Category: Sounders (Page 2 of 2)

Feels strange that the MLS would ever walk away from a 33-year old local brand name, but just in case, make sure to sign the Save Our Sounders petition.

SOS:

This effort has grown out of the many rumors surrounding the potential for Seattle being granted a Major League Soccer franchise for the 2009 MLS season. And, also the rumors regarding plans for professional soccer for 2008.

It has been speculated that there may be an announcement regarding Major League Soccer at the MLS Cup on November 18th, 2007 at RFK Stadium in Washington DC.

It has also been rumored that either the Sounders identity will move to MLS or that there will be a “Name the Team” campaign to be announced later.

MLS Talk:

Eric Gilbertson a fan of the Seattle Sounders since the mid 1970s joins us to discuss the history of the franchise as well as the probable move of the team to MLS in 2008 or 2009. We also review the US-Switzerland game with Jonathan Starling and give Bob Bradley the props he deserves for putting so much faith in young players and those playing their club football outside MLS and the Premier League.

Download here.

No word yet on the MLS in Seattle (not here, here, here, here or even here).

The wait is giving other sports bloggers in Seattle the chance to chime in:

So why hasn’t soccer proliferated? I would argue that it’s a matter of institutions, or lack thereof. Iraqis actually like the idea of democracy, but the problem is that they lack the strong institutions to back up their support their interest in a representative democracy. Likewise kids that play soccer play it all throughout their adolescence, but without a professional team, teams to identify with, and available media, kids don’t follow up with that interest after they stop playing.

On a personal note though, and just to keep it real — I hate soccer. I don’t trust any sport where the clock goes up, and what the fuck is up with those cards?!? Just have elaborate hand symbols like every other sport.

Good point about the lack of major teams to bring together a community of fans towards a central institution, but whey the last graph? Well, the clock just goes up, get used to it. And, if you can’t figure out the cards, come on now. Do you really need that much help?

We’ll find out today sometime. For now, a little good luck charm for the workday:

More chatter on MLS in Seattle leads to speculation that Paul Allen is part of the new ownership group. That’s great, but then this:

In grabbing the franchise, Roth and partners outmaneuvered a group called Atletico Seattle Management, who’d proposed building a new $135 million soccer stadium. For now, the team will continue at the Allen-run Qwest Field.

The Seahawks may be the major tenant of the facility, but Allen in no way “runs” Qwest Field. The Washington State Public Stadium Authority…

was created by voters in 1997 when they passed Referendum 48 authorizing public financing for a stadium and exhibition center. The referendum established the PSA as the owner of the stadium, exhibition center and parking garage, and made the PSA responsible for overseeing the siting, design, construction and operation of the $430-million complex.

With construction complete, the chief role of the PSA is to ensure the public’s interests are represented and protected in the facility’s operation. The PSA Board is comprised of seven civic members from across the state appointed by the Governor.