On Friday night, the Sounders will host Atlanta United in their first-ever match against the 2017 expansion side (7 p.m. PT; FS1, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS). This is the seventh time in Sounders history the club will play an expansion side for the first time. Seattle is 3-1-2 all-time in its previous six matches. Be there Fridayto support your Sounders, but first take a look back at Seattle’s previous first matches against expansion sides:
March 25, 2010 - Seattle Sounders 2, Philadelphia Union 0
Seattle opened the 2010 season with the first-ever match for the expansion Philadelphia Union and gave them a harsh reminder of what awaits teams that come to CenturyLink Field. Goals from Brad Evans and Fredy Montero helped Seattle cruise to a 2-0 win on opening night.
May 14, 2011 - Seattle Sounders 1, Portland Timbers 1
The first goal in Seattle-Portland MLS lore belongs to Alvaro Fernandez and the Sounders, but Portland battled back to earn at point in the first MLS match between the clubs. Seattle would go on to win the first match in Portland later in the season.
June 11, 2011 - Seattle Sounders 2, Vancouver Whitecaps 2
In the two clubs’ first MLS Cascadia derby, Seattle and Vancouver battled to a 2-2 draw in a match that will forever be remembered by one of the best goals in league history, a stunning golazo from Whitecaps forward Eric Hassli. The seesaw affair saw both teams lead, but split the points in the end.
June 16, 2012 - Seattle Sounders 1, Montreal Impact 4
In the only match Seattle has ever lost in its first battle with an expansion team, Montreal steamrolled the Sounders in the inaugural game at the newly renovated Stade Saputo. Felipe opened the scoring in the first half and after a number of chances for Seattle to equalize, Montreal took over in the second half.
May 3, 2015 - Seattle Sounders 3, New York City FC 1
Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey flexed their muscles as Seattle won their first and only match at Yankee Stadium. Martins opened the scoring in the first half, and after an NYCFC equalizer, Dempsey reclaimed Seattle’s lead in the second half. Martins polished the match off with his second goal to secure three points.
August 16, 2015 - Seattle Sounders 4, Orlando City 0
It's been a tough go of things for Orlando City since joining MLS, and OCSC was handily beaten in its only visit to CenturyLink Field thanks to a pair of goals from Martins. Orlando City will return to Seattle on June 21.
