Date Taken: 3/6/2016
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA
Event: Sounders FC vs Sporting Kansas City

About this photo: Jordan Morris makes his MLS debut for the Seattle Sounders in this rainy home opener against Sporting Kansas City. Despite a great showing from the homegrown player, the Sounders would fall to Sporting KC 1-0. The Sounders played the final 50 minutes of the match with 10 men after a red card to Oniel Fisher, and Sporting KC’s Andre Coelho was able to land a long shot in the back of the net. Despite the loss to start the season, and a generally slow start overall, Sounders FC would go on to win the MLS Cup in 2016. More on the 2016 MLS Cup. More on Jordan Morris.

Date Taken: 9/29/2001
Location: Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Event: 2001 MLS Playoff match between Miami Fusion and the Kansas City Wizards

About this photo: Chris Henderson celebrates with teammate Johnny Torres after scoring the game winning goal in a quarterfinals match of the 2001 MLS Cup. This win sent the Miami Fusion into the semifinals of the 2001 MLS Cup over the Kansas City Wizards, Henderson’s former team. In the semifinals, the Fusion were knocked out when an extra-time goal was scored by the San Jose Earthquakes, who would go on to win the cup that year.

In addition to his time with the Fusion, Chris Henderson’s MLS career included stints with the the Colorado Rapids, Kansas City Wizards, Columbus Crew and New York Red Bulls, making 304 regular-season starts in 317 appearances and banking 51 goals and 80 regular-season assists. Henderson also played for FSV Frankfurt of Germany and Stabaek in Norway, and earned 79 caps as part of the US National Team. After retiring in 2006 Henderson took an assistant coach position with the Wizards before returning to his home state of Washington in 2008 to join the front office of the Seattle Sounders FC where he remains today.

Date Taken: 7/10/1999
Location: The Rose Bowl in Pasedena, CA
Event: Women’s World Cup 1999 Final match between USA and China

About this photo: Carla Overbeck holds up the World Cup Trophy along with the rest of the US team after beating China 5-4 on penalties to win the 1999 Women’s World Cup final. The match featured two powerhouses of women’s association football. The United States had won the first FIFA World Cup championship and the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics, while China had taken home silver at the 1996 Olympics and had defeated the United States in the final of the 1999 Algarve Cup. The match went to penalty kicks after playing to a scoreless draw during regular and extra time. USA’s goalkeeper, Briana Scurry, saved a shot by China’s third-round shooter, Liu Ying, to give USA the advantage. With a successful penalty conversion by their final shooter, Brandi Chastain, the USA claimed the World Cup title.

Date Taken: August 19, 2015
Location: Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, WA
Event: Sounders FC 2 vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

About this photo: The S2 squad celebrates Sergio Mota’s go-ahead goal in their match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. S2 would go on to win 3-2, a result that was essential to earning them a playoff berth in their inaugural season.

Date Taken: April 25, 2015
Location: Starfire Sports
Event: Spring Youth Indoor BU9 League Championship

About this photo: Armin Hajdarovic controls the ball during the Spring 2015 Boys U-9 Youth Indoor League Championship. The final matchup between Starfire Crew and U.S.A. Stars ended 5-3 in favor of Starfire Crew. Starfire Crew was a house team made up of players from the Starfire Technical Academy, who came together for an amazing, undefeated season of indoor!

Date Taken: April 16, 2016
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA
Event: Sounders FC vs Philadelphia Union

About this photo: Clint Dempsey scans the field during a match against the Philadelphia Union. At this point during the season, the Sounders were off to a sluggish start with a record of 1-3-1. After the match, then coach Sigi Schmid said “We wanted to get a win at home. We wanted to get out of the basement. That was our goal today.” And a win they got. Thanks to Jordan Morris’ first MLS goal, and a second from Char Marshall, Sounders FC topped the Union 2-1. More on Clint Dempsey. More on the Sounders 2016 MLS Cup campaign.

Date Taken: May 4, 2013
Location: Starfire Sports Stadium
Event: Seattle Reign FC vs FC Kansas City

About this photo: Jessica Fishlock of Seattle Reign FC slides by an FC Kansas City defender during the first home match of their inaugural season. Despite a strong showing from each team, the score remained 0-0 until the 69^th minute after a goal from Renae Cuellar of Kansas City, assisted by Becky Sauerbrunn. After the goal, Reign FC really stepped up the pressure and came very close to scoring an equalizer in the last 10 minutes. But, even with some very well put together attacks, Reign FC could not find the back of the net. It was an intense, hard-fought game, but in the end FC Kansas City took home a 1-0 win.

Date Taken: 6/05/1986
Location: Estadio Cuauhtemoc in Pueblo, Mexico
Event: World Cup 1986 match between Argentina and Italy

About this photo: Argentina’s Diego Maradona beats Italy’s Gaetano Scirea and goes on to score for Argentina to tie the game at 1-1 after a penalty goal by Alessandro Altobelli of Italy in the 6th minute of the match. Maradona would score a total of 5 goals during the tournament, two of them would come during the quarterfinals match versus England–one famous, one infamous. The first came when he punched the ball into the net, but the referee neglected to call the handball and the goal was counted. It would come to be known as the  “Hand of God” goal, after Maradona claimed the goal was scored “A bit with the head of Maradona and another bit with the hand of God,” in an interview after the game. Maradona’s second goal of the quarterfinals match–named “Goal of the Century” in a vote on the FIFA website–was scored after dribbling half the distance of the field and blowing past five English defenders. Argentina would go on to win the tournament that year.

In his senior career, Maradona has scored 292 goals in 683 appearances, and played in four World Cups. In 1999, he was voted FIFA “Player of the Century” in a poll on the FIFA website. However, at the last minute, FIFA added a second award, appointing a “Football Family” committee composed of soccer journalists who voted Pele as the best player of the century to make it a draw. As evidence by this split decision, it is often a heavy debate, particutlarly in Argentina and Brazil, as to who the best player of all time is–Maradona or Pele.

Date Taken: 7/04/1999
Location: Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, CA
Event: World Cup match between USA and Brazil

About this photo: Michelle Akers of Team USA jumps in celebration of her penalty kick goal during the Women’s World Cup game against Team Brazil. It was the 2nd goal of the 2-0 win for the U.S. that would advance them to the finals of the tournament. The team would go on to win the finals against China on penalty kicks.

A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team from 1985-2000, Akers is one of the top women’s soccer players in U.S. history. Despite being diagnosed with Epstein-Barr (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) in 1993, Akers’ career was one of legendary proportions. Before retiring just prior to the 2000 Olympics, she logged 105 goals in 153 appearances to become the 2nd all-time leading scorer for the team (behind Mia Ham), 12 of which came during World Cup play making her the all-time leading scorer of the tournament. Among a vast number of awards and honors, Akers has claimed an Olympic Gold Medal (1996), 2 World Cup Championships (1991, 1999), ESPN Athlete of the Year (1985), US Olympic Committee Female Soccer Player of the Year (1990), US Olympic Committee Athlete of the Year (1991), Soccer Federation Female player of the Year (1990, 1991), and FIFA Women’s Player of the Century (2000).

Akers was highly decorated in her soccer career outside of the National Team as well. At Shorecrest High School in Shoreline, Washington she was named All-American three times. While attending University of Central Florida she became the team’s all-time leading scorer, was selected as four-time NCAA All-American, awarded the Hermann Trophy (1988),  and named Central Florida’s Athlete of the Year in 1988-89.

Date Taken: December 10, 2016
Location: BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario
Event: 2016 MLS Cup, Seattle Sounders FC vs Toronto FC

About this photo: Nicolas Lodeiro hoists the MLS Cup after his squad, Seattle Sounders FC, topped Toronto FC in a penalty shootout. The Sounders were an unlikely contender for the MLS Cup mid-season with a record of 6-12-2, but the 2^nd half of the season showcased a dramatic turnaround for the team. The Sounders went 8-2-4 in the final 14 games to earn a playoff berth. A big part of this dramatic shift was the addition of Uruguayan midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro.

Lodeiro began his career playing for the Nacional Montevideo youth team at the age of 14, and continued with the club’s first team until 2010. During his time there, he was known for his speed and control, and was an integral part of helping the club to the semi-finals of the 2008/2009 Copa Libertadores. After Nacional, Lodeiro played for AFC Ajax, Botafog, Corinthians, and finally Boca Juniors before making his way to the MLS Sounders.

On July 31, 2016, Nicolas Lodeiro made his debut for Sounders FC against LA Galaxy—a match that began a 5-game unbeaten streak. During his 13 appearances of the regular-season, Lodeiro logged four goals and eight assists, and helped catapult the Sounders from the bottom of the table and into the playoffs. During the playoffs, Lodeiro’s performance was even more impressive. He became the club’s all-time leading postseason scorer after notching four goals across the four matches His efforts earned him the title of 2016 MLS Newcomer of the Year—a well-deserved honor.

Date Taken: June 12, 2016
Location: Starfire Sports
Event: Starfire Academy Kids Class

About this photo: Our Little Stars stand at attention during a Starfire Academy kids class. Starfire Academy’s kids classes for ages eighteen months to six years are focused on helping youth develop as players and community members through participation in soccer. Part of our progressive Starfire Academy training program, kids classes feature fun, interactive and cooperative games that promote problem solving and teamwork.

Date Taken: May 2, 2015
Location: Starfire Sports
Event: Special Olympics King County Tournament

About this photo: A Special Olympics player settles the ball during a match in the regional tournament held at Starfire Sports. The tournament features teams that have been training for several weeks in preparation, and the top teams from the event move on to the state championships. Starfire Sports has been the host venue for this exciting event for more than 8 years!

Date Taken: 4/14/2012
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA
Event: Sounders FC vs Colorado Rapids

About this photo: Zach Scott celebrates a beautiful header goal off an Alex Caskey corner. The goal came in the 63rd and lifted the Sounders to a 1-0 win over the Rapids, which started off a 5 game winning streak for the team. The goal was the first for Scott in MLS play, though he has contributed to many Sounders wins over the years. Scott has been a part of the Sounders organization since 2002 when he signed with the USL First Division Seattle Sounders, scoring 8 goals in 154 appearances, and joined the Sounders FC MLS franchise in their 2009 inaugural year along with four other USL squad members:  Sebastian Le Toux, Roger Levesque, Taylor Graham, and Chris Eylander.

Date Taken: 5/04/2012
Location: Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, Washington
Event: Sounders Women vs University of Washington

About this photo: Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan celebrate Morgan’s goal during their match against the University of Washington, which the Sounders Women won 3-1. Lyndsey Patterson and Veronica Perez also contributed goals. It was the closest match of the Sounders Women preseason, having won the two prior 5-0.

U.S. Women’s National Team players, Rapinoe and Morgan, joined the Sounders Women in 2012 after the Women’s Premier Soccer league (WPS) was put on hold, bringing great skill and experience to the Sounders Women squad. They are both known as dangerous goal scorers, and have each earned a multitude of team and individual honors throughout their college and professional careers.

During her time at the University of Portland, Rapinoe was named NSCAA First-Team All-American (2005), WCC Freshman of the Year (2005), two-time Soccer America First-Team All-American (2005, 2008), and WCC Player of the Year (2008). Rapinoe can also count WPS First-Team All-Star (2009) as an individual awards, which she earned as a member of the Chicago Red Stars. Rapinoe has played for the U-16 and U-19 National Teams, and was called up to the senior squad in 2006.

California alum Morgan is a Four-time All-Pac-10 selection, NSCAA First-Team All-American (2010), Hermann Trophy finalist (2010). She has also earned a 2008 U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup Silver Ball and Bronze Shoe, Algrave Cup Top Scorer Award (2011), and was named to the short-list for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year (2011). Called up to the senior team in 2009, Morgan made her first appearance in 2010, and had a breakout year in 2011. Team honors for Morgan include a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup (2008), WPS Championship (2011), Algarve Cup (2011), Four Nations Tournament Championship (2011), and an Olympic Gold Medal (2012).

Date Taken: 7/01/2011
Location: Unico Stadium in La Plata, Argentina
Event: 2011 Copa America match between Argentina vs Bolivia

About this photo: Argentina’s Lionel Messi controls the ball during a match against Bolivia. Heading into the game, Argentina was the heavily favored to win boasting home-field advantage and a squad member widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time–Messi. However, Bolivia came out strong, and Argentina found themselves unable to break through. With an early goal by Bolivia in the 2nd half, a stunned Argentina found themselves on the verge of losing a game that was expected to be an easy win. However, the squad managed to salvage a tie thanks to a 77th minute equalizer by Edivaldo Rojas. Argentina eventually advanced to the Quarterfinals of the tournament, but would be knocked out by Uruguay on penalty kicks. 

Date Taken: October 28, 2015
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA
Event: 2015 MLS Western Conference Knockout Round

About this photo: Stefan Frei makes a diving save in the 2015 MLS Western Conference Knockout Round between Sounders FC and the LA Galaxy. Up to this point, the Sounders had never advanced past LA in their three postseason matchups. But, fate was on the side of the Sounders this time, as the thrilling contest ended 3-2 in their favor. The three goals scored set a single-game club record for most goals in a postseason match—a record they would tie the following season. Despite this strong start to the playoffs, the Sounders’ MLS Cup run would end in the next round after falling to FC Dallas during the home-and-away Conference Semifinals series.

Date Taken: October 28, 2015
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA
Event: 2015 MLS Western Conference Knockout Round

About this photo: Brad Evans keeps LA’s A.J. DeLaGarza off the ball during the Knockout Round of the 2015 MLS Playoffs. Evans captained the team to their first posteason win over LA Galaxy. Evans began his MLS career with the Columbus Crew in 2007, and was selected by the Sounders during the 2008 MLS Expansion Draft. Evans started in the Sounders inaugural match against the New York Red Bulls, scoring 24 minutes into the 3-0 win. In his first three seasons with the team, Evans banked 57 game starts, scoring 9 goals and contributing 6 assists. Evans has also competed on the international stage as a member of the United States U20 National Team in 2005 and the senior U.S. Men’s National Team, which he has been a part of since 2009. 

Date Taken: July 7, 2013
Location: Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, WA
Event: Seattle Reign FC vs Western NY Flash

About this photo: Megan Rapinoe sails past Western NY Flash defender, Angela Salem, during their matchup in the Reign’s inaugural season. At this point in the season, the Reign’s record of 2-9-3 left a bit to be desired, but they were on a four-game unbeaten streak that began with their last match against the Western NY Flash. Fans were out in full force with the anticipation of having Megan Rapinoe and Hope Solo of the Reign face off against their USWNT teammates Abby Wambach and Carli Lloyd of the Flash at Starfire Stadium for the first time. It was a great showing from both sides, but the Seattle Reign would continue their unbeaten streak with the 3-2 win thanks to a goals from Jess Fishlock, Megan Rapinoe, and Elli Reed.

Date Taken: July 28, 2012
Location: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO
Event: Sounders FC vs Colorado Rapids

About this photo: Osvaldo Alonso celebrates his goal in the Sounders’ 2-1 win over the Colorado Rapids. The first goal of the match came in the 2^nd minute off a header from Eddie Johnson, but Colorado quickly tied things up in the 3^rd minute thanks to Drew Moor. Alonso’s game-winner was a beautiful left-footed volley that came in the 65^th minute, extending the Sounders’ unbeaten streak to five matches. Despite being his only MLS goal that season, Alonso’s strong performance overall earned him team MVP for the year, and a nod as MLS Best XI for the first time since joining the league four years prior.

Date Taken: July 14, 2013
Location: Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, WA
Event: Seattle Reign FC vs Washington Spirit

About this photo: Keelin Winters heads the ball out of danger during the Seattle Reign’s 2-1 win over Washington Spirit. 

Date Taken: 7/15/1966
Location: Goodison Park in Liverpool, England
Event: 1966 World Cup match between Brazil and Hungary

About this photo: Heading into the 1966 World Cup it was generally expected that Brazil would reach the final, if not win the tournament outright. This expectation was due largely in part to their star, Pele (featured in the photo), who by this stage was the most famous soccer player in the world. But, Brazil was eliminated in the first round with Pele sitting out for all but three matches due to injury resulting from repeated and controversial fouling by the Bulgarian and Portuguese defenders. Though making only a brief appearance in the tournament, Pele scored against Bulgaria, becoming the first player to score in three successive FIFA World Cups. Pele played in one last World Cup in 1970, where he was named player of the tournament after leading his team to the championship.

Though retired since 1977, Pele is still widely regarded as the best football player of all time, as is hailed as a national hero in Brazil. During his career, Pele has scored a total of 1281 goals in 1363 games. In 1999 he was voted “Football Player of the Century” by the International Federation of Football History and Statsitcs and “Athlete of the Century” by the International Olympic Committee and Reuters News Agency. In the second-to-last game of his career, Pele faced the Seattle Sounders in front of a capacity-crowd at Giants Stadium as part of the New York Cosmos, leading them to a 2-0 win.

Date Taken: 4/23/2005
Location: Starfire Sports in Tukwila, WA
Event: Starfire Spring Classic, Starfire Sports Grand Opening

About this photo: A youth player heads the ball over her competitor during the 2005 Spring Classic. The tournament ran during the Starfire Sports Grand Opening event to celebrate the completion of the Starfire Athletic Center. Over 150 youth teams came to compete, and were joined by representatives of Manchester United and US Women’s National Team keeper, Briana Scurry. The Spring Classic celebrated it’s 9th year in June of 2012, and is one of dozens of youth tournaments that take place at the Starfire campus each year.

Date Taken: May 15, 2015
Location: Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, WA
Event: Sounders FC 2 vs Oklahoma City Energy FC

About this photo: 

Date Taken: September 4, 2012
Location: National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan
Event: FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Semi-Final; Nigeria vs USA

About this photo: Morgan Brian (C) of the USA celebrates with team-mates after scoring the opening goal during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Semi-Final match between Nigeria and USA at the National Stadium on September 4, 2012 in Tokyo, Japan. 

Date Taken: February 23, 2016
Location: Juventus Arena in Turin, Italy
Event: UEFA Champions League Round of 16; Juventus vs Bayern Muenchen

About this photo: Paul Pogba of Juventus FC reacts to a missed chance during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Juventus and FC Bayern Muenchen at Juventus Arena on February 23, 2016 in Turin, Italy.

Date Taken: 1/24/2012
Location: BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia
Event: CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying match between the United States and Mexico

About this photo: Heather O’Reilly celebrates her goal against Mexico in a 4-0 victory that would win Group B of the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament for the U.S. team. The team went on to top Group A runner-up, Costa Rica, 3-0 to earn entry into the 2012 London Olympics where they won gold.

O’Reilly has been a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2002, winning 3 Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012), a FIFA Women’s World Cup Bronze (2007), and a FIFA Women’s World Cup Silver (2011). In addition to her National Team experience, O’Reilly has played for the University of North Carolina, The New Jersey Wildcats of the W-League, and Sky Blue FC of the Women’s Premier Soccer league. Among other others, during her career O’Reilly has been named U.S. Soccer’s Young Female Athlete of the Year (2004), ESPN the Magazine All-American Player of the Year (2006), received the NCAA’s Today’s Top VIII Award (2006), was nominated for Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year in 2007, and was ranked 15 on a list of 100 Olympic Athletes to Watch by Time Magazine in 2008.

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Date Taken: June 7, 2016
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA
Event: Copa America Centenario; Columbia vs Paraguay

About this photo: James Rodriguez of Colombia celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during a group A match between Colombia and Paraguay at Rose Bowl Stadium as part of Copa America Centenario US 2016 on June 07, 2016 in Pasadena, California, US. 

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Date Taken: July 5, 2015
Location: BC Place in Vancouver, BC
Event: 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final; USA vs Japan

About this photo: FIFA Women’s World Cup Final: USA Carli Lloyd (10) victorious after scoring goal vs Japan during game at BC Place. Vancouver, Canada

Date Taken: July 3, 2015
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA
Event: Sounders FC vs D.C. United

About this photo: 

Date Taken: 6/11/2011
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA
Event: Sounders FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps

About this photo: Sounders FC Head Coach, Sigi Schmid, directs his team in a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Though playing to a tie in this match, Schmid would add 19 MLS wins to his record in 2011, solidifying his place as the winningest coach in MLS history, a title he has held since surpassing Bob Bradley on October 24, 2009 when the Sounders topped FC Dallas 2-1 to give Schmid his 125th MLS regular season win. In that same season, Schmid led the Sounders to a US Open Cup championship and the MLS playoffs. It was the first time an expansion team had made the playoffs in an inaugural season since the 1998 Chicago Fire when the league was just two years old.

Prior to joining the Sounders FC in 2009, Schmid coached the UCLA Burins, United State U-20 team, LA Galaxy and Columbus Crew. In addition to collecting the most wins in MLS history, during his coaching career Schmid has been named MLS Coach of the Year (1999 & 2008) and NCAA Coach of the Year (1997), has been inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame (1996) and UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame (1996), and has led teams to three College Cups (1985, 1990, 1997), four Lamar Hunt US Open Cups (2001, 2009, 2010, 2011), two MLS Supporters’ Shields (2002, 2008), two MLS Cups (2002, 2008) and a CONCACAF Champions’ Cup (2000).

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Date Taken: 5/11/1997
Location: Merlo Field at the University of Portland in Portland, OR
Event: USA Women’s National Team vs England National Team

About this photo: Michelle French keeps her eyes on the ball during a match against the England National Team, which the U.S. won 6-0. Mia Hamm, Cindy Parlow, Debbie Keller, Kristine Lilly, and Tiffeny Milbrett contributed to the blowout. It was also the match in which French made her international debut in front of a sellout crowd at her college stadium at the University of Portland, where she played from 1995-1999.

Prior to joining the University of Portland Pilots, French made a major impact on her Kennedy High School team. She was the leading scorer and team MVP all four years, won two state championships, was a two-time Parade High School All-American and was named a USA Today Top-25 Recruit. As a member of the Pilots squad, French started all four years, appearing in three Final Fours. Among many awards earned during her time at the school, French was a Soccer America Freshman All-American (1995), All-West Coast Conference first-team honoree (1997,1998), NSCAA First-Team All-American (1998), and Hermann Award for National Player of the Year nominee (1997) and finalist (1998).

While University of Portland, French was also playing with the U-21 National Team (1994-1999). Acting as captain during the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Nordic Cup competitions, French led the team to championships in 1997 and 1999 and a 2nd place finish in 1998. Upon graduation in 1999, French joined the senior Women’s National Team where she remained until 2001, earning a silver medal as a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team. French’s professional career has also included time with the Washington Freedom (2001) and San Jose CyberRays (2002-2003) of the WUSA and the Seattle Sounders Women of the W-League (2004-2009).

In 2002, French began her coaching career with stints at UCLA (2002-2003) and the University of Washington (2005). She is currently a US Soccer Youth National Team Assistant Coach and Scout, and in 2012 signed on as head coach of the W-League’s Seattle Sounders Women.

Date Taken: February 23, 2016
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA
Event: CONCACAF Champions League Quarter-final, Sounders FC vs Club América

About this photo: 

Date Taken: 7/10/1999
Location: The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA
Event: Women’s World Cup 1999 Final match between USA and China

About this photo: Brandi Chastain falls to her knees after scoring the final goal of the penalty shootout that clinched the USA’s 1999 Women’s World Cup win. The image of this celebration was featured on the cover of Time, Newsweek and Sports Illustrated, and is arguably one of the most iconic images in the history of women’s soccer. As part of the US Women’s National Team, Chastain has won two Women’s World Cup championships, two Olympic gold medals, and an Olympic silver medal. Now, Chastain acts as a color commentator on soccer telecasts, and has been heard on broadcasts for both the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics.

Date Taken: April 12, 2016
Location: Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, WA
Event: Sounders FC 2 vs Rio Grande Valley

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Date Taken: October 25, 2015
Location: Starfire Sports
Event: Starfire Micro League

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Date Taken: 6/05/2011
Location: Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX
Event: CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifying match between Mexico and El Salvador

About this photo: Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez of Mexico defends the ball from Eliseo Quintanilla of El Salvador during a CONCACAF 2011 Gold Cup group stage match. Mexico would beat El Salvador 5-0 in the match, with Chicharito (Javier Hernandez’s nickname, which is Spanish for “little pea”) scoring 3 goals. Chicharito would go on to score 4 more times, making him the top scorer of the tournament, and would help lead his team to the finals where Mexico defeated the United States 4-2 to become the Gold Cup champions.

Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez played for Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas de Guadalajara) from 2006-2010, and has played for Manchester United since then. During his career he has been named Premier Division de Mexico Top Scorer (2010), Balon de Oro Best Striker (2010), Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year (2010-11), CONCACAF Gold Cup Top Goalscorer (2011), and CONCACAF Gold Cup MVP (2011).

Date Taken: 5/24/2010
Location: Wembley Stadium in London, England
Event: International Friendly match between England and Mexico

About this photo: Cuauhtemoc Blanco of Mexico in action during a friendly match with England that would end in a 3-1 loss for Mexico. Both teams were using the game as preparation for the World Cup in South Africa. Though Mexico seemed to outplay their competitors in the first half, England opened scoring in the 17th minute off a free-kick, and would keep the lead for the duration of the game. Mexico made things competitive, scoring just before half time, but a third goal from England to start the 2nd half would secure the victory.

Blanco has been playing professionally since 1992 when he joined Club América of the Mexican First Division (Primera División). He remained with Club América until 2007, making brief stints with Necaxa (’97-’98), Real Vallodolid (’00-’02) and Veracruz (’04) while on loan from the team. In 1995, Blanco was called up to the Mexico National Team where he remained until 2010. Upon leaving Club América In 2007, Blanco joined the Chicago Fire of the MLS where he played from 2007-2009, scoring 16 goals and contributing 26 assists during his 62 appearances. He also spent time with Santos Laguna on loan from Chicago. In 2010, Blanco returned to Mexico, playing for Veracruz and Irapuato before landing with Dorados de Sinaloa.

During his career, Blanco has been part of multiple championships including two CONCACAF GOld Cups (1996, 1998), a FIFA Confederations Cup (1999), and a CONCACAF Champions Cup (2006). Individually, Blanco can list  a FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Boot (1999), a FIFA Confederations Cup Silver Ball (1999), Mexican Player of the Year (2001-2002), Mexican Premier Division MVP (1998, 2005, 2006, 2007), Mexican Primera Division Top Scorer (1998), MLS Best XI (2008), MLS All-Star Game MVP (2008), and MLS Goal of the Year (2008) among his many awards.

Date Taken: 7/18/2012
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA
Event: Sounders FC vs Chelsea International Friendly

About this photo: Roger Levesque is hoisted on the shoulders of Servando Carrasco and Mike Seamon at the conclusion of his final game as a member of the Sounders FC squad. A big fan favorite, Roger Levesque has been a member of the Sounders organization since 2003 when he joined the First Division USL Sounders on loan from the San Jose Earthquakes. He signed with the USL Sounders in 2006 and joined the MLS squad upon expansion in 2009. Throughout his Sounders career, Levesque has scored 40 goals in 201 appearances, and has been part of an A-League Western Conference Championship, two USL First Division Championships, a USL First Division Commissioner’s Cup, and three Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Championships. In 2010, he was ranked 19th in the USL First Division Top 25 of the Decade, which announced a list of the most influential players of the previous 10 years.

Date Taken: 4/09/2011
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA
Event: Sounders FC vs Chicago Fire

About this photo: Steve Zakuani scores in the 25th minute against the Chicago Fire, leading to a 2-1 victory and the Sounders first win of the 2011 season. It was Zakuani’s 2nd goal of the season and 16th scored for the club since selection as the number one pick in the MLS SuperDraft in 2009, a year when he scored four goals and four assists and was a finalist for Rookie of the Year.

Two games after Zakuani’s match-winning goal featured in the photo, Brian Mullan of the Colorado Rapids would end Zakuani’s season with a foul that broke his leg. Following an inspirational journey to recovery, Zakuani faced the Rapids once again on July 7th, 2012 in his first MLS appearance since the injury. On September 22nd, he scored his first goal in over 17 months against the San Jose Earthquakes.

Date Taken: 7/17/2011
Location: Frankfurt AM Main, Germany
Event: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 Final match between Japan and USA

About this photo: Alex Morgan of the USA celebrates with teammates after scoring the first goal of the 2011 Women’s World Cup Finals match. This goal came in the 69th minute of the match, a late goal from a strong-looking team that struggled to convert. The USA looked to hold on to the lead, but with less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation, Japan’s Aya Myama tied things up after a defensive mistake the US team. The US took the lead once again when Abby Wambach found the back of the net at the end of the first period of extra time, but Japan was able to answer once again sending the game to penalty kicks. Though a favorite to win the tournament as the top-ranked team in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings and 1991 and 1999 champions, the US found themselves unable to convert three of their penalties. This opened the door for Japan, and they ended up walking away with the title. Just over one year later, Japan and the USA faced off once again in 2012 in the Olympic gold medal match. This time it was the US Women who came out victorious.

Date Taken: 7/06/2011
Location: Wolfsburg Arena in Wolfsburg, Germany
Event: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 match between Sweden and the USA

About this photo: Defender Christie Rampone of the USA keeps her eye on the ball during a Group C match with Sweden. The USA lost the match 2-1, putting them 2nd place in their group which would cause them to face off against tournament power Brazil in the quarterfinals. Having competed in all six World Cups, this was the first time the US had lost a game in group play. After surpassing Brazil and then France, the USA faced Japan in the finals. The match would head to penalty kicks, and Japan would take the title.

Christie Rampone has been a member of the U.S. National Team since 1997, and has been team captain since 2008. With the team, she has earned three Olympic Gold Medals (2004, 2008, 2012) and a World Cup Championship (1999). In addition to her time with the National Team, Rampone has played with the Central Jersey Splash and New Jersey Lady Stallions of the w-League, the New York Power of the Women’s United Soccer Association, and Sky Blue FC and magicJack of the WPS. In 2009 she was honored as WPS Sportswoman of the Year after leading her team to the playoffs while serving as both player in coach for the team.

Date Taken: 3/04/2011
Location: Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, Washington
Event: Cascadia Summit match between the Sounders FC & Portland Timbers

About this photo: The Emerald City Supporters cheer on the Sounders FC as they take on the Portland Timbers during the 2011 Cascadia Summit at Starfire. The event celebrated the first season where the Sounders, Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps would all play in the MLS. The Cascadia Summit was named after the Cascadia Cup, a trophy created in 2004 by supporter groups of the three Pacific Northwest teams awarded to the team with the best record in the season series between the rivals. The Cup was first awarded when the three teams were part of the USL, and continue between Portland and Vancouver when the Sounders moved to the MLS in 2009.

Though not fairing so well during the Cascadia Summit, falling to both Vancouver and Portland, the Sounders would go on to win the Cascadia Cup during the 2011 MLS season. This would be the third time the Sounders won the Cup. Vancouver took the title in 2004, 2005 and 2008; Portland in 2009 and 2010; and Seattle in 2006, 2007 and now 2011. The fate of the 2012 Cascadia Cup rests on the October 21st match between the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Portland Timbers, when the Timbers will have the chance to overtake the Sounders who currently sit at the top of the table.

Date Taken: 5/14/2011
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington
Event: Cascadia Cup match between Seattle Sounders FC and Timbers FC

About this photo: The Emerald City Supporters display an impressive tifo at the first MLS matchup on Sounders pitch between the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers. The grand scale of the tifo is a testament to the long-standing rivalry between the teams, which has spanned across several leagues including the USL First Division, A-Leage, NASL, and now Major League Soccer. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most well known and bitter rivalries in American soccer. Featured in the tifo are stars from Sounders history, including Jimmy Gabriel, Preston Burpo, Fredy Montero, Marcus Hahnemann, Brian Schemtzer and Roger Levesque. The 48 seconds noted under Roger Levesque’s likeness references the 2009 Open Cup match between Seattle and Portland when Levesque scored in the first 48 seconds of the match, which the Sounders would go on to win 2-1.

In this match the Sounders and Timbers would play to a 1-1 draw in front of a raucous crowd of 36,593. Though picking up only one point here, the Sounders would eventually take home the 2011 Cascadia Cup, after going undefeated in the series with the Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps.

Date Taken: 9/09/2010
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington
Event: Sounders FC vs Real Salt Lake

About this photo: Kasey Keller makes a diving save against Real Salt Lake to maintain a 0-0 draw. Heading into the match, the Sounders record sat at 9-9-5. After this match, the Sounders would go on a 5-game winning streak, finishing out the regular season at 14-10-6, placing them 6th in the MLS standings heading into the 2010 playoffs. During the 2010 MLS regular season, Keller faced 119 shots and made 82 saves, the 5th highest in the MLS that year. More on Kasey Keller…  

Date Taken: June 20, 2012
Location: Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, Washington
Event: Sounders Women vs Pali Blues

About this photo:

About the Sounders’ 2016 MLS Cup Run: 

Date Taken: December 10, 2016
Location: BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario
Event: 2016 MLS Cup Final, Sounders FC vs Toronto FC

About this photo: Osvaldo Alonso hoists the MLS Cup trophy in celebration of the Sounders’ first championship. 

Date Taken: December 13, 2016
Location: Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion in Seattle, WA
Event: Sounders FC 2016 MLS Cup Victory Rally

About this photo: Roman Torres displays the 2016 MLS Cup trophy to fans at the victory rally. The rally was held in the Fisher Pavilion following a parade through downtown Seattle. 

About the Sounders’ 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup run: 

Date Taken: September 6, 2014
Location: PPL Park in Chester, PA
Event: 2014 US Open Cup Final; Sounders FC vs Philadelphia Union

About this photo: Clint Dempsey shows off the first piece of hardware he earned as part of Seattle Sounders FC.

Date Taken: September 6, 2014
Location: PPL Park in Chester, PA
Event: 2014 US Open Cup Final; Sounders FC vs Philadelphia Union

About this photo: Brad Evans lifts the 2014 US Open Cup trophy after topping the Union 3-1.

About the Sounders’ 2014 MLS Season: 

Date Taken: October 25, 2014
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA
Event: 2014 Supporters Shield Celebration

About this photo: Gonzalo Pineda shows off the hardware surrounded by his teammates after securing the Supporters Shield. 

Date Taken: October 25, 2014
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA
Event: 2014 Supporters Shield Celebration

About this photo: Lamar Neagle proudly raises the Supporters Shield in front of 57.673 fans. 

About the Sounders’ 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Run: In 2011 the Sounders would begin their run at a 3rd consecutive Open Cup title at Starfire Sports Stadium, facing off against another Seattle-area team–the Kitsap Pumas of the PDL. Mike Fucito scored both goals for the Sounders in the 2-1 win, the first in the 39th minute off a Nate Jaqua assist, and the 2nd in the 62nd. A 71st minute goal by the Pumas’ Nikolas Besagno and an impressive performance from goalkeeper Bryan Meredith–a 2011 Sounders FC trainee and current squad member–kept the team in the game until the final minutes, but the Sounders would maintain control of the game to advance to the quarterfinals.

For the 2nd straight year, the Sounders would face the LA Galaxy on Starfire pitch in the quarterfinals of the tournament. The Sounders came out strong with Nate Jaqua putting them up 1-0 in the 4th minute of the match and Fredy Montero upping the lead to 2 in the 25th. Adam Cristman of the Galaxy put the team within striking distance with a goal in the 40th minute, but Lamar Neagle would seal the 3-1 win for the Sounders off a cross from Alvaro Fernandez with just over 15 minutes left in regular time.

The Sounders took to Starfire pitch for the last time during the 2011 Open Cup to face FC Dallas in the semifinals. The first half saw the Sounders outshoot Dallas 11-5 and a beautiful left-footed goal by Fredy Montero to put the team up 1-0. Things slowed for the Sounders in the 2nd half and Dallas threatened to tie things up on several occasions. But the Sounders held on for the win, continuing their undefeated status in Open Cup games played at Starfire Sports, a streak that started in the NASL and has continued through the MLS era of the team.

With their win against FC Dallas the Sounders advanced to the 98th Open Cup final, which took place in front of over 35,000 fans at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The match between the Sounders and the Chicago Fire saw both teams vying for their chance at making history. The Sounders looked to become the first team since 1969 to win three straight championships, while the Fire had the opportunity to become one of only three teams to have five cups to their name. The importance of the game was evident on the field with fast-paced, physical play on both sides. Despite several close calls in the first half, the first goal of the match would not come until the 77th minute when a rebound off a saved header by Mike Fucito found the feet of Fredy Montero to put the Sounders up 1-0. Though the Fire continued to put pressure on the Sounders throughout the game, Osvaldo Alonso secured the Sounders in the 6th minute of stoppage time, faking out his defender and Fire goalkeeper, Sean Johnson, and laying the ball into an open net.

With the 2-0 win it would be the Sounders who would put their names in the record books that year. The team joined the the Fall River Marksmen (1930, ’31, ’32), Stix Baer and Fuller (1933, ’34, ’35), and the Greek Americans SC (1967, ’68, ’69) as three-peat champions, accomplishing to feat for the first time in over 40 years.

Date Taken: 10/04/2011
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington
Event: 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final – Sounders FC vs Chicago Fire

About this photo: Jhon Kennedy Hurtado hoists the U.S. Open Cup trophy in celebration of the Sounders’ 3rd straight championship win. More on the 2011 U.S. Open Cup…

Date Taken: 10/04/2011
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington
Event: 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final – Sounders FC vs Chicago Fire

About this photo: The Sounders squad celebrates a 3rd straight Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championship in front of a home crowd. More on the 2011 U.S. Open Cup…

About the Sounders’ 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Run: In 2010, the Sounders were the defending champions of the U.S. Open Cup. They entered the tournament in the Round of 16, and for the 2nd straight year would head to Portland to play the USL Timbers in their opening match. The Sounders opened the scoring when Nate Jaqua hit a header inside the far post on an assist from Sanna Nyassi. Portland would even things out in the 38th minute, and the match would head to extra time. Things were tense for Sounders fans as the team found themselves playing down a man in the final 19 minutes of extra time when Taylor Graham was issued a 2nd yellow card and ejected from the match. However, the Sounders would hold on to send the game to penalty kicks. Kasey Keller saved two of Portland’s 5 attempts, giving the Sounders a 2 goal advantage. With Patrick Ianni knocking his attempt off the crossbar, and Portland evening things out at 3-3, all eyes were on Zach Scott whose successful attempt sent Seattle through to the quarterfinals.

The Sounders returned home to Starfire Sports to face the LA Galaxy in the quarterfinals match. Once again, it would be Nate Jaqua who would score first, heading in a ball off a shot by Miguel Montano that rebounded off the crossbar in the 50th minute. Less than 15 minutes later, Jaqua would land another header off a cross from Montano that resulted in a 2-0 win for the Sounders. It would be the 4th consecutive year that a Sounders squad would see the semifinals of the tournament.

The semifinals would see Seattle and Chivas USA compete on the Starfire pitch. Nate Jaqua would continue to prove valuable, scoring 2 of the 3 goals in the Sounders’ 3-1 win. The first came off a Zakuani assist in the 10th minute. Zakuani logged a 2nd assist, setting up Montero for a goal that put the Sounders up 2-0 59th. Chivas USA put themselves back in the game when Jesus Padilla shot one past Kasey Keller in the 69th minute, but Jaqua wrapped things up for the Sounders in stoppage time, scoring yet another header goal off a cross from Roger Levesque. With 5 goals in 3 games, Jaqua was a tournament goalscoring leader, earning U.S. Open Cup Player of the Tournament.

For the 2010 final, the Sounders benefitted from home-field advantage in front of a record-breaking crowd at CenturyLink Stadium. The 31,311 in attendance far surpassed the previous record of 21,583 set in 1929 when New York Hakoah defeated the Madison Kennel Club of St. Louis. The Sounders would make history twice more that evening. Though falling behind in the 24th minute, Sanna Nyassi would would score twice to deliver the Sounders a 2-1 victory and a 2nd straight U.S. Open Cup title. Nyassi was the first player in the Professional Era of the Cup (1995-present) to score twice in a final, and the Sounders became the first team to repeat as champions during the MLS era, a feat that had not been accomplished since the New York Pancyprian Freedoms in 1983. 

Date Taken: 10/05/2010
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington
Event: 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Finals – Sounders FC vs Columbus Crew

About this photo: Fredy Montero hoists the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy in celebration of the Sounders 2nd straight championship. More on the 2010 U.S. Open Cup…

Date Taken: 10/05/2010
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington
Event: 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Finals – Sounders FC vs Columbus Crew

About this photo: Osvaldo Alonso hoists the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy with help from Sanna Nyassi in celebration of the Sounders 2nd straight championship. More on the 2010 U.S. Open Cup…

About the Sounders’ 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Run: The APSL Sounders first played in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in 1995, and in 2009 made their first run for the cup as an MLS franchise. In the two years leading up to the 2009 tournament, the Sounders advanced to the semifinal round. In 2007, they lost to FC Dallas, playing over 120 minutes, with three goals being scored between the two teams in AET. In 2008, they fell to the Charleston Battery in PKs after playing to a 1-1 tie.

The Sounders entered the 2009 tournament in the 3rd round, playing their first match in Portland against the USL Timbers. Roger Levesque would score in the first minute of the game–an infamous goal and goal celebration during which Nate Jaqua mimicked chopping him down like a tree and he fell to the turf. In the next match, they faced the Kansas City Wizards right here at Starfire Sports. An 89th minute penalty kick goal from Sebastian Le Toux would advance the Sounders to the Semifinals against the Houston Dynamo. On their home turf at Starfire once again, the Sounders topped the Dynamo 2-1 with two late goals; one by Nate Jaqua in the 89th, and a second by Stephen King in the 94th.

On September 2, 2009 the Sounders faced defending champions D.C. United at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. in the tournament finals. The Sounders would score first when Fredy Montero converted a loose ball on a rebound from a save by D.C. goalkeeper, Josh Wicks. After the goal, Wicks and Montero collided, and Wicks was issued a red card when it appeared he stomped on Montero. With that call, the Sounders were now playing a man up, with a back up GK in net for their competitor. The team capitalized on the advantage, and Roger Levesque on an assist from Sebastien Le Toux would put the Sounders up by 2 with 4 minutes left in regular time. D.C. United would knock one in at the 89th, but it was too little too late for the defending champs. With the win, the Sounders became the 2nd MLS team to win the Open Cup in their inaugural season, joining the 1998 Chicago Fire in the honor.

Date Taken: 10/05/2010
Location: CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington
Event: 2010 Open Cup Final between Sounders FC and

About this photo: Fans carry the 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy to the 2010 Open Cup Final during the March to the Match. More on the 2009 U.S. Open Cup…

Date Taken: 9/02/2009
Location: RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.
Event: 2009 Open Cup Final between Sounders FC & D.C. United

About this photo: Kasey Keller lifts the 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy after defeating D.C. United 2-1 in the final. More on the 2009 U.S. Open Cup…