Established
2007
City
Seattle
League History
2009 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
2009 – Present / Seattle Sounders FC
Nickname
Sounders FC – The Seattle Sounders FC is one of the most successful Major League Soccer teams in history, having won four MLS Cups since its inception in 2009. But what many people may not know is that the team’s nickname has an interesting origin story.
When Seattle was awarded an MLS expansion franchise in 2007, fans were asked to help develop a name for their new team. After much deliberation and debate among supporters, “Sounders” was chosen as the official moniker due to its ties to maritime culture and tradition – deeply rooted within Seattle's identity as a port city on Puget Sound. The name also pays homage to two former professional soccer teams from Washington state: The North American Soccer League (NASL) Sounders of 1974-83 and USL First Division Sounders of 1994-2008.
In addition to being inspired by these historic clubs, “Sounders” was selected because it captures both the spirit of excitement surrounding soccer in Seattle at that time as well as embodying sound waves - which are symbolic of communication between players on the field during matches or chants from supporters cheering them on from stands! This unique combination makes it a perfect fit for fans who want to show off their love for this beloved club whenever they cheer "Go Sounders!"
Championship
MLS Cups 2
2019, 2016
Stadium
2009 – Present / CenturyLink Field
Owner
2019 - Present / Adrian Hanauer (majority), Jody Allen, Drew Carey, Terry Myerson and Katie Myerson, Russell Wilson, Ciara, Macklemore and Tricia Davis, Satya Nadella and Anu Nadella, Amy Hood and Max Kleinman, Joe Belfiore and Kristina Belfiore, S. Somasegar and Akila Somasegar, Chee Chew and Christine Chew, David Nathanson and Sabina Nathanson, Brian McAndrews and Elise Holschuh, Mark Agne and Tomoko Agne
2018 - 2019 / Adrian Hanauer (majority), Drew Carey, Joe Roth, and Estate of Paul Allen
2015 - 2018 / Adrian Hanauer (majority), Paul Allen, Drew Carey and Joe Roth
2007 - 2015 / Joe Roth (majority), Adrian Hanauer, Paul Allen and Drew Carey
- 2009
- 2014
- 2016
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2022
-
Sounders FC Team Formation
In 1996, as Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen worked with the city to build a new football stadium for his team, the potential of an MLS expansion team that could be a co-tenant helped drive public support for the effort. Many of the state’s voters supported the referendum to construct Seahawks Stadium because it was also expected to be a ... -
Seattle Sounders FC first supporter shield
In 2014: The club had its most successful season ever, winning its first Supporters’ Shield as the team with the best record in MLS and its fourth U.S. Open Cup, defeating Philadelphia Union 3–1 at PPL Park. The club also finished first in the Western Conference and qualified for the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year, but lost to LA ... -
2016 MLS Champs
MLS Cup 2016 was the 21st edition of the MLS Cup, the championship game of Major League Soccer (MLS), which took place on December 10, 2016, at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was the second final to be hosted in Toronto, after 2010, and the first there since the cup transitioned away from neutral-site venues. The Seattle Sounders ... -
Seattle Sounders win club-record ninth straight
In 2018: The Seattle Sounders club had another remarkable turnaround season, setting an MLS record with nine consecutive wins after a slow start. The club finished second in the Western Conference and qualified for the playoffs for the tenth consecutive year, but lost to Portland Timbers on penalty kicks after a 4–4 draw on aggregate in the conference semifinals -
2019 MLS Champs
MLS Cup 2019 was the 24th edition of the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS), and took place on November 10, 2019, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington, United States. The match was contested by Seattle Sounders FC and Toronto FC to determine the champion of the 2019 season. It was a rematch of the 2016 ... -
Seattle Sounders FC won Supporters’ Shield
In 2020: The Seattle Sounders FC won its first Supporters’ Shield since 2014 and qualified for the playoffs for the thirteenth consecutive year. -
Seattle Sounders win Concacaf Champions League
In 2022: The Seattle Sounders club competed in its first FIFA Club World Cup, becoming the first MLS team to win the modern version of the CONCACAF Champions League by defeating Monterrey 3–2 at Allegiant Stadium.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Sounders
The Seattle Sounders FC is one of history's most successful Major League Soccer (MLS) teams. Founded in 2007, they have won four MLS Cups and three U.S Open Cups since their inception, making them one of the most decorated clubs in America today. They are also one of only two teams to make at least five consecutive playoffs since 2009—the other being LA Galaxy—and have qualified for 10 out of 11 seasons.
The team’s success can be attributed mainly to its solid fan base and loyal supporters who attend every game, home or away; this has helped create an atmosphere that encourages players on both sides to perform at their best each match day as well as providing a unique experience for spectators watching from afar. The club has become especially popular among local fans thanks to its passionate community outreach initiatives such as the “Rave Green Initiative,” which focuses on giving back through education, health & wellness programs, and environmental sustainability projects across Washington State communities each year.
In addition, Seattle Sounders FC is committed to creating a competitive environment with no shortage of talent; current squad members include international stars like Clint Dempsey & Nicolas Lodeiro, while past greats like Fredy Montero & Osvaldo Alonso remain etched into the memories of many fans around the world even after leaving club years ago due their contributions over time helping build a legacy that continues till date!
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history