Choose fun

Being a fan can be hard to define. In its most common definition (Merriam-Webster) is an enthusiastic devotee (as of a sport or a performing art), usually as a spectator.

We're the people that show up time and again to watch the teams we devote our minutes, hours, days, weeks, lives to supporting. We're there through thick and thin.

Except when it gets too thin. The stands are a bit more empty, the viewership is down – the socials/Discord/comments get heated.

And that's when being a fan can be troubling. Because you're replacing enthusiasm and joy with vitriol and hate. Few are immune from this (certainly not me), especially in the modern era where hate is algorithmically supported.

But you don't have to forgo joy to be a fan. You are under no contract or obligation to support a team that causes you to abandon hope and joy.

You can do other things. Take a walk. Visit a museum. Read a book. Watch The Bear. Get that medical attention you need. Support the other local soccer teams.

Reign FC

Since July 4 Reign are 4-2-1 +4 and surging up the standings. They're looking like a solid playoff team in good form. Maddie Mercado is tied for 11th in goals with 7 scored, with five of those during this summer run. Mia Fishel's presence finally feels like that of a star, opening space for others to run off of as defenses swarm her. With the fourth youngest average age played, Seattle is showing that a team can rebuild while winning. Plus there's more support on the way. They signed Ivorian forward Ami Diallo, one of Africa's top scorers. Lynn Biyendolo is practicing again after her absence for injury and maternity.

This is a team already rising while getting better. Spend some time with them. You'll enjoy it.

Defiance

Judged as supposedly bare of talent heading into the season, many of their best were called up during the Sounders injury crisis. The remaining players decided to win, frequently. After only a shootout win in their first seven games, Paola Nagamura's squad is 9-4 with a shootout win and a shootout loss. They aren't going to win the Pacific this year, but they'll cause playoff troubles for others.

The players that remained during the early Sounders injury wave then earned calls during the late injury wave. They excelled against Chivas and are showing out in limited minutes. The cupboard isn't bare. The pantry is deep and well stocked.

UW men and women

Last year the men won the title. The women made the Elite Eight nationally while winning the Big 10 regular season and tournament. Both teams are built on talent that will play professionally any day now. The women sent more players to the US U20s than most NWSL teams did. The men have seven players with Sounders Academy experience.

While there are other local college sides, it's hard to argue against the talent in Montlake right now.

Play soccer

You don't have to be good to play rec soccer. You don't even need to be an athlete. That's part of why Sounder at Heart and Full Moon Storytelling have both sponsored ECS Pub League at various points.

The community around adult soccer is another way to connect with fans of the game, discover more about tactics and just have fun – because if sports aren't fun you are doing it wrong.

It's up to you to find joy in your fandom. And if the Sounders aren't helping you find the joy of community within the beautiful game you have other ways to do that live and local.

The summer MLS transfer window closes on September 2, 2026. The roster lock date, until which frees and domestic acquisitions can be made, is October 9, 2026. The Sounders have cap space and plenty of roster needs.