Former Sounders and Timbers added to star-studded charity match roster

What if America’s best athletes played soccer? It’s an eternal question. It has an answer. The now annual charity event run by Steve Zakuani continues to expand its player base. In 2017 it includes Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (he also won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks) and six-time Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson (who also played an MLS Reserve League game with Sporting KC). Yes, those guys and Eddie Johnson are huge stars.

The Sunday, July 2, 6 PM game will include a few of the greatest players in MLS history, many Sounders and even some Timbers.

The NFL talents are not the only names coming to the event. A few of Steve’s friends from Portland (gross) will be at Starfire too. This is only a partial list of players that Zakuani released to Sounder at Heart prior to the official announcement.

The list of non-Sounders includes three enemies of the state;

• Jimmy Conrad
• Pa Modou Kah
• Mike Chabala
• Jack Jewsbury

Once and always Sounders who are expected to be there;

• Adrian Hanauer
• Darren Sawatzky
• Nate Jaqua
• Nate Sturgis
• Ash Apollon
• Roger Levesque
• Taylor Graham
• James Riley
• Jhon Hurtado
• Gonzalo Pineda
• Djimi Traore
• Ezra Hendrickson
• Michael Tetteh

These lists are far from complete. Steve will release his full list on Thursday with minor changes expected prior to Sunday’s Zakuani and Friends charity game. Starfire will be full of activities for both families and more. There will be food trucks and various activities.

There are still some premium options available.

If you missed out on that keep checking various social media for what Steve is doing. With Dempsey being in town rather than at the Gold Cup and NFL greats like Marshawn Lynch and Chad Johnson around things will continue to be interesting.