Sounders FC to host Philadelphia Union in 2010 MLS First Kick

March 25 season opener to be televised on ESPN2

RENTON, Wash. – The Seattle Sounders FC will again host Major League Soccer’s opening game in 2010. The Sounders FC will face Philadelphia Union on March 25 on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field. The match will be nationally televised by ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. PT.

“Being selected to participate in the first match of the season is a testament to the passion and energy of our fans,” said Sounders FC Majority Owner Joe Roth. “They have created an exciting atmosphere that is respected by coaches and players throughout the league.”

Philadelphia will be making its debut as the 16th team in MLS. Seattle joined the league this season, and is on pace to break the regular season attendance record. All 14 home matches to date have been sold out.

In First Kick 2009, the Sounders FC hosted the New York Red Bulls on March 19, attracting a capacity crowd of 32,523. Seattle won, 3-0.

The complete MLS schedule will be released in February, 2010. Each team will play 30 games, facing each team twice (home and away).

Twelve other teams will begin play their 2010 season on March 27. It was also announced that Real Salt Lake will host Seattle in its home opener on April 10 at Rio Tinto Stadium.