Seattle soccer fans should be proud
Oct 18, 2011, 2:16 PM | Updated: 2:17 pm
The last two weeks have had so many highs with the Open Cup and the qualification for the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions league. It has been such a great feeling. But 64,000 for a soccer game last Saturday is unbelievable.
Many of us have been involved in soccer for a long time. I have been on the bench for crowds of 97,000 when we played Mexico in Pasadena, Calif. There were USA Cups in the mid-90s and World Cup games. There are games overseas and we all know how popular soccer is worldwide. But this was in Seattle for a regular-season MLS game and a farewell game for a great goalkeeper and man, Kasey Keller.
Seattle, you should be so proud. What you are doing for the sport of soccer in this country is unheard of. The benchmarks you are setting have created a special place for the sport and special recognition for our city.
The outpouring of attendance and affection for our team will never be forgotten. The tribute you paid to Kasey will live on and was superb. The game was not our best but Kasey saved some of his best saves for this special night. The three-save combo was fantastic as well as the first-half save on the Wondolowski header. Then we got our act together and with you cheering us on we scored two great goals to clinch the win. The Clink has never been louder.
So now we prepare for our last CCL game against Monterrey and last regular-season game. All just a prelude to the MLS playoffs. When we host our playoff game we will count on you the fans once again to support us and help us move forward to our ultimate goal of an MLS Cup.
Together all is possible.
See you soon,
Sigi