After four seasons as the play-by-play voice of Sounders FC, broadcaster Ross Fletcher is set to depart the club at the conclusion of the 2015 campaign. While he’ll continue to call the club’s potential matches throughout the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs on KIRO Radio, it’s possible that Sunday’s regular season finale against Real Salt Lake will be Fletcher’s final TV appearance for the Rave Green based on Major League Soccer’s postseason broadcast schedule.
Before Fletcher moves on to his next broadcasting opportunity, he wishes to thank the organization and fan base that have meant so much to him since moving Stateside to work for Sounders FC in 2012.
“I have had a very enjoyable four years with the Sounders' amazing broadcast team,” said Fletcher. “I would like to thank Joe Roth, Adrian Hanauer and the Sounders organization. I’d also like to thank Dave Pearson, Brian O'Connell and Matt Johnson for bringing me to the U.S. to experience the continued rise of Major League Soccer.”
Fletcher also took time to acknowledge the club’s players and fans for making his experience in Seattle so memorable.
“I would like to thank the Sounders players for providing some amazing moments on which to commentate," he said. "Most importantly, I want to say a huge thank you to the fans, who since my first day here have been incredibly supportive. My family and I consider Seattle as home and we will always cherish the way in which the fans accepted us. I would like nothing more than to finish my time here by repaying them with a winning Sounders goal call in the MLS Cup Final.”
Added Sounders FC Owner Adrian Hanauer: “Ross has been a strong ambassador for our club over the past four seasons and a dedicated steward of our broadcast properties. We wish him every success on his next opportunity, and we’d like to thank him for his service to the organization.”
The Rave Green are set to face Western Conference rival Real Salt Lake in the club’s fourth and final full- stadium contest of 2015 on Sunday. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m. PT as part of MLS Decision Day, and the match is being carried on JOEtv, Kiro Radio 97.3 FM and El Rey 1360 AM. Seattle is aiming to qualify for its seventh consecutive MLS postseason berth in as many seasons since entering the league in 2009.
