The 2017 season is in full swing and Sounders FC launched its five-match pack on Wednesday, featuring five of the biggest matches remaining at CenturyLink Field in 2017 against the Portland Timbers (twice), the San Jose Earthquakes, the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids. Click below to find out more information.
Here are five reasons why you should want to come to each match:
Portland Timbers, May 27, 12 p.m. PT.
Why you should come: If “Portland Timbers” were not reason enough, it’s the first home Cascadia clash of the season. The Timbers have added midfielders Sebastian Blanco and David Guzman to their already talented attacking cast featuring the likes of Fanendo Adi, Diego Valeri and Darlington Nagbe, whose matchups against Nicolas Lodeiro, Clint Dempsey and Jordan Morris will showcase the best MLS has to offer. The Sounders earned a resounding 3-1 win over Portland at home last year with two goals from Dempsey and an insurance tally from Cristian Roldan.
San Jose Earthquakes, July 23, 7:30 p.m. PT.
Why you should come: This one is all about revenge. The Sounders looked to have secured all three points in San Jose on April 8, but a 90th-minute goal from Chris Wondolowski salvaged a 1-1 draw. The Sounders downed the ‘Quakes 2-0 at home last year, and a win over a Western Conference foe in late July could be a huge boost heading into season’s final couple months.
Portland Timbers, Aug. 27, 6:30 p.m. PT.
Why you should come: After two trips to Providence Park last year, the Sounders get two home cracks at the Timbers in 2017. With less than two months left in the regular season, Seattle will be searching for every point possible as it looks to be in great form as the playoffs near. A home win over a bitter rival at a pivotal time of year would springboard the Sounders down the stretch — but they need your support to make CenturyLink Field as rowdy as it can be.
LA Galaxy, Sept. 10, 6 p.m. PT.
Why you should come: The last time these two teams met in September of last year, Morris recorded his first career brace, Osvaldo Alonso had a howitzer of a goal from 30 yards out and the Sounders left Carson, Calif., with their most impressive road performance to date in a 4-2 win. Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard are gone, but LA has reloaded with United States national team midfielder Jermaine Jones and French maestro Romain Alessandrini.
Colorado Rapids, Oct. 22, 1 p.m. PT.
Why you should come: Two words: Decision. Day. The Sounders entered 2016’s Decision Day not secure of a playoff spot and in need of a win to guarantee a postseason berth. Against a Colorado Rapids side with United States national team goalkeeper Tim Howard and one of the league’s best defenses, Seattle will need all the home support it can get to take a massive win into the postseason.
