Tonight, after thirty-four hard-fought contests, our second season begins.
Ten months have passed since we first stood together on the fields of Starfire in Tukwila, Washington. Thousands of miles have been traveled. Millions of voices have been heard. And because of what you said. Because you believed that this year must be different than all the rest. Because you chose to listen. Not to your doubts or your fears, but to your greatest hopes and highest aspirations. Tonight we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another – a journey that will bring a new and better day to MLS.
I want to thank every Sounder who stood with us over the course of this campaign – through the good days and the bad; from the grass of Tucson to the sunshine of Seattle. And tonight, I also want to thank the men and woman who took this journey with me as Sounders. Together.
The journey will be difficult. The road will be long.
*slightly adapted from a political speech in 2008. Brian Schmetzer didn’t actually give this speech, but he could have.
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Continuing
This journey is not yet over. The goal was not the MLS Cup Playoffs. The goal, our goal every year, is trophies. There is only one trophy left. Our hope, our passion, our sole and enduring focus in 2016 is an MLS Cup.
We need you to help. These efforts need all of you. These men on the field cannot do it alone. We are your hands and feet. You are our voice. Together we are the Sounders, eternal blue and forever green.
The time is now to make Brian Schmetzer's title permanentRegardless of what happens tonight, we think Schmetz has earned the job.
Posted by Sounder at Heart on Thursday, October 27, 2016
In these times we must join together. Greatness is not achieved by a single woman, nor a single man. Greatness is the culmination of us, of togetherness. I am not here as more than you. Every chance of success is upon your effort. Every chance to reach our goals rests on your shoulders.
We are not done. We have faith. We have hope. We have each other. We have tonight and then many more nights. Then, we dance. Then, we rest.
Now, we sing and fight together. Tonight, the people of Kansas City hear us.