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How the Seattle Sounders Showed Major League Soccer How to Win Over America

David Foster Wallace

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Published in The Sound And The Glory: How The Seattle Sounders Showed Major League Soccer How To Win Over America

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Major League Soccer (MLS) has been around for over 25 years, but it's only in recent years that the league has started to gain widespread popularity in the United States. One of the teams that has played a major role in MLS's growth is the Seattle Sounders.

The Sounders joined MLS in 2009, and they quickly became one of the most popular teams in the league. The team has won two MLS Cups, and they have consistently drawn large crowds to their home games. The Sounders have also been a major force in the CONCACAF Champions League, winning the tournament in 2016.

The Sounders' success has been built on a number of factors, including a strong ownership group, a passionate fan base, and a talented roster of players. The team has also benefited from playing in a state-of-the-art stadium, Lumen Field.

The Sound and the Glory: How the Seattle Sounders Showed Major League Soccer How to Win Over America

by Matt Pentz

4.8 out of 5

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In this article, we will take a closer look at the Seattle Sounders and how they have helped to make MLS a success in America.

A Strong Ownership Group

The Seattle Sounders are owned by a group led by Adrian Hanauer and Joe Roth. Hanauer is a Seattle native who has been involved with the Sounders since their founding in 1974. Roth is a Hollywood producer who has been a minority owner of the team since 2009.

Hanauer and Roth have been committed to building a successful soccer club in Seattle. They have invested heavily in the team, both on and off the field. The Sounders have a state-of-the-art training facility, and they have one of the highest payrolls in MLS.

The ownership group's commitment to the Sounders has paid off. The team has been a consistent contender in MLS, and they have won two MLS Cups. The Sounders have also been a major force in the CONCACAF Champions League, winning the tournament in 2016.

A Passionate Fan Base

The Seattle Sounders have one of the most passionate fan bases in MLS. The team's fans are known for their loud and enthusiastic support. The Sounders have a large and active supporters group, called the Emerald City Supporters. The group organizes a number of events and activities throughout the year, including tailgates, marches, and chants.

The Sounders' fans have been a major factor in the team's success. The fans create a great atmosphere at home games, and they help to motivate the players. The Sounders' fans have also been instrumental in promoting the team and MLS in the Seattle area.

A Talented Roster of Players

The Seattle Sounders have a talented roster of players. The team is led by a number of experienced veterans, including goalkeeper Stefan Frei, defender Chad Marshall, and midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro. The Sounders also have a number of promising young players, including midfielder Cristian Roldan and forward Jordan Morris.

The Sounders' roster is well-balanced, and the team has a number of different ways to attack opponents. The Sounders are also a very good defensive team, and they have one of the best goalkeepers in MLS in Frei.

The Sounders' roster has been a major factor in the team's success. The team has been able to win games in a variety of ways, and they have been able to overcome adversity. The Sounders' roster is one of the best in MLS, and it is a big reason why the team has been so successful.

A State-of-the-Art Stadium

The Seattle Sounders play their home games at Lumen Field, a state-of-the-art stadium that opened in 2002. The stadium is located in the SoDo district of Seattle, and it has a capacity of over 69,000.

Lumen Field is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world. The stadium features a retractable roof, a massive video board, and a number of other amenities. The stadium also has a great atmosphere, and it is one of the best places to watch a soccer game in the United States.

The Sounders' stadium has been a major factor in the team's success. The stadium provides the team with a great home-field advantage, and it has helped to attract new fans to the team. The Sounders' stadium is one of the best in MLS, and it is a big reason why the team has been so successful.

The Seattle Sounders have been a major force in the growth of MLS in the United States. The team has a strong ownership group, a passionate fan base, a talented roster of players, and a state-of-the-art stadium. The Sounders have won two MLS Cups and the CONCACAF Champions League, and they have helped to make MLS a more popular and successful league.

The Sound and the Glory: How the Seattle Sounders Showed Major League Soccer How to Win Over America

by Matt Pentz

4.8 out of 5