RENTON , WASH.  – Supporters of the Seattle Sounders FC have voted to name their members association the Sounders FC Alliance and the team’s marching band is now known as the Sound Wave, it was announced today.

Sounders FC Alliance won with 43 percent and Sound Wave finished with 50 percent in the voting which concluded at midnight Dec. 1.

“Once again, the people have spoken,” said Drew Carey, the minority owner who will serve as chairman of the Sounders FC Alliance. It was Carey who conceived of the idea that the new Major League Soccer franchise would embody Democracy in Sports, giving fans a voice in the club’s direction.

“I’m excited about the Alliance because this is all about the fans having their say, and they’ve chosen their name,” added Carey. “I am also perfectly happy with Sound Wave because, first, I voted for it, and the name just sounds right for a marching band.”

FSN serves as presenting sponsor of the Sounders FC Alliance.

Membership in Sounders FC Alliance is complimentary for season ticket holders, and non-season ticket holders can join for an annual fee of $125. Benefits include voting privileges, membership pin, membership card, discount at team shops, an invitation to the annual meeting, electronic newsletters during the season, an annual team report and more.

The 53-piece marching band, the first of its kind in MLS, was also the brainchild of Carey. The Sound Wave will next perform, along with the Blue Thunder, at halftime of the Sunday, Dec. 7, Seahawks game at Qwest Field.

Voting was primarily conducted online, beginning Nov. 20. Each category featured three choices of names, plus a write-in option.

Finishing second in the balloting was Sounders FC Members Association (32 percent) and, for the band, Green Machine (31 percent).