 1 - 2 Seattle Sounders FC (Moor 3; Johnson 2, Alonso 65). The Sounders completed a 3-match sweep of the Rapids in 2012.

Jul 27 -

Jul 18 - Friendly: Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 4 Chelsea FC (Montero 14, 32; Lukaku 3, Hazard 11, Marin 40, Lukaku 44). Attendance over 53,000.

Jul 15 - New York Red Bulls 2 - 2 Seattle Sounders FC (Le Toux 24, Lindpere 61; Fernandez 16, Montero 67). It was hot and humid in New York. Both teams seemed satisfied with the draw.

Jul 14 -

Sounders FC: End of the Levesque era
Sounders FC: Levesque to retire following Chelsea match
Sounders FC: Gspurning nears return
Times: Sounders are international, with players from four continents, 14 countries

Jul 11 - US Open Cup Semifinal: Seattle Sounders FC 4 - 1 Chivas USA (Johnson 31, Alonso 48, Evans 83, Ochoa 88; Romero 74). The Sounders won the semifinal running away. Sporting Kansas City beat the Philadelphia Union in the other semifinal. Kansas City will host the final.

Jul 8 -

Jul 7 - Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 1 Colorado Rapids (Fernandez 52, Johnson 64; Cummings 79). The Sounders returned to the win column and Steve Zakuani returned to MLS play.

Jul 4 - Real Salt Lake 0 - 0 Seattle Sounders FC. Bryan Meredith returned to goal for the shutout, replacing the injured Andrew Weber. There were a few chances for somebody to win it, but the defenses won the day.

Jul 3 -

Jul 2 - From Sounders FC: A tale of two teams: At the midway point of the season, Sounders struggling to find their second-half identity.

Jun 30 - New England Revolution 2 - 2 Seattle Sounders FC (Sene 12, Fagundez 90; Johnson 23, 36). Eddie Johnson scored two fine goals, but referee mistakes gave New England two tainted goals to draw the match. Other news:

Jun 26 - US Open Cup Quarterfinal: San Jose Earthquakes 0 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Cato 19). The Sounders gut out a win with a strong defensive effort and advance to host a semifinal match against Chivas USA. Nineteen-year-old Cordell Cato became the youngest MLS Sounder to score in competition. Other news:

Jun 24 - Portland Timbers 2 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Boyd 16, Horst 26; Johnson 59). Another weak start leads to another loss. Other news:

Jun 22 - It is now official, defender Daniel Steres signed, midfielder Christian Sivebæk waived.

Jun 21 -

Sounders FC: Zakuani makes 18-man roster
Times: Sounders confirm interest in Christian Tiffert, discussions of a contract deemed "premature"

Jun 20 - Seattle Sounders FC 1 - 1 Sporting Kansas City (Ianni 15; Peterson 8). A better effort than in Montreal, but the winless streak in league play continues. Patrick Ianni's goal was spectacular, a sideways volley.

It appears that Christian Sivebæk is returning to Denmark.

Jun 19 - Congratulations to Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso! From his club: Alonso a U.S. citizen.

Jun 16 - Montreal Impact 4 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Martins 18, Mapp 51, Wenger 58, Neagle 87; Johnson 61). The Sounders lost badly despite fielding their top offensive team.

Jun 15 - Times: Josh Ford makes "big step" in long recovery.

Jun 13 - MLS: Sounders' Estrada to miss 8-12 weeks with broken foot.

Jun 6 - Sounders FC reported that they have taken Daniel Steres and Dawyne Smith in the waiver draft. Smith is a forward out of Bethel University, now playing for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and was a 2012 Supplemental Draft pick for the New England Revolution. Steres is a defender out of San Diego State University, now with the Ventura County Fusion, and was a 2012 Supplemental Draft pick for Chivas USA. Steres has been in tryouts with the Sounders, playing the full 90 in two Reserve League matches this year.

Jun 5 - US Open Cup Round 4: Seattle Sounders FC 5 - 0 Cal FC (Alonso 50, Montero 58, Rose 66, Montero 68, Alonso 70). The Sounders ended Cal FC's fine run of upsets with an overpowering second half.

Jun 2 - Today's report from the team covers the return to action for Steve Zakuani: A good kind of sore: Steve Zakuani played the first half of Friday night's reserve league match with the Vancouver Whitecaps and surprised even himself

May 30 - US Open Cup Round 3: Seattle Sounders FC 5 - 1 Atlanta Silverbacks (Rose 44, Alonso 47, Caskey 54, Ochoa 62, 66; Navia 53). The Sounders opened their defense of the US Open Cup by swamping the Atlanta Silverbacks with a second-half tidal wave of shots. In round 4 next week the Sounders will face Cal FC, who eliminated the Portland Timbers 1-0 in extra time this evening. Cal FC had knocked off the Kitsap Pumas in round 1.

May 28 -

May 26 - Chivas USA 1 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Agudelo 58; Estrada 61'). The Sounders extended their unbeaten road record this season.

May 23 - Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 2 Columbus Crew (Meram 15, Renteria 76). The lackluster Sounders FC were beaten at both ends of the pitch.

In prematch news, the Sounders FC purchased the rights to host the Atlanta Silverbacks in next week's US Open Cup match. The draw had given the Silverbacks hosting rights, but they sold the rights to the Sounders. MLS teams are entering the annual tournament in the third round.

May 19 - Vancouver Whitecaps 2 - 2 Seattle Sounders FC (Rochat 12, Sanvezzo 83; Johnson 47, Montero 90). A 90th-minute strike by Fredy Montero salvaged a draw on the road for the Sounders.

May 12 - Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 1 Real Salt Lake (Espindola 51). The Sounders could not crack the Salt Lake defense.

May 9 - FC Dallas 0 - 2 Seattle Sounders FC (Montero 68, 71). Playing only the second half, Fredy Montero scored a brace to give the Sounders a 5-match win streak. Bryan Meredith was outstanding in goal, earning his second consecutive shutout.

Match day news from the News Tribune: Weber back as Sounders' backup.

May 7 -

Sounders FC: Meredith up to the task
Sounders FC: Two sides to Rose's debut

May 5 - Seattle Sounders FC 1 - 0 Philadelphia Union (Rosales 63). The Sounders make it three wins in eight days.

May 4 -

Times: GK Michael Gspurning out 2-3 weeks with right hip injury
Sounders FC: Ford placed on disabled list

May 3 - Sounders FC: Meredith rewards coach's faith.

May 2 - Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 0 Los Angeles Galaxy (Johnson 40, Montero 48). Eddie and Fredy give the Sounders a long-awaited win over the Galaxy.

Apr 28 - Chicago Fire 1 - 2 Seattle Sounders FC (Pappa 89; own goal 39, Johnson 67). Road win for the Sounders, as Eddie Johnson's first goal for the Sounders is the match winner.

Apr 14 - Seattle Sounders FC 1 - 0 Colorado Rapids (Scott 63). The Sounders defense won this match.

Apr 7 - DC United 0 - 0 Seattle Sounders FC. A hard-fought draw in the first league road match of the season.

Apr 4 - Babayele Sodade was placed on disabled list with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The injury happened while he was serving with Canada's Olympic qualifying team in a recent match.

Apr 1 - Steve Zakuani returned to action in a Sounders FC Reserves match against Gonzaga University.

From US Soccer: Alex Morgan scores as the U.S. Women's National Team draws 1-1 with Japan in front of 15,159 fans in Sendai.

Nice one from Big D Soccer: George John traded to Seattle Sounders for Hope Solo.

Mar 31 - Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 1 San Jose Earthquakes (Wondolowski 24). The Sounders couldn't manage a goal, losing on a penalty kick.

Mar 23 - Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 0 Houston Dynamo (Estrada 23, Evans 2). In a battle of teams with early season perfect records, the Sounders made it 2-0-0, while the visitors suffered their first loss of the season.

Mar 22 - Today it was confirmed that the Sounders bought out the contract of O'Brian White. This means that White will get paid his guaranteed salary for 2012, he will not take up a roster spot, the Sounders retain his rights, and he will stay with the team for rehabilitation.

Mar 17 - MLS season opener: Seattle Sounders FC 3 - 1 Toronto FC (Estrada 17, 51, 63; Johnson 62). David Estrada had a breakout match with a St. Patrick hat trick. Alvaro Fernandez helped set up all three Sounders goals.

Mar 14 - CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal, leg 2: Santos Laguna 6 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Suarez 8, Peralta 10, Gomez 49, 67, Suarez 76, Ochoa 81; Fernandez 37). The Sounders flopped in Mexico, suffering their worst loss in competition as an MLS side. Santos advance to the semifinals 7-3 on aggregate to face Toronto FC, who beat the LA Galaxy 2-1 in LA to advance.

Cordell Cato was called in by Trinidad and Tobago for CONCACAF Olympic qualifying.

Mar 13 - The Sounders FC roster is full after the last two survivors from preseason camp were added as developmental players. Alex Caskey and Andy Rose are both midfielders.

Mar 10 - Training match: Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 0 Oregon State University (Ochoa, Sivebæk). This one gave playing time to mostly those who did not play in Wednesday's CCL match.

Mar 9 - Midfielders Alvaro Fernandez and Mauro Rosales receive US green cards, freeing up two international roster spots. Andrew Duran is expected to be out 4-6 weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery.

Mar 7 - CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal, leg 1: Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 1 Santos Laguna (Estrada 12, Evans 63; Gomez 61). The Sounders opened the 2012 season with a CCL win. David Estrada's goal was his first in professional competition. The home-and-away series concludes in Torreon, Mexico in a week.

Mar 2 - Another new signing today, goalkeeper Andrew Weber. With Josh Ford spending a couple of months recovering from an injury, this lets the Sounders open the season with three keepers. Rookie Babayele Sodade was called up to the Canadian U23 team. Mauro Rosales became a Disignated Player.

Mar 1 - The Sounders announced the signing of their first two draft picks, defender Andrew Duran and forward Babayele Sodade. Retired Kasey Keller joined ESPN as a soccer analyst.

Feb 29 - Community Shield preseason match: Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 0 Jaguares de Chiapas (Montero 61, 73). This was the final preseason match.

Feb 26 - New FieldTurf has been installed at CenturyLink Field.

Feb 22 - Preseason training match: Atlante FC 2 - 5 Seattle Sounders FC (Unidentified 47, 80; Estrada 12, Montero 16, 55, Sivebæk 67, Gonzalez 71). The match was played in Cancun.

Feb 19 - Preseason training match: Florida Gulf Coast Univ 0 - 5 Seattle Sounders FC (Johnson 11, Sivebæk 14, Estrada 28, trialist 73, own goal 84).

Feb 17 - Sounders roster moves have been fairly routine until today. Ex-national forward Eddie Johnson is now a Sounder. Montreal took the MLS returnee with their top spot on the allocation order, then traded him to Seattle for forward Mike Fucito and winger Lamar Neagle, who were both fan favorites and will be missed. That's sports business, so we wish Fucito and Neagle the best in their careers (except of course when they face the Sounders), and we welcome Johnson and look forward to success with him on the pitch. From Sounders FC: Sounders FC Trades for Eddie Johnson: Seattle sends Mike Fucito and Lamar Neagle to Montreal.

Seattle Times: Highlights from Eddie Johnson's introductory teleconference.

Feb 16 - Preseason training match (70 min): USA U17 0 - 3 Seattle Sounders FC (Estrada 24, Ochoa 32, Scott 24).

University of Tulsa: Tulsa men's soccer appoints alumnus Terry Boss to coaching staff

Feb 15 - Preseason training match (120 min): Seattle Sounders FC 2 - 0 Columbus Crew (Montero 54, Cato 114). The first team played the first 75 minutes.

Sounders FC: Training notes: 2/14 (a report on the annual soccer tennis tournament)

Feb 13 - Preseason training match: Orlando City SC 1 - 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Chin 27; Ochoa 53). The first team played the first 30 minutes of the 90-minute match.

Feb 7 - The team flew back to Seattle, with 61-degree weather waiting for them. The preseason match schedule was announced, including four matches during the Florida phase of camp.

Feb 6 - First preseason training match: Seattle Sounders FC 1 - 1 Vancouver Whitecaps (Carrasco 48; Camilo 1). It was rough, ten cards worth. Mike Fucito got the worst of it, cleats into his thigh.

Feb 2 - Newcomer right back Adam Johansson joined camp.

Feb 1 - Mauro Rosales has gotten a green card, freeing up an international spot.

Jan 29 - Travel day to Arizona camp.

Jan 26 - Congratulations to Jeff Parke for earning his first cap with the US national team in last night's short-handed 1-0 win at Panama. Parke came on to defend the lead early in the second half when center back Geoff Cameron was inappropriately red-carded. Brad Evans also entered in the second half.

Times: Kasey Keller named Seattle's Professional Sports Star of the Year

Jan 23 - New Sounder Adam Johansson and ex-Sounder Erik Friberg came on as substitutes for Sweden in a friendly against the Qatar U23s, won by Sweden 5-0.

Jan 22 - Brad Evans came on in the 88th minute for USA's 1-0 win over Venezuela. The match was played near Evans' home town, Phoenix.

Jan 20 - Sounders FC camp opened after being postponed a day due to snow.

Jan 18 - Adam Johansson played the full 90 in Sweden's 2-0 win over Bahrain. Ex-Sounder Erik Friberg came on late for his first cap for his country.

Jan 17 - Sounders FC's Supplemental Draft picks:

Round 1, pick 6: Andy Rose, English midfielder out of UCLA, actually taken by Real Salt Lake but then traded to Seattle for rights to defender Leone Cruz from 2011 SuperDraft
Round 2, pick 33: Tim Pontius, defender out of UCSB
Round 2, pick 34: Jason Banton, 19-year-old midfielder from England
Round 3, pick 53: Abdul Aman, local forward from UW
Round 4, pick 72: Wes Feigner, defender from Cal Polytechnic San Luis Obispo

Sounders FC signed Trinidad & Tobago U20 forward Cordell Cato. New FieldTurf should be installed by the end of Feb.

Jan 12 - Sounders FC SuperDraft picks:

Round 1, pick 15: Andrew Duran, a 6'1 center back from Creighton University, raised in Illinois
Round 2, pick 34: Babayele Sodade, a 6'3 forward from UAB, born in Maryland, raised in Ontario

Jan 11 - Big (6'3 to be precise) news today from Sounders FC on the player front: Sounders FC sign Danish midfielder Christian Sivebæk. US Soccer announced major changes to this year's US Open Cup.

Jan 10 - Sounders FC announced the new broadcast commentators: Ross Fletcher as "Voice of the Sounders FC", with Kasey Keller joining in the broadcast booth

Jan 5 - Well done MLS, for getting the season schedule out early in January.

Jan 4 - Congratulations to two from the Sounders FC spine: Klinsmann adds Seattle Sounders duo Brad Evans and Jeff Parke to January camp roster. It is Parke's first time with the nats, who play friendlies with Venezuela and Panama late this month.

Jan 3 - The Sounders reached an agreement with Marc Burch, whom they picked up in the expansion draft.

Jan 1 - The MLS international transfer window is now open.

Times: Sounders FC could contend for MLS Cup if leaders emerge
Olympian: Sounders optimistic as they prep for 2012

Other news archives: 1994-96 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012