The Seattle Sounders are embarking on their last season in the United Soccer Leagues before joining Major League Soccer as an expansion team in March 2009. As the Seattle Times reports, the Sounders would love a repeat of 2007 when they captured a league-best fourth championship. The final campaign begins Saturday away to the Charleston Battery.
"This is a good group of guys, and we like playing together," midfielder Leighton O'Brien said. "I think honestly, we all know the potential is there to play in [MLS]. That will probably make us work harder. But we're just focused on now. Who knows what's going to happen as far as joining the MLS team?"
One thing that might happen is Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer becoming head coach of the MLS club, as Schmetzer was told earlier this week that management was considering him for the job. "I think everyone in the [USL Sounders'] office, the staff and players, know that if they do a good job this season that there's a chance to continue on with the MLS team," he said, adding that believes between five and eight of his guys could make the jump to the expansion club. "This is not a lame-duck season by any means. We signed all our guys back. We're spending money."
No comments yet.
