The Seattle Sounders will honor former player Jhon Kennedy Hurtado prior to Wednesday night’s home match against the San Jose Earthquakes (7:30 p.m. PT; Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS) as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration.
Hurtado was amongst the core group of players that set the tone for Seattle’s success in Major League Soccer.
“When we started our [inaugural] season in 2009, most of the people that believed in us then, can now say, ‘Okay, [the Sounders] can go to any stadium and play and win and get a championship,’” said Hurtado.
The center back joined the franchise on loan from Deportivo Cali before officially signing with the Sounders in 2010. He spent five seasons with the club, where he immediately established a name for himself in the league and the Seattle sports community.
“It was one of the best experiences that I had in my career,” said Hurtado.
The Colombian international kicked off his time with the club on a high note, finishing the inaugural season as a MLS All-Star and a Finalist for MLS Defender of the Year. He also supported the team to postseason play and an Open Cup title that same year.
Hurtado’s heavy influence on the team continued throughout the rest of his time with the organization, securing two more Open Cups in 2010 and ‘11. He closed out his five-year stint with 108 regular season appearances, 103 starts and 9,123 minutes played.
The center back was affiliated with Chivas USA and Chicago Fire in 2014, but his connection to the Sounders, its fans, and the city of Seattle was something that neither team could compete with.
“Since we played our first game against the New York [Red Bulls], the emotion in the city and the emotion of the fans always contributed to the club,” said Hurtado. “Once a Sounder, always a Sounder.”
Shortly after retirement, he found himself back where he belonged, in Washington state.
“My kids, they were born in Seattle, we have great memories [here], and so my wife and kids together, we decided to come back,” said Hurtado. “We are just so happy to be in Seattle.”
Since his return to the Pacific Northwest, he’s utilized his own soccer experiences to support youth athletes in achieving their dreams to one day become a professional player.
“A lot of people helped me in my career,” said Hurtado. “That's why I want to introduce all the help that I received to help other people.”
Not only has Hurtado coached at youth clubs Seattle Surf, Crossfire and most recently Midlakes United, he has also established his own business, Unify Soccer Training, where he organizes group, individual and goalkeeping sessions.
But, his main priority is to be an encouraging parent to his sons, Gian and Paolo, who are currently a part of the Sounders Academy U-15 and U-16 teams.
“Since they were little and kicking the ball, I practiced with them and I kicked the ball around with them,” said Hurtado. “Whether they make it to the [First] Team or not, I will always be proud of them and I know they are doing great things in the future.”
Upon reflection of his own career with the Sounders and the opportunities it has given his two sons, Hurtado is appreciative of his experiences within the organization.
“This club is doing great stuff, and right now they're doing great with the young kids and that's a [reminder] that they are going in the right [direction],” said Hurtado. “I am so happy to have had the [chance] to play at this club.”
