"The crowds are different, more involved than the old Sounders crowds of the 1970s. They feel more middle class. Soccer in this area used to be an almost elitist sport. Now it feels as if it belongs to everyone."

-- Columnist Steve Kelley on the success of MLS's Seattle Sounders FC, who have already announced their third straight sellout for Saturday's game against Kansas City at Qwest Field (and have less than 1,000 tickets remaining for their next two homes games). (Seattle Times)