It begins tonight. A third season in Rave Green, a third season on the premier national tv partner, a third season searching for a greater trophy. Tonight, Hollywood and Madison Avenue and Bristol all come to Seattle. Tonight, under floodlights 36,000 stand proudly.
It begins with Arlo White, and Adrian Healey calling the action. Thirty minutes prior, setting the scene for a game between six designated players, two amazing 2009 Rookies, and two aging keepers. A match-up of the two greatest coaches the league has yet to see.
It begins with a March to the Match. Spawned out of dozens it has grown to thousands. Borrowing from traditions, European, American College, Latino, it is ours. It is Emerald City Supporters, Gorilla FC, North End Faithful. It is not fans, not supporters, but Sounders.
It begins as we gather. In public houses, bars, restaurants, office building and parking lots we will assemble. We will commune with our friends, our neighbors, our seatmates, our wives/husbands/partners. In some cases it has been months since we were last together.
It begins in the morning. We select our apparel. Some will be casual, some in inspired garb. Some in authentic, others in replicas. All in that outfit that says "I am a Sounder" whether I play or not. Scarf in hand or on the neck, it is our talisman.
It begins tonight with another whistle. With a roar. With a boom. This is the most anticipated season in MLS history except for the first. It is a league looking to its North and its West. It is a league seeing many greens and blues. We are but one of those teams. We, Sounders are the eldest of our Cascadia brothers. We will lead with trophies.
Tonight it begins - MLS 2011