has nothing to do with Kasey Keller.

Instead, I’m responding to the idea that “people” can’t relate with someone who is not American (see Charles J’s comment above). Frankly, I find that insulting and rude.

I’m an international. I’m also a US citizen. I did not grow up in this country. I live here now. I have lived in Seattle for many years. I love it here. I love the Sounders, and I will support them whether I live here or anywhere else in the world for the rest of my life.

The assumption that hiring an announcer who is not American somehow leaves a “void” for “people” is not only an insulting and untrue generalization – it is especially untrue for me. If anything, I can relate better to this franchise the more they continue to embrace both the international and local aspects of the game (the booth included). In my opinion, that’s one of the greatest things about the sport – it so comprehensively engages both the provincial and the global, simultaneously.

Ross, if your reading this, welcome to Seattle buddy! It really is a wonderful place. I hope the years you spend working for the Sounders organization and living in this town are some of the best and most memorable in your life. Glad to have you as part of the team.

Someone who understands the backseat the game takes in the sporting world and is willing to help out new viewers who might not be the most familiar with the tactics and the difference between good and bad players. At the same time, any competent British announcer should be able to do the same thing, and it sounds like Ross has does his homework on the team and its history.