Club leadership pens open letter to the best supporters in MLS

February 3, 2022

From: Adrian Hanauer, Peter Tomozawa, Garth Lagerwey and Sounders FC Leadership 

To: The Best Fans and Supporters in MLS

As Sounders FC stands ready to embark upon the 2022 season – our 14th in Major League Soccer, but just a part of the celebrated story of the Sounders name that stretches back to 1974 – we look forward to what awaits. The years that have brought us to this point are filled with history, from Memorial Stadium to Lumen Field. There are the thrilling victories, trophies won, and, most importantly, the echoing sounds of your singing and cheering, rain or shine, no matter the result. We have our storied history because of you, our fans, and your passion for this club and its players. We are eager to build upon that history side-by-side. 

While the start of every season brings excitement and hope, we think 2022 may be our most special year yet, and we invite you to be a part of every step. 

On the pitch, our club has assembled one of the strongest rosters in Rave Green history, and Brian Schmetzer and his staff are coaching these players to get the most out of a very talented group. With new Designated Player Albert Rusnák joining a squad that has three MLS Best XI players from last year, and nine former MLS All-Stars in total, we can’t wait to watch this team play. Sounders FC’s ultimate goal remains winning championships, and we believe 2022 provides a tremendous opportunity to add a third star to our crest.

While the team’s success is a primary focus, we’re also excited about the moves our organization is making off the field. Our official Social Justice Framework continues to guide our efforts to positively affect the community and is a long-term commitment to working toward a more equitable future for all. After a productive weekend hosting a delegation from FIFA and showing off the Emerald City last fall, we’re eagerly anticipating the announcement of final host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this spring. We believe that FIFA saw what we all see daily on Puget Sound: that our world class region is ready to host the biggest sporting event on the planet. 

Additionally, as the club approaches its 50th anniversary in 2024, we have some significant plans on the horizon to celebrate our past and build toward our future. We wouldn’t be where we are today without you, and we want everything we do as an organization to reflect that deep, abiding connection, and our dedication to Democracy in Sports. As we begin to share details of what’s in store, we’re going to ask for you to make yourselves heard and help shape what’s next for Sounders FC.

Thank you for your voices and support. You always give your full 90, and we can’t wait to see you – and hear you – wherever we may go.

Note: You can also view the letter HERE.