RENTON — A day before the Seattle Sounders are set to celebrate their 50th Anniversary with a host of activities that include the induction of the inaugural 1974 NASL team into the new Circle of Legends, dozens of former players and coaches attended training on Friday.
Among the collection of players were representatives from every era of the Sounders from the NASL to A-League to USL and plenty of former MLS players, including the likes of Lamar Neagle, Mike Fucito, Cam Weaver, Erik Friberg and Gonzalo Pineda.
“It should motivate some of the guys tomorrow,” Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer told reporters. “I hope this whole celebratory thing doesn’t take away from their focus. Minnesota is a good team. But I think they’re ready.”
Among those in attendance were at least two of Jackson Ragen’s former youth coaches. For the Sounders centerback, seeing so many former players was a good reminder of the club’s legacy.
“It’s more motivation to win trophies,” the Seattle native said. “You want to be able to live up to all the championships that have been won here. This club has high expectations and this is a reminder of that.”
Availability update
- Although he didn’t train with the rest of the team, Nouhou will be available against Minnesota United.
- Jon Bell and Nathan were both cleared to participate in the match.
- Braudilio Rodrigues completed a full first-team training session for the first time this year, but will likely feature in a few more Tacoma Defiance matches before making his first-team debut.
- Pedro de la Vega was, once again, a limited participant in training and is unlikely to feature despite being listed as questionable on the injury report.
