Mick Lathrop had the idea four years ago. His wife, Lindy, was all in.
After a trying period of prayers and visiting doctors, Mick and Lindy, two huge Sounders fans, could follow through with the idea they had been waiting for – surprising each of their parents with “Grandpa” and “Grandma” jerseys. They did the grand reveal earlier this month.
“I took my parents to the opening match in 2009,” Mick said. “The Sounders are a huge part of our family. We’re all big soccer fans.”
Mick grew up in Port Orchard, Washington and played soccer through his teen years. A few years later, he realized how much he missed the sport and began watching English Premier League. Soon after, he desired to check out the local USL team and his Rave Green passion blossomed. He’s been a season-ticket holder to the Sounders since 2007, before the club even joined MLS.
“I love the Sounders organization in general,” said Mick, who has traveled to Toronto for both MLS Cups. “We love the Rave Foundation (the club’s official charitable arm) and getting involved.”
Six years ago, Mick relocated to Portland, where he met Lindy. She originally wasn’t a sports fan, but, after a few trips to CenturyLink Field, “she got hooked.”
The Lathrops are still in Portland, where they have found a supporters family with Anchor-N-Rose 48s, which is the official Emerald City Supporters sub-group of Oregon. The group meets at Jolly Roger, a bar in Portland, and the Lathrops join for road matches and each home match they are unable to attend.
The couple’s two dogs are even named – you guessed it – Anchor and Rose.
As for the future, though, Mick laughed off the idea when asked if we can expect a baby Stefan or baby Clint. Either way, we’ll continue to cherish our favorite baby reveal.
“We love traveling to matches, we love our supporters group,” Mick said. “We see Sounders everywhere we go, and it’s awesome to be a part of it.”
