The 2014 Sounders FC season was comprised of memorable moments from start to finish. Trophy celebrations, extraordinary goals, and historic events away from the pitch were all captured on film. Here is a look back at the 10 most viewed videos from the Sounders FC YouTube channel in 2014.
10) Highlights: Seattle Sounders FC vs San Jose Earthquakes
You will notice a couple of themes in this top-10 list, one of which involves the unbelievable goal scored by Obafemi Martins on May 17. The goal happened less than eight minutes into this 1-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes that kept the Rave Green atop the table.
9) Mike McCready performs the Star Spangled Banner
With a spot in the Western Conference Championship on the line, CenturyLink Field was already going to be rocking on November 10. Mike McCready of Pearl Jam electrified the sellout crowd even more with his brilliant performance of the National Anthem before the Sounders took on FC Dallas.
8) Good Luck, DeAndre!
If you weren’t teary-eyed when you first heard DeAndre Yedlin was leaving in January for Tottenham Hotspur, this video surely did the trick.
7) Goal: Dempsey's backheel leads to a beautiful chip from Marco Pappa
Marco Pappa is ridiculously skilled with the ball at his feet. We all remember his heroic performance against the LA Galaxy that clinched the Supporters’ Shield, but perhaps his best goal of last season came three weeks earlier on a cheeky assist by Clint Dempsey.
6) Obafemi Martins Wins 2014 MLS Goal of the Year
Once it was announced that Martins won 2014 MLS Goal of the Year, we took a look back at all angles of the spectacular chip that you will see one more time in this countdown.
5) Highlights: Seattle Sounders FC vs Tottenham Hotspur
Despite half of the goals coming on penalty kicks, there were plenty of highlights when Seattle hosted Spurs last summer in an international friendly. Following the 3-3 draw, Sounders FC midfielder Osvaldo Alonso said, “We showed today that we can play at any level.”
4) Goal: Ozzie Alonso blasts 30-yard strike past Brad Friedel
Alonso doesn’t score very often, but his goals are always timely and spectacular. This strike from about 30 yards out gave the Sounders a 2-1 lead over Tottenham.
3) Xander Bailey Takes to the Field for Sounders FC
Seattle’s starting lineup against Tottenham featured one extra attacking player: Xander Bailey from Make-A-Wish® Greater Pennsylvania. The 18-year-old took to the pitch alongside his favorite player, Clint Dempsey, and had the game’s first shot on goal before exiting the match to a standing ovation at CenturyLink Field.
2) Wish Granted: Xander Bailey's Matchday Experience
To say that #XandersWish was trending on July 19 would be an understatement. Bailey’s matchday experience was all over the Internet, SportsCenter, and the Sounders FC YouTube channel, where it had the second most views of any video in 2014.
1) Goal: Obafemi Martins incredible chip
Over half a million views…no more words need to be said.
