Sounders FC score blockbuster with Dempsey addition

Sounders FC Majority Owner Joe Roth knows a thing or two about producing blockbusters.

On Saturday, the Hollywood producer unveiled his latest, this one donning a Rave Green kit at CenturyLink Field.

Roth took to a makeshift stage on the middle of the pitch before Sounders FC kicked off against FC Dallas, flanked by Owner and General Manager Adrian Hanauer, Club President Peter McLoughlin and the man of the hour – the latest Sounders FC signing, USMNT captain Clint Dempsey.

After a brief video on the stadium screens, Roth introduced Dempsey to the crowd, then the U.S. National Team captain unzipped his hoody to show the Rave Green jersey with Xbox on the front and “Dempsey” over the number 2 on the back.

The crowd of 39,360 erupted, welcoming one of the biggest superstars the league has ever seen.

“I just want to thank you all and the Seattle Sounders organization for making me feel so welcome and at home,” he said through the stadium’s public address system. “ I look forward to getting on the field and playing in front of some of the best fans in the world. I think we’ll accomplish some great things here.”

Another frenzied cheer from the crowd followed and a new star was born in Seattle.

Sometime Thursday afternoon, word began circulating that Sounders FC had interest in Dempsey, who was just one year into his stint with Tottenham Hotspur of the English Premier League after six years at Fulham. By the end of the day, speculation had grown to a full-blown man-hunt, as fans used social media to try and track his whereabouts.

After his introduction, Dempsey made his way to the south end of the stadium and took his position on the capo stand in front of the Emerald City Supporters – many of whom were among those seeking him out two nights earlier. There he furthered the connection to those very fans by signing autographs and posing for pictures before issuing Sounders FC’s pre-game refrain.

“Scarves up, Seattle!”