With the New Year comes the opportunity to set new goals toward self and community improvement. If you're still looking for New Year's Resolutions to start a day late, here are nine ideas:
1. Start playing soccer again. This could be organized adult amateur play that is talent-level appropriate or just going to the park for a kick around. Experiencing the ball at your feet is how many of us fell in love with the game. Do that again.
2. Attend a Reign match. Back at Lumen Field with the potential for large crowds proven via doubleheaders and the Rapinoe Retirement, Reign are ready for you. They offer Olympians and World Cup players, and are always in a trophy hunt.
3. Attend 'minor league' soccer. Defiance, Ballard, West Seattle, Midlakes, Spokane and more offer you the opportunity to see the future and be as close to the sport as possible. Colleges count too!
4. Build a scarf blanket, or something similar. If you're someone who has been a season-ticket holder for more than a decade you have more scarves than you'll ever need (and you'll need them less every year). Turn them into a craft project with a blanket, robe or use them to line the office and reduce noise in that room.
5. Take a first-timer to a pro match. Fan-based soccer evangelism has taken a back seat since the Sounders won their second MLS Cup. It's time to bring it back. Remind your friends and coworkers that soccer in Seattle is a major sport where the teams are expected to trophy.
6. Watch a pro game in a new league. With soccer more available than ever via streaming platforms take the opportunity to enjoy a league you have yet to experience. Maybe that means the AFL or the WSL or Portugal – just do it. Enjoy how other places play the sport.
7. Spend time with the Summer Olympics. There's a rather strong chance that players with Seattle connections will be at both the men's and women's Olympics. Support them as they thrive on an intense international stage.
8. Travel for soccer. This could be as simple as traveling when your own kids or your neighbor's kids do or as complicated as going to Vancouver Island to watch two matches between four road teams during the Concacaf Champions Cup. You don't have to spend a lot of money to travel for soccer – you can though.
9. Tell someone about your favorite website. Because I'm selfish and want you to spread the word about Sounder at Heart. Tell them in reality, forward this email, share it on the social media platform of choice. Spread the word. (Head’s up: We increased the price for the basic membership to $25 on Jan. 1. The prices for the other membership tiers remain unchanged.)
– Dave
Catching up on Sounder at Heart
Did you step away from the computer for a bit? Here are our latest stories.
- Scouting report: Pedro de la Vega
- Sounders previously targeted Brazilian attacker Maurício
- Sound Bite(s), Episode 20: Rumored comings and goings
- Realio’s Ratings: Seattle Sounders vs. 2023, #9-#7
Looking back at the week's news
Tired: Outfielders playing keeper
Wired: Keepers playing striker
Whitecaps FC sign experienced midfielder Damir Kreilach. Croatian midfielder led RSL with 56 goals and added 25 assists since coming to MLS in
LAFC lands World Cup veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris at bargain price. Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who has appeared in 20 World Cup matches, has agreed to play for LAFC for a low price.
Crystal Dunn signs with Gotham FC: 'New York is such a special place'. The USWNT star is returning to her home state to join the NWSL champions
Tierna Davidson reveals she wanted to 'challenge herself to be uncomfortable' by joining Gotham as free agent. Davidson is the latest major acquisition for the NWSL's reigning champions who previously signed Crystal Dunn.
Women's football scouting is budget-constrained - but there are still savvy ways to thrive. Data analytics, homegrown talent and diverse recruitment pillars - women's football scouts are thinking smarter without big budgets.
OKC Energy took another step towards a return with the news that their stadium project funding has advanced.
Pacific Northwest
Rose and Emily are still strongly rumored to sign with Gotham.
Report: RIP, Seattle Sea Dragons?!. The UFL isn’t going to have any West Coast teams.
