By Matt Gaschk

Last Wednesday, Roger Levesque watched from the stands at Starfire as the Sounders FC topped Chivas USA 4-1 to advance to the US Open Cup final for the fourth consecutive year.

He snapped pictures with fans at the stadium where he won a championship in the USL in 2007 and earned much of the praise in the six years in the second division with the Sounders that landed him 19th on the USLsoccer.com list of the top 25 players of the decade in 2010.

24 hours later, those same fans learned that Levesque would be retiring after the Sounders meet Chelsea in a friendly match at CenturyLink Field on Wednesday.

That triggered an onslaught of messages on his Facebook page celebrating his ten seasons in Seattle and wishing him well in his next journey as he pursues an MBA at the University of Washington.

Levesque has made a point to involve himself in the community ever since coming to Seattle on loan from the San Jose Earthquakes in 2003 and that has been reciprocated and amplified over the years.

“They’re what make it tick. They are what separate Seattle from everywhere else. Seeing their passion and their support for the team is great,” Levesque said. “It’s been great seeing that transition from the USL days when there was a smaller group, but equally as passionate and equally as fervent in supporting the team. Seeing that grow has been pretty awesome.”

That support skyrocketed on March 19, 2009, when the Sounders FC opened the MLS calendar against the New York Red Bulls in their inaugural MLS match.

“It truly shifted from my perspective the moment I walked out on the field that first game and hearing the roar of the crowd and seeing the support from the city and the excitement and enthusiasm,” he said. “I was absolutely blown away. I was floored.”

Whether it was with coaching youth teams, volunteering at Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House or at public appearances, Levesque has been a mainstay in the community. As his time in those ventures grew, so did his love for all things Seattle. By 2006, he started considering himself a Seattlite and he became an even more ubiquitous presence in the city.

As fans saw him get more involved, they elevated their support, growing closer and closer to the players they were supporting.

“You can really see how much people care and how much it means and that translates on the field – we know we’re not just in it for ourselves,” Levesque said. “It’s not just about the players and the soccer. It’s bigger than that.”

So last week, as word got around that Levesque was hanging up his boots, the messages flowed onto his Facebook page.

The following are just a sample of the messages left by fans in the first hours after the story appeared on the Seattle Times website.

Roger, thank you for everything you have done as a Sounder. You are a stand-up guy, and one of the nicest people I've ever met. We have been so lucky to have you represent our city in different leagues and for so long. Good luck with everything a head of you! I hope very much you still part of the organization, and that we can still hear from you from time to time. - Rachel Sparks

Not enough words to properly express, so I will just say, thank you Roger for the memories and good luck to whatever the future holds for you. Once a Sounder, always a Sounder. - Jacob Cristobal

Roger has always been my favorite Sounder. From my first match in the USL days, until today. He has always played with the passion and dedication I would want every one of our players to play with. His heart is enormous and he's always been one to give back to the community, while loving every minute of it. Every soccer player should strive to be the kind of player Roger is. I know he'll be very successful in his goals of a Masters and working with nonprofits. You'll always be a Sounder, Roger! - Angeline Bounds

Roger, you have been the face of the Sounders to me and my family. The ONLY professional sports team that I like and respect, and it's all because of players like you who truly appreciate their fans and make themselves available whenever asked. The non-profit world is going to be lucky to get someone with your enthusiasm and kind heart. - Donna M Howard

I met Roger Levesque one time when he randomly walked into a coffee shop I was in. I introduced myself, and he seemed happy to talk, and not the least bit put-off by me interrupting his day. 5 months later, while he was making the long trip down autograph row at Starfire, he looked up at me and said, "You're the guy from the coffee shop! How are you?" That’s the kind of guy he is, and why he will be missed. - Brenden Portolese

Roger.. You are the spirit of the Sounders and will be greatly missed! We've followed you from the early days prior to MLS. You always had a genuine smile ready for all, and that openness to share and give is a true gift. I know it will continue to brighten the lives around you! Take care and best wishes! - Arlene Poulsen