2009 Seattle Sounders FC season

The 2009 season was Seattle Sounders FC's first in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top flight of American soccer. It was the 29th season played by a professional team bearing the Sounders name, which was chosen for the MLS expansion team by a fan vote. An MLS franchise was awarded to a group from Seattle in 2007, including Adrian Hanauer, the owner of the second-division incarnation of the Sounders.

Seattle Sounders FC
2009 season
Match ticket for the Sounders' first game in Major League Soccer
Match ticket for the Sounders' first game in Major League Soccer
General managerAdrian Hanauer
Head coachSigi Schmid
StadiumQwest Field
Major League SoccerConference: 3rd
Overall: 4th
MLS Cup PlayoffsConference Semifinals
U.S. Open CupWinners
Top goalscorerFredy Montero (12)
Highest home attendanceAll: 66,848 (Aug. 5 vs Barcelona)
League: 33,108 (Oct. 24 vs. Dallas)
Playoffs: 35,807 (Oct. 29 vs. Houston)[1]
Lowest home attendance28,548 (Mar. 28 vs. Salt Lake)[1]
Average home league attendance30,943[2]
Biggest winLeague: 3–0 vs. New York RB (Mar. 19)[1]
Biggest defeatLeague: 0–4 at San Jose (Aug. 2)[1]
← 2008
2010 →

The Sounders hired head coach Sigi Schmid, who had won the MLS Cup with the Columbus Crew in 2008, and retained Hanauer as general manager. The club made their home debut on March 19, 2009, at Qwest Field against MLS Cup runners-up New York Red Bulls and won 3–0. During their inaugural season, the Sounders set MLS records for attendance, averaging 30,943 per match; the highest attendance of 66,848—a Washington state record for soccer—was recorded on August 5 during a friendly against FC Barcelona.

Seattle won the U.S. Open Cup, defeating D.C. United 2–1 in the final in Washington, D.C. The club finished third in the Western Conference and became the first MLS expansion team to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs since 1998. In the first round of the playoffs, they were defeated in the Conference Semifinals by the Houston Dynamo. Colombian forward Fredy Montero scored 12 goals and was the team's top goalscorer; four Sounders players were also named to the All-Star Game roster.

Background

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In a press conference on November 13, 2007, MLS awarded an expansion franchise to an ownership group based in Seattle.[3] In 2008, Sounders FC developed the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila and the USL team played most of the 2008 season at the updated facility. At the time, the USL team's management thought that practicing and playing at Starfire could provide more continuity and a smoother transition for those hoping to play for the new MLS franchise.[4]

In late 2008, Seattle Sounders FC interviewed several head coach candidates, including Columbus Crew manager Sigi Schmid, New England assistant Paul Mariner, and Kansas City technical director Peter Vermes.[5] The club offered a contract to Schmid, who had led the Crew to an MLS Cup title that season, but the ownership of the Columbus Crew filed a tampering complaint with the MLS that put the offer on hold. The Crew's ownership complained that Schmid had communicated with Sounders FC during the 2008 season, despite being denied permission to do so, and that he shared confidential information with Sounders FC after leaving the Crew.[6] The MLS ruled that no tampering occurred, but ordered Sounders FC to financially compensate the Crew before signing Schmid.[7] Sounders FC officially introduced Schmid as their first coach on December 16.[8] Former USL Sounders player and head coach Brian Schmetzer was retained as the top assistant coach, and Tom Dutra was selected as goalkeeper coach.[9][10] Retired Major League Soccer veteran defender Ezra Hendrickson joined the Sounders as an assistant coach in January, 2009.[11] Former MLS player and Everett, Washington, native Chris Henderson was named technical director on January 24, 2008.[12] Joining Henderson in the front office is longtime Seattle Seahawks VP Gary Wright as the senior vice president of business operations.[13] Drew Carey was named the chairman of the Membership Association.[14]

Signings and drafts

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Swedish midfielder Freddie Ljungberg was signed as Sounders FC's first Designated Player.

Seattle Sounders FC was given first negotiation rights to any player that was not drafted in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft and joined the USL Sounders for the 2008 season. The team was also allowed to promote as many players from the 2008 USL Sounders squad as they'd chose, as long as the player's rights were not controlled by another team.[15] Seattle Sounders FC officially announced the 2007 USL First Division MVP and former USL Sounder Sébastien Le Toux as its first signing on May 7, 2008.[16] On August 14, 2008, the Sounders announced in a press conference their second signing for the 2009 season, former United States men's national team goalkeeper Kasey Keller, a Washington native.[17] On September 5, 2008, Seattle Sounders FC announced the third signee for the franchise to be Sanna Nyassi from Gambia. Nyassi, a 19-year-old midfielder, was a member of the Gambia U-20 national team at the 2007 FIFA Championship. Sanna's twin brother, Sainey Nyassi, was signed by the Revolution and is a regular starter in MLS this season.[18] On October 28, 2008, it was officially announced that the Sounders had signed Swedish midfielder Freddie Ljungberg using the Designated Player Rule. He signed a two-year contract reported to be worth $2.5 million per season.[19]

Team building continued with the 2008 MLS Expansion Draft and the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. In the expansion draft, held on November 26, 2008, Seattle Sounders FC selected the following players from other MLS teams: Nate Jaqua (Houston), Brad Evans (Columbus), Stephen King (Chicago), Jeff Parke (RBNY), James Riley (San Jose), Khano Smith (New England), Jarrod Smith (Toronto FC), Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake), Peter Vagenas (LA Galaxy) and Tyson Wahl (Kansas City).[20] As the 2009 expansion team Sounders FC was given the first pick in each round of the SuperDraft. With the number one pick of the first round of the draft, Seattle Sounders FC selected University of Akron forward Steve Zakuani. As the first picks of the second round (16th overall), third round (31st overall), and fourth round (46th overall), Seattle selected Wake Forest University defender Evan Brown, Azusa Pacific University defender Jared Karkas, and Harvard University midfielder/forward Michael Fucito respectively.[21]

The team lineup was adjusted throughout. Defender Jeff Parke was selected in the expansion draft, and reported for training camp after tryouts with teams in Belgium.[22][23] After training with the club for less than a week, Parke was unable to reach a contract agreement and left to train with the Vancouver Whitecaps of the USL.[24] FC traded a conditional draft pick to Houston in order to acquire defender Patrick Ianni, who had worked with Seattle's coach Schmid on the under-20 US national team.[25] Seattle also traded allocation money to Toronto FC in exchange for Tyrone Marshall in order to increase their depth on defense.[26] The Sounders also traded away midfielder Khano Smith, another expansion draft selection, to Red Bull New York for allocation money.[27]

Review

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Preseason

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External videos
  2009: A Storybook Season by Seattle Sounders FC (2020)

Seattle's preseason was broken up into four stages. The team started in southern California, then moved back to the Northwest, then to Argentina, and then finished back in Seattle.[28] On February 9, 2009, in their first ever exhibition game, Sounders FC beat the Los Angeles Galaxy 3–1 on a practice field beside The Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Fredy Montero, Roger Levesque and Sanna Nyassi all scored goals in the win.[29] The next day, Sounders FC had their second training match in Ventura, California against Chinese club Shandong Luneng. They won 2–0 with both goals provided by midfielder Sanna Nyassi.[30] The following day, February 11, Sounders FC defeated the Ventura County Fusion of the USL Premier Development League 6–1 in their third preseason match in three days. Steve Zakuani and Nate Jaqua both scored two goals while Fredy Montero and Roger Levesque added one each.[31] On February 14, Sounders FC experienced their first loss of the preseason falling 3–2 to the San Jose Earthquakes while playing on the campus of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. Fredy Montero scored both of the Sounders FC goals in the loss.[32]

Following their activities in southern California, Sounders FC's returned to the Pacific Northwest to continue their training. On the evening of February 20, 2009, Sounders FC defeated the University of Portland Pilots 4–1. Nate Jaqua and Kasey Keller received a pregame ovation because they both had played collegiate soccer with the Pilots. Jaqua, along with trialist Jeff Clark, Fredy Montero, and Brad Evans scored goals for Seattle.[33] Two days later, the club played their first preseason match at Qwest Field as they defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 4–0. Forwards Nate Jaqua and Fredy Montero scored two goals apiece.[34]

Next the club traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina where they continued training and played 4 more preseason matches. Seattle played the first of these matches against Estudiantes de La Plata on February 27, who they lost to 1–3.[35] On February 28, Sounders FC had their first tie of the preseason, 1–1 against CED, a team made up of local free agent players.[35][36] The club defeated Argentine second division opponents Tristán Suárez 5–0. Michael Fucito, Fredy Montero, Brad Evans and Zach Scott and Sebastian Le Toux all scored in the victory.[37] One day later, due to heavy rain, an exhibition match against Gimnasia La Plata was canceled.[38] In the club's final preseason match in Argentina, they faced reserve players of River Plate on March 5. They were held scoreless by River Plate with a final score of 1–0.[39]

After completing training exercises in Argentina, the club returned to Seattle for the remainder of the preseason. On March 9, Designated Player Freddie Ljungberg joined practice for the first time. Ljungberg had missed most of the preseason due to hip surgery he had undergone in December.[40] On March 12, Sounders FC played their final preseason match against the Colorado Rapids of the MLS at Qwest Field. Seattle lost 1–0 on a penalty kick by Colorado's Conor Casey.[41] Seattle finished preseason exhibition play with a record of 7 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie.

March

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Red Bull New York kick-off to start the 2009 MLS season against Seattle

Prior to the first game of the season, all 22,000 season ticket packages offered by the team were sold, giving the team the most season ticket holders in Major League Soccer.[42] On March 19, Seattle Sounders FC began their first regular season with a 3–0 win over the New York Red Bulls. Fredy Montero scored the first regular season goal in team history, finishing a movement from Sebastien Le Toux and Osvaldo Alonso in the 12th minute. Montero assisted Brad Evans' goal, and also scored the team's third goal. Kasey Keller, a veteran American goalkeeper who had played his entire career abroad, made his MLS debut at 39 years of age, and made two saves to register the team's first regular season shutout.[43]

On March 24 Seattle signed Kevin Forrest as a Senior Developmental player after he was released by Colorado.[44] On March 28 Sounders FC continued the success of their fast start with a second consecutive home shutout, defeating Real Salt Lake 2–0. Designated player Freddie Ljungberg made his first regular season appearance as a substitute in the 61st minute of play. Nate Jaqua scored in the 17th minute, and Fredy Montero scored his league leading third goal of the season in the 77th minute.[45][46]

March saw Montero winning Player of the Week honors for week 1 and Keller for week 2.[47][48] Montero won Goal of the Week for the first two games and was named the Player of the Month.[49]

April

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After their first two victories at home, Sounders FC played their first away game in history against Toronto FC. The Sounders expected a challenging away environment but were victorious were able to win in another 2–0 shutout. Montero missed the match due to illness. Soon after, reports out of Seattle linked Montero to a sexual assault case with an unidentified woman. In a statement made by Sounders publicist, Montero asserted that the allegations stemmed from a disagreement in which he sought to end the relationship.[50] and a police inquiry resulted in no charges being filed.

After winning their first three games, Seattle Sounders FC suffered their first competitive loss at home against the Kansas City Wizards. Kasey Keller was sent off in the 29th minute for a handball outside the 18-yard box, as the Sounders fell 1–0 to the Wizards. The following week they lost at Chivas USA. Chris Eylander was scored on twice while covering the goal during Keller's suspension. The Sounders again failed to score.

The Sounders returned to their winning ways in a 2–0 home win against the San Jose Earthquakes.[51]

April 28 was the beginning of the team's Open Cup campaign. Schmid asserted that the competition was important and won the first of two qualifying rounds 4–1 against Real Salt Lake.[52] The Sounders have played home games at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila. The facility is older and smaller than Qwest Field but the Sounders say the atmosphere is better for smaller cup matches.[53]

The following 5 weeks the Sounders managed to gain 5 points in the standings as they tied each game. First, a 1–1 tie at the Chicago Fire in which striker Fredy Montero was sent off in the 48th minute for an elbow to the face of Gonzalo Segares while both players went up for a ball in the air.[54] Then another 1–1 tie the next week at home against the Los Angeles Galaxy in which yet another red card was issued, to James Riley this time, in the 57th minute for a "phantom blow" to Mike Magee as the two got into a scrum.[55] Two more away ties followed, first against FC Dallas 1–1 and then another at Colorado, 2–2. Ljungberg missed three games during this period due to migraine headaches.[56] May 31, 2009 Sounders FC then returned home for their 5th consecutive tie in league play, this time 1–1 against the Columbus Crew in which Tyrone Marshal was ejected in the 92nd minute when he threw what the referee believed was a punch at Steven Lenhart in retaliation for an elbow. The Sounders accumulated another three yellow cards throughout the match.[57] Jaqua's goal received Goal of the Week honors.

On May 26, the Sounders qualified for the U.S. Open Cup by defeating the Colorado Rapids 1–0 at Starfire.

June

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Seattle started June with a 1–0 loss at Chivas. Their penalty woes continued as Jhon Kennedy Hurtado accumulated his fifth yellow card and Nate Jaqua received two yellow cards resulting in them both being suspended for the next game. After the first 12 games of the season, Sounders FC were in 5th place overall and were tied for the league lead with 5 red card ejections and 6 disciplinary suspensions.

On June 13, in a rematch with San Jose, Sounders FC began a stretch where 4 of their next 5 games would be played in front of their home crowd at Qwest Field. The match was the first to be counted for the supporter sponsored Heritage Cup. Ljungberg and Montero both scored as the Sounders prevailed with a 2–1 victory.

On June 10 Lamar Neagle was signed as a Senior Developmental player on the official roster.[58]

On June 17, the Sounders blew a 3–1 lead to tie against D.C. United by a score of 3–3. The match was the sixth draw in eight regular season matches.[59] They drew again with a goal a piece at New York the following week.

In week 23, the Sounders defeated the Rapids who had been undefeated in the previous eight games. Jaqua set up the first goal by Montero. Jaqua then scored twice off of assists from Montero to end the game 3–0.[60] Jaqua's performance earned Goal of the Week and Player of the Week.

July

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On July 1, Sounders FC traveled to Portland and eliminated the Timbers of the USL in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup. The game was played in front of an emotionally charged sold-out crowd.[61] Roger Levesque—a player Portland fans have had a particular dislike for – scored Seattle's first goal within the opening minute.[62] The following week, in a quarterfinal match, Sounders FC defeated visiting Kansas City on a penalty kick in the 89th minute by Sebastien Le Toux.[63]

It was announced in early July that the Sounders had signed left-footed Costa Rican defender Leonardo González to help at the left back position. The position had been a weak spot in Seattle's defense and filled by three separate players throughout the season.[64]

On July 11, the Sounders hosted the Houston Dynamo at Qwest Field. Brian Schmetzer filled in for Schmid who was at his son's wedding. Ianni scored his first goal of the season on bicycle kick that would earn him the MLS goal of the Week.[65] On the following Tuesday, the Sounders defeated the Dynamo at Strfire in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. Houston led when Jaqua scored in the 89th minute. King scored a goal five minutes into extra time, thus sending the Sounders FC to the Open Cup finals against D.C. United.[66]

On July 18, 2009, the Seattle Sounders lost 0–2 in a friendly game with Chelsea. All sections of the stadium were open and sold out with a crowd of 65,289 in attendance.[67] The game was the first with the team for Chelsea's new manager, Carlo Ancelotti, and their new forward Daniel Sturridge.[citation needed]

Seattle finished July at home with a scoreless draw against Chicago. The Fire went a man down in the 54th minute but Ljungberg was ejected minutes later after protesting a yellow card for what the referee saw as diving in the penalty area.[68]

Keller and Ljungberg were named to the 2009 MLS All-Star Game by votes from fans. Ljungberg lead the MLS in total votes. Hurtado and Montero were later selected for the game held on July 29. Ljungberg missed the final shot in the loss which was decided by penalty kicks. He was later hospitalized due to another migraine.

August

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Kasey Keller making a save against Toronto FC

On August 2, the Sounders were shut out 4–0 by last-place San Jose. Riley received a red card in the 39th minute while the Earthquakes scored three times in the second half.[69] Although Seattle had won the previous two matches, San Jose won the Heritage Cup by goal differential since the first game was not included in the supporter created competition.[70]

In the second international friendly of the season the Sounders lost against FC Barcelona 0–4 on August 5. The attendance set the state's record for a soccer match at 66,848. Thierry Henry compared the crowd to those in Europe and called the fans "amazing". Schmid expressed his hope that the fans were not disappointed by the loss and said "I hope they realize they got to watch a great team".[71]

On August 8, Sounders FC received their third straight shutout in regular season play in a 1–0 loss at Salt Lake. Schmidt called it "a silly loss".[72]

At Los Angeles on August 15, Seattle won for the first time on the road since April 4. Along with the Marshall, the match saw the Galaxy's Beckham and Lewis ejected in a two-goal shutout. Zakuani won Goal of the Week for his goal made after a run into the box and cross from Evans.[73]

Seattle lost at New England 1–0. Ljungberg did not travel with the team due to what would be diagnosed as hypoglycemia.[74]

September

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When D.C. United won the US Soccer bidding process to host the tournament's final match,[75] Sounders FC general manager Adrian Hanauer expressed skepticism that D.C.'s bid to host the final had been better than the Seattle bid. He further noted that if Seattle had hosted the match, it likely would have sold out.[76] This prompted a pointed reply from D.C. United president Kevin Payne in which he argued that D.C. United had won the bidding process fairly and that he was offended by Hanauer's comments.[77] On the heels of this public disagreement, D.C. United launched a marketing campaign to sell more tickets to the match which included a web site heralding the club's history of titles as an original MLS franchise, WeWinTrophies.com; an open letter placed in local newspapers declaring that D.C. fans set the standard for support in the league and that Sounders FC and its fans did not think D.C. deserved to host; videos on the team's official blog from local celebrities urging fans to attend and ticket and concession specials for the game.[78] On September 2, 2009, the U.S. Open Cup final was played in Washington D.C.'s RFK Stadium. Sounders FC prevailed 2–1 becoming the second MLS expansion team in league history (Chicago being the first) to win the Cup in their inaugural MLS season.[79]

October

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Significance

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Sounders FC recorded the highest average attendance during the 2009 season (regular and overall).[80]
  • League attendance record[81]
  • Fan culture and demographics[82]
  • Economic impact[83]
  • Leiweke recognized for successful expansion launch in a recession[84]
  • State Senate resolution[85]

Match results

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  Win   Tie   Loss

Preseason

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February 9, 2009 Los Angeles Galaxy   1–3   Seattle Sounders FC Carson, California
15:00 PST Lewis   2' Report Montero   28' (pen.)
Levesque   84'
Nyassi   90'
Stadium: The Home Depot Center
February 10, 2009 Shandong Luneng   0–2   Seattle Sounders FC Ventura, California
16:00 PST Report Nyassi   56', 75' Stadium: Ventura College
February 11, 2009 Ventura County Fusion   1–6   Seattle Sounders FC Ventura, California
19:00 PST Aghasyan   13' Report Montero   7'
Zakuani   9', 21'
Jaqua   43', 44'
Levesque   83'
Stadium: Ventura College
February 13, 2009 San Jose Earthquakes   3–2   Seattle Sounders FC San Luis Obispo, California
19:00 PST Johnson   7', 22'
Amarikwa   46'
Report Montero   11', 44' Stadium: Alex G. Spanos Stadium
February 20, 2009 Portland Pilots   1–4   Seattle Sounders FC Portland, Oregon
19:00 PST Emory   61' Report Jaqua   4'
Ianni   32'
Montero   70' (pen.)
Evans   75'
Stadium: Merlo Field
February 22, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC   4–0   Vancouver Whitecaps Seattle, Washington
12:00 PST Jaqua   37', 39'
Montero   66', 67'
Report Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: None (closed to the public)
February 27, 2009 Estudiantes de La Plata   1–3   Seattle Sounders FC Buenos Aires, Argentina
11:00 UTC-2 Marshall   20' (o.g.) Report Jaqua   46'
Montero   54', 58'
February 28, 2009 CED Rosario   1–1   Seattle Sounders FC Buenos Aires, Argentina
16:00 UTC-2 CED No. 11   53' (pen.) Report Ferrerya   43'
March 3, 2009 Tristán Suárez   0–5   Seattle Sounders FC Buenos Aires, Argentina
10:30 UTC-2 Report Fucito   25'
Montero   33'
Evans   38'
Scott   43'
Le Toux   89'
March 5, 2009 River Plate   1–0   Seattle Sounders FC Buenos Aires, Argentina
9:30 UTC-2 Lizio   89' Report
March 12, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC   0–1   Colorado Rapids Seattle, Washington
19:00 PDT Report Casey   38' (pen.) Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: None (closed to the public)

MLS regular season

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March 19, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 3–0 New York Red Bulls Seattle, Washington
18:00 PDT Montero   12'   75'
Alonso   13'
Evans   25'
Hurtado   32'
Nyassi   67'
Report Goldthwaite   21' Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 32,523
Referee: Jair Marrufo
March 28, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 2–0 Real Salt Lake Seattle, Washington
19:30 PDT Jaqua   17'
Alonso   21'
Montero   77'
Report Beckerman   10'
Morales   22'
Olave   45'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 28,548
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
April 4, 2009 Toronto FC 0–2 Seattle Sounders FC Toronto, Ontario Canada
15:00 EDT Brennan   44'
Cronin   51'
Report Ljungberg   15'
Hurtado   29'
Zakuani   45'
Riley   61'
Scott   86'
Stadium: BMO Field
Attendance: 20,658
Referee: Mark Geiger
April 11, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 0–1 Kansas City Wizards Seattle, Washington
19:30 PDT Evans   4'
Keller   29'
Report Jewsbury   4'
Kraus   71'
Arnaud   80'
Hartman   91'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 28,746
Referee: Abiodun Okulaja
April 18, 2009 Chivas USA 2–0 Seattle Sounders FC Carson, California
19:30 PDT Lillingston   20'
Riley   32' (o.g.)
Chijindu   84'
Trujillo   86'
Report Scott   45'
Montero   47'
Stadium: The Home Depot Center
Attendance: 15,463
Referee: Alex Prus
April 25, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 2–0 San Jose Earthquakes Seattle, Washington
19:30 PDT Alonso   30'
Zakuani   42'
Evans   50'
Report Convey   4'
Garcia   41'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 28,838
Referee: Kevin Stott
May 2, 2009 Chicago Fire 1–1 Seattle Sounders FC Bridgeview, Illinois
19:30 CDT Soumare   55'
Pappa   68'
Rolfe   95+'
Report Marshall   1'   74'
Montero   48'
Riley   95+'
Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 10,288
Referee: Jasen Anno
May 10, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 1–1 Los Angeles Galaxy Seattle, Washington
12:00 PDT Le Toux   22'
Evans   45'
Riley   57'   57'
Ljungberg   58'
Jaqua   80'
Report Gordon   32'   35'
Magee   59'
Sanneh   61'
Miglioranzi   83'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 29,025
Referee: Tim Weyland
May 16, 2009 FC Dallas 1–1 Seattle Sounders FC Frisco, Texas
19:30 CDT Rocha   20'   48+'
Saragosa   75'
Guarda   80'
Report Hurtado   18'
Zakuani   48+'
Marshall   64'
Stadium: Pizza Hut Park
Attendance: 8,247
Referee: Terry Vaughn
May 23, 2009 Colorado Rapids 2–2 Seattle Sounders FC Commerce City, Colorado
19:30 MDT Clark   26'
Casey   47'
Ihemelu   67'
Report Montero   17'
Jaqua   28'   76'
Hurtado   57'
Vagenas   61'
Stadium: Dick's Sporting Goods Park
Attendance: 16,528
Referee: Hilario Grajeda
May 30, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 1–1 Columbus Crew Seattle, Washington
19:30 PDT Vagenas   37'
Jaqua   58'
Hurtado   68'
Ljungberg   89'
Marshall   92+'
Report Moreno   12'
Schelotto   73'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 29,126
Referee: Michael Kennedy
June 6, 2009 Chivas USA 1–0 Seattle Sounders FC Carson, California
19:30 PDT Lillingston   26'   38'
Trujillo   90'
Report Ianni   48'
Jaqua   54'   88'
Hurtado   81'
Stadium: The Home Depot Center
Attendance: 13,117
Referee: Kevin Stott
June 13, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 2–1 San Jose Earthquakes Seattle, Washington
19:30 PDT Ljungberg   42'   94+'
Evans   43'
Montero   59'   74'
Report Pitchkolan   16'
Corrales   34'
Ribeiro   50'
Huckerby   68'
Wondolowski   92+'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 28,999
Referee: Silviu Petrescu
June 17, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 3–3 D.C. United Seattle, Washington
19:30 PDT Alonso   38'
Burch   45' (o.g.)
Montero   57'
Report Pontius   34'
Gomez   63'
Jakovic   84'
Marshall   87' (o.g.)
Namoff   92+'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 29,104
Referee: Ricardo Salazar
June 20, 2009 New York Red Bulls 1–1 Seattle Sounders FC East Rutherford, New Jersey
19:30 EDT Kandji   11'
Goldthwaite   36'
Angel   40'
Report Montero   48+'
Marshall   83'
Stadium: Giants Stadium
Attendance: 14,313
Referee: Paul Ward
June 28, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 3–0 Colorado Rapids Seattle, Washington
13:00 PDT Ljungberg   19'
Montero   23'
Jaqua   48'   68'
Evans   71'
Report Ihemelu   17'
Mastroeni   29'
Palguta   41'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 32,526
Referee: Alex Prus
July 11, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 2–1 Houston Dynamo Seattle, Washington
13:00 PDT Montero   32'
Hurtado   43'
Ianni   46'
Vagenas   64'
Wahl   66'
Report Davis   12'
Waibel   71'
Kamara   90'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 32,404
Referee: Mark Geiger
July 25, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 0–0 Chicago Fire Seattle, Washington
12:00 PDT Hurtado   28'
Ianni   57'
Ljungberg   59'   59'
Report Segares   39'
Thorrington   40'   54'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 32,405
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
August 2, 2009 San Jose Earthquakes 4–0 Seattle Sounders FC Santa Clara, California
12:00 PDT Alonso   2' (o.g.)
Hernandez   27'
Huckerby   37'   78'
Glen   54'
Wondolowski   84'   85'
Report Ianni   22'
Riley   33'
Montero   35'
Stadium: Buck Shaw Stadium
Attendance: 9,919
Referee: Paul Ward
August 8, 2009 Real Salt Lake 1–0 Seattle Sounders FC Sandy, Utah
19:00 MDT Mathis   11'
Findley   62'
Beckerman   65'
Report Hurtado   76' Stadium: Rio Tinto Stadium
Attendance: 14,193
Referee: Kevin Stott
August 15, 2009 Los Angeles Galaxy 0–2 Seattle Sounders FC Carson, California
20:00 PDT DeLaGarza   14'
Beckham   17'
Lewis   79'
Kirovski   94+'
Report Zakuani   22'
Montero   54'   81'
Marshall   65'   76'
Stadium: The Home Depot Center
Attendance: 20,162
Referee: Ricardo Salazar
August 20, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 0–1 New England Revolution Seattle, Washington
19:00 PDT Gonzalez   40'
Montero   54'
Nyassi   86'
Report Joseph   21'
Ralston   43'
Jankauskas   47+'
Heaps   49+'
Reis   65'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 32,705
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
August 23, 2009 Houston Dynamo 1–1 Seattle Sounders FC Houston, Texas
19:30 CDT Boswell   19'
Cameron   36'
Report Levesque   13'
Jaqua   70'
Stadium: Robertson Stadium
Attendance: 17,063
Referee: Alex Prus
August 29, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 0–0 Toronto FC Seattle, Washington
13:00 PDT Ljungberg   73' Report Attakora   41'
Gomez   67'
De Rosario   67'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 32,679
Referee: Jorge Gonzalez
September 12, 2009 D.C. United 1–2 Seattle Sounders FC Washington, D.C. USA
19:30 EDT Wallace   54'   57'
Quaranta   62'
John   93+'
Report Zakuani   5'
Montero   84'
Stadium: RFK Memorial Stadium
Attendance: 19,592
Referee: Silviu Petrescu
September 19, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 0–0 Chivas USA Seattle, Washington
12:00 PDT Alonso   40'
Marshall   78'
Jaqua   86'
Report Jazic   34'
Nagamura   43'
Saragosa   71'
Trujillo   76'
Santos   77'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 32,719
Referee: Terry Vaughn
September 26, 2009 New England Revolution 2–1 Seattle Sounders FC Foxborough, Massachusetts
19:30 EDT Joseph   51' (pen.)   87' Report Montero   5'
Jaqua   92+'
Stadium: Gillette Stadium
Attendance: 15,961
Referee: Steven DePiero
October 3, 2009 Columbus Crew 0–1 Seattle Sounders FC Columbus, Ohio
19:30 EDT Moreno   55'
O'Rourke   65'
Lenhart   95+'
Report Levesque   36'
Marshall   84'
Stadium: Columbus Crew Stadium
Attendance: 14,372
Referee: Ricardo Salazar
October 17, 2009 Kansas City Wizards 2–3 Seattle Sounders FC Kansas City, Kansas
19:30 CDT Hercegfalvi   51'
Wolff   53'
Report Marshall   27'
Vagenas   45'
Levesque   69'
Jaqua   76'
Stadium: CommunityAmerica Ballpark
Attendance: 10,135
Referee: Mark Geiger
October 24, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC 2–1 FC Dallas Seattle, Washington
19:30 PDT Alonso   57'
Evans   60'   84'
Jaqua   61'
Report Harris   14'   38'
Pearce   26'
Ihemelu   70'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 33,108
Referee: Baldomero Toledo

MLS Cup Playoffs

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October 29, 2009 Conf. Semifinals Seattle Sounders FC 0–0 Houston Dynamo Seattle, Washington
19:00 PDT Montero   16'
Alonso   64'
Evans   68'
Report Onstad   16'
Mullan   71'
Chabala   75'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 35,807
Referee: Ricardo Salazar
November 8, 2009 Conf. Semifinals Houston Dynamo 1–0 (a.e.t.)
(1–0 agg.)
Seattle Sounders FC Houston, Texas
15:00 CST Chabala   44'
Cameron   94+'
Ching   96'
Report Marshall   24'
Riley   120'
Ljungberg   121'
Stadium: Robertson Stadium
Attendance: 27,465
Referee: Jorge Gonzalez

U.S. Open Cup

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April 28, 2009 Qualification Seattle Sounders FC 4–1 Real Salt Lake Tukwila, Washington
19:00 PDT Ianni   20'
Le Toux   25' (pen.)   55'
Nyassi   27'   71'
King   53'
Report Johnson   32'
Olave   41'
Stadium: Starfire Sports Complex
Attendance: 3,890
May 26, 2009 Qualification Seattle Sounders FC 1–0 Colorado Rapids Tukwila, Washington
19:00 PDT Forrest   62' Report Harvey   78' Stadium: Starfire Sports Complex
Attendance: 4,007
Referee: Tony Russo
July 1, 2009 Third round Portland Timbers (USL-1) 1–2 Seattle Sounders FC Portland, Oregon
19:00 PDT Hayes   26'
Mandjou   43'
McManus   61'
Report Ianni   5'
Levesque   1'
King   26'
Nyassi   59'
Riley   93+'
Stadium: PGE Park
Attendance: 16,382
Referee: Yeder Reyes
July 7, 2009 Quarterfinals Seattle Sounders FC 1–0 Kansas City Wizards Tukwila, Washington
19:00 PDT Montero   79'
Le Toux   89' (pen.)
Report Hirsig   76'   92+' Stadium: Starfire Sports Complex
Attendance: 4,352
Referee: Abiodun Okulaja
July 21, 2009 Semifinals Seattle Sounders FC 2–1 (a.e.t.) Houston Dynamo Tukwila, Washington
19:00 PDT Jaqua   62'
Hurtado   67'   110'
Marshall   80'
Jaqua   89'
King   95'
Report James   30'
Boswell   30'
Akinbiyi   32'
Davis   43'
Mullan   70'
Chabala   90'
Stadium: Starfire Sports Complex
Attendance: 4,895
Referee: Edvin Jurisevic
September 2, 2009 Final D. C. United 1–2 Seattle Sounders FC Washington, D.C.
19:30 EDT Wicks   69'
Simms   89'
Report Ianni   25'
Gonzalez   49'
Montero   67'
Vagenas   79'
Levesque   86'
Stadium: RFK Stadium
Attendance: 17,329
Referee: Alex Prus

Friendlies

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July 18, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC   0–2   Chelsea Seattle, Washington
Report Sturridge   12'
Lampard   35'   91+'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 65,289
Referee: Carlos Vences
August 5, 2009 Seattle Sounders FC   0–4   FC Barcelona Seattle, Washington
Fucito   83' Report Messi   21'   41'
Busquets   31'
Jeffrén   75'
Pedro   89'
Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 66,848
Referee: Mark Geiger

Competitions

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Standings

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Western Conference

Pos Team Pld W L T GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 LA Galaxy 30 12 6 12 36 31 +5 48 MLS Cup Playoffs
2 Houston Dynamo 30 13 8 9 39 29 +10 48
3 Seattle Sounders FC 30 12 7 11 38 29 +9 47
4 Chivas USA 30 13 11 6 34 31 +3 45
5 Real Salt Lake 30 11 12 7 43 35 +8 40
6 Colorado Rapids 30 10 10 10 42 38 +4 40
7 FC Dallas 30 11 13 6 50 47 +3 39
8 San Jose Earthquakes 30 7 14 9 36 50 −14 30
Source: MLS
Overall
Pos Team Pld W L T GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Columbus Crew (S) 30 13 7 10 41 31 +10 49 CONCACAF Champions League
2 LA Galaxy 30 12 6 12 36 31 +5 48
3 Houston Dynamo 30 13 8 9 39 29 +10 48 North American SuperLiga
4 Seattle Sounders FC 30 12 7 11 38 29 +9 47 CONCACAF Champions League
5 Chicago Fire 30 11 7 12 39 34 +5 45 North American SuperLiga
6 Chivas USA 30 13 11 6 34 31 +3 45
7 New England Revolution 30 11 10 9 33 37 −4 42
8 Real Salt Lake (C) 30 11 12 7 43 35 +8 40 CONCACAF Champions League
9 Colorado Rapids 30 10 10 10 42 38 +4 40
10 D.C. United 30 9 8 13 43 44 −1 40
11 FC Dallas 30 11 13 6 50 47 +3 39
12 Toronto FC 30 10 11 9 37 46 −9 39 CONCACAF Champions League
13 Kansas City Wizards 30 8 13 9 33 42 −9 33
14 San Jose Earthquakes 30 7 14 9 36 50 −14 30
15 New York Red Bulls 30 5 19 6 27 47 −20 21
Source: MLS
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head record; 3) goal difference; 4) number of goals scored
(C) Champions; (S) Supporters' Shield

Summary

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Overall Home Away
Pld Pts W L T GF GA GD W L T GF GA GD W L T GF GA GD
30 47 12 7 11 38 29  +9 7 2 6 21 10  +11 5 5 5 17 19  −2

Last updated: October 24, 2009
Source: MLSNet.com (archived January 19, 2010)
Pld = Matches played; Pts = Points; W = Matches won; T = Matches tied; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference

Round123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930
StadiumHHAHAHAHAAHAHHAHHHAAAHAHAHAAAH
ResultWWWLLWDDDDDLWDDWWDLLWLDDWDLWWW
Conference111222222233333322242343335443
Overall111222222345544323464565556554
Updated to match(es) played on October 25, 2009. Source: MLS
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Squad

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Statistics are from all MLS matches. Ages are as of March 19, 2009 (the date of their season opener). Source: MLSNet.com Sounders FC Stats. Last updated: October 4, 2009.
Nat No Player Age Pos Starts Apps G A     Acquired
  USA 2 FucitoMike Fucito 19850420 (1985-03-29)March 29, 1985 (aged 23) FW 0 0 0 0 0 0 SuperDraft
  USA 3 EvansBrad Evans 19850420 (1985-04-20)April 20, 1985 (aged 23) MF 23 25 2 2 4 0 Expansion Draft
  USA 4 IanniPatrick Ianni 19850615 (1985-06-15)June 15, 1985 (aged 23) DF 10 17 1 2 3 0 Trade
  USA 5 WahlTyson Wahl 19840223 (1984-02-23)February 23, 1984 (aged 25) DF 9 11 0 0 1 0 Expansion Draft
  CUB 6 AlonsoOsvaldo Alonso 19851111 (1985-11-11)November 11, 1985 (aged 23) MF 24 25 1 3 4 0 Signed
  USA 7 RileyJames Riley 19821027 (1982-10-27)October 27, 1982 (aged 26) DF 26 26 0 4 3 2 Expansion Draft
  USA 8 VagenasPeter Vagenas 19780206 (1978-02-06)February 6, 1978 (aged 31) MF 8 13 0 2 3 0 Expansion Draft
  FRA 9 Le TouxSébastien Le Toux 19840120 (1984-01-20)January 20, 1984 (aged 25) FW 15 26 1 3 0 0 Signed from USL Sounders
  SWE 10 LjungbergFreddie Ljungberg 19770416 (1977-04-16)April 16, 1977 (aged 31) MF 19 20 2 5 6 1 Signed Designated Player
  COD 11 ZakuaniSteve Zakuani 19880209 (1988-02-09)February 9, 1988 (aged 21) FW 22 27 4 4 1 0 SuperDraft
  USA 12 SturgisNathan Sturgis 19870706 (1987-07-06)July 6, 1987 (aged 21) DF 5 9 0 0 0 0 Expansion Draft
  JAM 14 MarshallTyrone Marshall 19741112 (1974-11-12)November 12, 1974 (aged 34) DF 23 24 1 1 6 2 Trade
  USA 15 KingStephen King 19860306 (1986-03-06)March 6, 1986 (aged 23) MF 3 10 0 0 0 0 Expansion Draft
  USA 16 BrownEvan Brown 19870501 (1987-05-01)May 1, 1987 (aged 21) DF 0 0 0 0 0 0 SuperDraft
  COL 17 MonteroFredy Montero 19870726 (1987-07-26)July 26, 1987 (aged 21) FW 25 25 12 6 5 1 Signed On Loan
  USA 18 KellerKasey Keller 19691129 (1969-11-29)November 29, 1969 (aged 39) GK 27 27 0 0 0 1 Signed
  CRC 19 GonzálezLeonardo González 19801121 (1980-11-21)November 21, 1980 (aged 28) DF 9 9 0 0 1 0 Signed
  USA 20 ScottZach Scott 19800702 (1980-07-02)July 2, 1980 (aged 28) DF 6 9 0 0 2 0 Signed from USL Sounders
  USA 21 JaquaNate Jaqua 19811028 (1981-10-28)October 28, 1981 (aged 27) FW 25 26 7 7 6 1 Expansion Draft
  GAM 23 NyassiSanna Nyassi 19890131 (1989-01-31)January 31, 1989 (aged 20) MF 2 14 0 0 2 0 Signed
  USA 24 LevesqueRoger Levesque 19810122 (1981-01-22)January 22, 1981 (aged 28) FW 2 12 1 0 1 0 Signed from USL Sounders
  Puerto Rico 26 GrahamTaylor Graham 19800603 (1980-06-03)June 3, 1980 (aged 28) DF 0 0 0 0 0 0 Signed from USL Sounders
  COL 34 HurtadoJhon Kennedy Hurtado 19840516 (1984-05-16)May 16, 1984 (aged 24) DF 24 25 1 1 8 0 Signed
33 40 56 8

Goalkeepers

Nat No Player Age Starts Apps GA GAA CS Acquired
  USA 1 EylanderChris Eylander 19840314 (1984-03-14)March 14, 1984 (aged 25) 1 1 2 2 0 Signed from USL Sounders
  USA 18 KellerKasey Keller 19691129 (1969-11-29)November 29, 1969 (aged 39) 27 27 23 0.87 10 Signed
  USA 22 DragavonBen Dragavon 19831231 (1983-12-31)December 31, 1983 (aged 25) 0 1 1 1.53 0 MLS goalkeeper pool[86]
  PUR 28 BossTerry Boss 19840314 (1981-09-01)September 1, 1981 (aged 27) 0 0 0 0 0 Signed
26 0.93 10

Transfers

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In

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
19 FW   USA Kevin Forrest (from Colorado Rapids, Free[44])
27 MF   USA Lamar Neagle (Free[58])
No. Pos. Nation Player
28 GK   PUR Terry Boss (Free)
19 DF   CRC Leonardo González (from Liberia Mia, Free[64])

Out

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
DF   USA Jeff Parke (to Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Free[24])
No. Pos. Nation Player
19 FW   USA Kevin Forrest (Released on waivers)
13 FW   NZL Jarrod Smith (Released on waivers)

Player awards and honors

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MLS All-Stars
  • Kasey Keller – GK – First XI
  • Freddie Ljungberg – MF – First XI
  • Jhon Kennedy Hurtado – DF – Coach's selection
  • Fredy Montero – FW – Coach's selection

U.S. Open Cup

  • Sebastian Le Toux – Player of the Round (Semifinals)[87]
  • Fredy Montero – Player of the Round (Final)[88]
  • Kasey Keller – Player of the Tournament[89]

MLS Player of the Week[90]: 173 

  • Fredy Montero – Week 1
  • Kasey Keller – Week 2
  • Nate Jaqua – Week 15

MLS Player of the Month[90]: 176 

  • Fredy Montero – March
  • Freddie Ljungberg – October

MLS Goal of the Week

  • Fredy Montero – Week 1
  • Fredy Montero – Week 2
  • Nate Jaqua – Week 11
  • Nate Jaqua – Week 15
  • Patrick Ianni – Week 17
  • Steve Zakuani – Week 22
  • Nate Jaqua – Week 23

MLS Save of the Week

  • Kasey Keller – Week 10
  • Kasey Keller – Week 21
  • Tyrone Marshall – Week 29

MLS Newcomer of the Year[90]: 165 

  • Fredy Montero

Golden Scarf

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Before each home game, Sounders FC honors a member of the community or special guest with a Golden Scarf.

Date Opponent Recipient Notes
March 19, 2009 New York Red Bulls Don Garber[91] MLS Commissioner
March 28, 2009 Real Salt Lake Jimmy Gabriel[92] NASL Sounders legend Archived July 14, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
April 11, 2009 Kansas City Wizards Robbie Bach[93] Microsoft executive Archived April 16, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
April 24, 2009 San Jose Earthquakes Jimmy McAlister[94] NASL Sounders legend Archived May 7, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
May 10, 2009 Los Angeles Galaxy Meredith Teague 2009 NCAA Div II soccer National Player of the Year Archived April 8, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
May 31, 2009 Columbus Crew Jim Mora[95] Seahawks head coach
June 13, 2009 San Jose Earthquakes Fred Mendoza[96] Seattle Public Stadium Authority (Qwest Field) chairman
June 17, 2009 D.C. United Sue Bird & Swin Cash[97] WNBA Seattle Storm team Archived April 8, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
June 28, 2009 Colorado Rapids Lorenzo Romar[98] UW Men's Basketball coach Archived April 8, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
July 11, 2009 Houston Dynamo Doug Andreassen Washington Youth Soccer President
July 18, 2009 Chelsea Dale Chihuly[99] Glass artist, creator of the sculpture presented to friendly opponents Archived April 7, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
July 25, 2009 Chicago Fire Mike Ryan[100] First U.S. women's national soccer team coach Archived August 1, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
August 5, 2009 FC Barcelona Bill Russell[101] NBA Hall of Famer and Seattle resident Archived January 6, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
August 20, 2009 New England Revolution John Nordstrom[102] NASL Sounders co-founder
August 29, 2009 Toronto FC Michelle Akers[103] Former US Women's National Team striker
September 19, 2009 Chivas USA Alan Hinton[104] Former coach of NASL Sounders

References

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