History of Seattle Sounders Football Club

The history of Seattle Sounders football club which was officially established on November 13, 2007 is an expansion franchise of Major League Soccer (MLS). The club was formed to bring top-tier professional soccer back to Seattle, a city with a deep soccer tradition and passionate fanbase. Seattle’s soccer history dates back to the 1970s when the original Seattle Sounders played in the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 1974 to 1983. This rich legacy was the foundation upon which the new Sounders franchise was built.

MLS Expansion and Formation

The return of professional soccer to Seattle was made possible through a joint ownership group that included prominent figures such as Joe Roth (Hollywood producer), Adrian Hanauer (longtime Seattle soccer executive), Drew Carey (entertainer and soccer enthusiast), and Paul Allen (co-founder of Microsoft and owner of the Seattle Seahawks). Together, they secured an expansion bid for an MLS team.

One of the most significant aspects of the club’s formation was its connection to the city’s fans. In 2008, the club held a “Name the Team” fan vote, and Seattle Sounders FC was chosen. This name honored the city’s soccer heritage while introducing a modern identity.

Inaugural Season (2009)

Seattle Sounders FC began play in the 2009 MLS season, quickly becoming a success both on and off the field. The club played its home matches at Lumen Field (then Qwest Field), which was also home to the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. Their first MLS match took place on March 19, 2009, with a resounding 3-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls in front of 32,523 fans. This match set the tone for Seattle’s passionate support and competitive play.

The Sounders finished their inaugural season by winning the U.S. Open Cup, becoming the first MLS expansion team to achieve this feat since 1998.

Fan Culture and Success

Seattle Sounders FC revolutionized MLS with their immense fan support. Their average attendance quickly became the highest in the league, with a strong supporters’ group, the Emerald City Supporters, creating an electric matchday atmosphere. The club’s unique “Democracy in Sports” model, championed by part-owner Drew Carey, allows fans to vote on key decisions, including retaining the general manager.

On-Field Achievements

Seattle Sounders FC became one of the most successful MLS franchises, winning multiple MLS Cups (2016, 2019), U.S. Open Cups, and the CONCACAF Champions League title in 2022.

Seattle Sounders FC’s blend of tradition, fan involvement, and success has made them a model club in American soccer, firmly rooting themselves in Seattle’s sporting culture.

17 interesting facts about Seattle Sounders

1. The “Sounders” Name Dates Back to the 1970s
   The name Seattle Sounders first appeared in 1974 when the team competed in the North American Soccer League (NASL). The modern Sounders, established in 2007, honored this rich history by keeping the same name after fans overwhelmingly voted for it.
2. Fan Voting Decided the Team’s Identity
   In a unique approach to fan involvement, the club allowed supporters to vote on the team’s name. While “Seattle Sounders” was not originally listed as an option, overwhelming write-in votes secured its return, preserving the city’s soccer legacy.
3. “Democracy in Sports” Concept
   Seattle Sounders FC is one of the only clubs in the world that allows fans to actively participate in major decisions. Under the “Democracy in Sports” model, introduced by co-owner Drew Carey, fans can vote every four years on whether to retain or replace the club’s general manager.
4. Record-Breaking Attendance in MLS
   Since their debut in 2009, the Sounders have consistently led Major League Soccer in attendance. Lumen Field, shared with the Seattle Seahawks, has hosted crowds exceeding 40,000 fans per match—unprecedented in MLS history.
5. Seattle’s Emerald City Connection
   The club’s main supporters’ group, the Emerald City Supporters (ECS), takes its name from Seattle’s nickname, “The Emerald City.” They are known for their choreographed displays, chants, and passionate support that create an electric matchday atmosphere.
6. First Expansion Team to Win the U.S. Open Cup
   Seattle Sounders FC made history by winning the 2009 U.S. Open Cup in their inaugural season. This marked them as the first expansion team to lift the trophy since the Chicago Fire in 1998.
7. A Special Goal Celebration Tradition
   After every home goal, the Sounders’ tradition includes firing the “Sounders Cannon” and playing the chant “Boom Boom Clap” as fans join in unison, adding to the matchday experience.
8. Seattle’s First MLS Cup Victory (2016)
   The Sounders won their first MLS Cup in 2016 after a dramatic penalty shootout against Toronto FC, despite not recording a single shot on goal during regulation time. Goalkeeper Stefan Frei made a legendary save known as “The Save” to secure the victory.
9. Stefan Frei’s Heroic Art Skills
   Beyond his reputation as a world-class goalkeeper, Stefan Frei is also an accomplished artist. He creates detailed artworks, often drawing inspiration from soccer and his time on the pitch.
10. Seattle’s Global Partnership with Barcelona
    In the early years, the Sounders established a partnership with FC Barcelona, a global powerhouse. The collaboration helped the club refine its approach to player development and technical strategy.
11. A CONCACAF Champions League Triumph
    In 2022, the Sounders became the first MLS team to win the CONCACAF Champions League under its current format, defeating Mexican powerhouse Pumas UNAM. This historic victory earned them a place in the FIFA Club World Cup, showcasing their talent on the global stage.
12. The Iconic “March to the Match”
    Before every home game, Sounders fans gather at Occidental Park and participate in the “March to the Match.” Led by the Emerald City Supporters, this tradition has become a key part of Seattle’s game-day culture.
13. Lumen Field’s Role in Artificial Turf Development
    Seattle Sounders FC plays on artificial turf at Lumen Field, which has sparked debate. However, the club has helped advance modern turf technology, making it safer and more durable for soccer.
14. A Tradition of Green and Blue
    The club’s colors, Rave Green and Pacific Blue, symbolize the natural beauty of Seattle—the green forests and the blue waters of the Pacific Northwest.
15. Seattle Sounders’ Huge Youth Focus
    The Sounders’ academy is known for producing top young talent. Players like Jordan Morris and DeAndre Yedlin came through the club’s development system and went on to represent the S. Men’s National Team.
16. A Home for International Stars
    Over the years, Seattle Sounders FC has attracted renowned international players like Nicolás Lodeiro, Clint Dempsey, Obafemi Martins, and Fredy Montero, who have all left lasting impacts.
17. Community-Driven Success
    The Sounders actively engage in charitable efforts through the RAVE Foundation, supporting underserved communities with programs focusing on youth, education, and sports access.

Seattle Sounders FC’s combination of on-field success, fan engagement, and community impact has made them one of the most respected and successful franchises in MLS history.