It's Soccer Season Again!

While the new Major League Soccer season doesn't officially start until March 6th, our Sounders and a few other teams are playing in an international tournament. 

Tuesday night the Sounders hosted Club America, Mexico's top club, at Century Link Field. Naturally, we were there.  Over 42,000 fans attended, many of them rooting for the Mexican club. It was a vibrant atmosphere. 

This was the view of the city as we arrived via the Link light rail.

 By the time we arrived at Pioneer Square Station and strolled a bit, it was time to form up for the march to the match.  It felt good join in the singing and chanting again. 

The weather was dry and mild, good for eating our stadium food dinner out on the concourse on the upper level. Hot Ivar's clam chowder hit the spot. 

 Gradually the stadium filled with fans and the Emerald City Supporters had a nice little tifo display for the occasion.  

 It was an exciting match with the Sounders scoring first and the visitors answering each time for a final score of 2-2. The second leg of the quarterfinal will be next week in Mexico City. We'll have to watch that one on TV. 

I love the view of the city as we walk down the ramp from the top of the stadium. The stadium is reflected in the mirror-like windows of a new condominium. 

 We traveled home under an almost full moon in an almost clear sky. 

It was a good start to what will be a long, and hopefully fun, season.