2009 Seattle Sounders Home – XL

The 2009 season was the inaugural MLS campaign for Seattle Sounders FC, and it remains one of the most successful debuts in league history.

• Major League Soccer: Seattle finished 3rd in the Western Conference and 4th overall with 47 points (12 wins, 11 draws, 7 losses). They qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs, where they reached the Western Conference Semifinals before falling to the Houston Dynamo (1–0 on aggregate after extra time).

• U.S. Open Cup: The Sounders won the 2009 U.S. Open Cup, defeating D.C. United 2–1 in the final at RFK Stadium. They became the first MLS expansion team in more than a decade to win a major trophy in their debut season.

• Key Storylines:

  • The club’s launch was a phenomenon — averaging 30,943 fans per match, instantly setting an MLS attendance record.

  • The Sounders signed global stars like Freddie Ljungberg and Kasey Keller alongside South American talents such as Fredy Montero and Osvaldo Alonso, creating a balanced roster.

  • Head coach Sigi Schmid molded them into a competitive unit immediately, setting the foundation for future success.

• Kit: The inaugural 2009 home jersey, made by Adidas, featured the now-iconic “Rave Green” with blue sleeves and white trim. It established the visual identity of the club, instantly recognizable worldwide.

2. Player’s Impact – Key Figures in 2009

Since you didn’t specify one player, here are the major contributors in Seattle’s first MLS season:

• Fredy Montero (Forward): Scored 12 goals and 7 assists, winning the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award. His debut brace against New York Red Bulls in Seattle’s first-ever MLS match (3–0 win) remains legendary.

• Kasey Keller (Goalkeeper): U.S. international and club captain, he kept 10 clean sheets and provided leadership and star power.

• Freddie Ljungberg (Midfielder): Former Arsenal and Sweden star, added creativity and experience with 2 goals and 9 assists despite injury spells.

• Osvaldo Alonso (Midfielder): A rock in defensive midfield, earning the nickname “Honey Badger.” His work rate and ball-winning ability became the backbone of the team.

• Steve Zakuani (Winger): The #1 pick in the MLS SuperDraft, provided pace and flair on the left flank, scoring 4 goals and adding 4 assists.

Together, these players gave Seattle an immediate identity as a dynamic, competitive side.

3. Full Squad List – Seattle Sounders FC 2009

Manager: Sigi Schmid

Goalkeepers:

• Kasey Keller

• Ben Dragavon

• Chris Eylander

Defenders:

• Tyrone Marshall

• Jhon Kennedy Hurtado

• James Riley

• Zach Scott

• Tyson Wahl

• Taylor Graham

• Leonardo González (mid-season signing from Costa Rica)

• Evan Brown

Midfielders:

• Freddie Ljungberg

• Osvaldo Alonso

• Brad Evans

• Stephen King

• Roger Levesque (also used as a forward)

• Peter Vagenas

• Sebastián Le Toux (often played wide or second striker)

• Sanna Nyassi

• Kevin Forrest

Forwards:

• Fredy Montero

• Nate Jaqua

• Steve Zakuani

• Lamar Neagle (youth signing, limited appearances)