The 2014 Seattle Sounders FC season can be described in many ways, but it always comes back to one: best.
In October, the Sounders found themselves atop the Western Conference and breaking the record for games won in the post-shootout era. At the midpoint of the season, the club sat 10 points above any other team in the league.
(See that straight line? That's a good thing!)
Individuals set records and the season ushered in personal success for many different players. Chad Marshall was awarded his third Defender of the Year for an outstanding season, goalkeeper Stefan Frei had a remarkable return to a starting spot, Obafemi Martins dazzled with 17 goals, and the club watched two of its starters make a major impact in Brazil during the FIFA World Cup.
After 34 regular-season matches, the team made a deep run in the MLS Cup Playoffs — its sixth straight playoff appearance — and reached its second Western Conference Championship. The club lifted two major trophies: In September the Rave Green brought home their fourth Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and in October the Sounders clinched the Supporters’ Shield in front of 57,673 at CenturyLink Field.
Over the next week, we’re looking back at the moments that made this season memorable. Some of them were plays on the pitch, and others happened behind the scenes. Each one contributed to the success of the Sounders as a team and as an organization. We are excited to share the memories with you and look forward to making more in 2015.
Top 10 Stories of 2014
10: Xander Bailey
9: Chad Marshall
8: Sounders FC 2
7: Sigi Schmid
6: World Cup
5: 40th Anniversary
4: Obafemi Martins
3: DeAndre Yedlin
2: Lamar Hunt US Open Cup
1: Supporters' Shield
