Last night I watched the inaugural game of the Seattle Sounders FC. This is the first time any of us has experienced an expansion franchise first hand and I honestly did not know what to expect. Despite playing soccer for most of my life I never especially liked the game and only had a mild interest when the World Cup came around. But there is something about the word “Seattle” on a jersey that just tickles my Cat Fancy.
I’ve heard the horror stories of expansion franchises but it seemed that Drew Carey and the crew had done a good enough job. They signed the best US national team goalie who has spent most of his career in Europe. They hired Sigi Schmid, a two-time MLS cup champion coach, to head the operation.
It was exciting to see Qwest Field electric again and the boys in green scored goal after goal, undressing the New York Red Bulls in all aspects of the game. Casey Keller, our goalie, made 2 great saves on the only two shots on goal he had to worry about. Fredy Montero was the star scoring two goals and assisting the third.
With a franchise being awarded to Vancouver, BC, and Portland which was announced today, I feel like soccer is finally breaking through and I am excited for a rivalry with close proximity. It was a rough year, but with the Huskies in the tournament, the M’s having hope, and the Seahawks turning things around, everything looks like its on the way up.