Sounders Matchday #11: Finally!

Posted by Adrienne on July 27, 2010 under Soccer, Sounders | Be the First to Comment

It felt like so long since we saw a Sounders win at Qwest Field in league play that Sunday’s win over the Colorado Rapids was a huge relief and an exciting three hours. We had a great evening with few clouds and warm temperatures (a little *too* warm after jumping and supporting for 90 minutes, but not as hot as other games we’ve attended). That, combined with the Sounders better form and a little luck gave us one of the best matches so far this year.

Josh’s brother was in town visiting us, so he got my regular ticket. After eating a tasty dinner at Ivar’s, taking part in the March to the Match, and listening to the Sound Wave for awhile, Josh and Nathan went into the match. I went back up the street, looking for someone who was selling a single ticket. I got lucky and was able to purchase one for the price I wanted, and scrambled into Qwest to find my very different seat before the National Anthem.

We’ve had some matchday experiences with the “crazy people” – that is, the hard-core supporters who make up the ECS – but they were all away from Qwest: either at Starfire for US Open Cup matches or actual away games in San Jose and Vancouver. Being with the ECS in the Brougham End for a league match was something I wanted to try since part way through last season and this was the perfect time. Though my ticket wasn’t exactly for the ECS section, I knew that the group doesn’t care about assigned seating (standing, really) and that if I could get myself into the section, I would be able to stay as long as I gave my all in supporting the Sounders. Since I do that anyway, I figured I would fit right in. And I did. Everybody was really great and welcoming. I got to wave one of the big flags, and I even got to hold up a two- pole banner a few times.  I knew all the songs, and even though I had to drop out of the second pogo session, I knew that I had contributed to the atmosphere and support of the Brougham End.

Some great play from Steve Zakuani resulted in two goals, and Kasey Keller had another save of the week candidate. New Sounder Blaise N’Kufo (prounounced Koo-FOH) had a rather quiet game, but it’s understandable as it was his first league action in MLS after a full season in the highest Dutch league and an appearance for Switzerland in the World Cup. Whew! He’s probably still a bit tired after all that – and I’m sure we’ll see him make a bigger impact in future matches. Other Sounders that I was pleased to see were Patrick Ianni, Michael Seamon and Osvaldo Alonso, each of whom played fairly well, I thought, although I was a little busy supporting and didn’t see as much of the match as I normally do.

The Sounders aren’t in the playoffs yet for sure. But these three points are a great start and we are feeling much better about the Sounders’ chances in the matches to come!

Final: Sounders 2, Colorado 1 (Zakuani, 8; 17 [assist - Nyassi, Montero])