The boys are back in town.
On Saturday, Sounders FC will host its Cascadia rival, the Vancouver Whitecaps, at CenturyLink Field (7:00 p.m. PT; JOEtv, YouTube TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS). With players returning from injury and international duty, there are ample reasons to be excited for the matchup with the Whitecaps.
Here are five reasons to attend the match, with tickets still available on SeatGeek, the official ticket partner of Sounders FC.
There’s No Place Like Home
Prior to the international break, the Sounders played four consecutive matches on the road. Saturday’s Cascadia clash with the Whitecaps marks the first time the Rave Green have played a home match at CenturyLink Field since the 2-1 win over Orlando City SC on May 15. The team struggled for results during its extended road trip, but a home fixture, where the team is 6-0-2 this season, against a regional rival should be the remedy they need to get back in the win column.
The Sounders have turned CenturyLink Field into a fortress this season | Mike Fiechtner
Thank You, Chad
Former Sounders FC center back Chad Marshall will be honored in a pre-game ceremony on Saturday. Marshall played 175 times for the Rave Green across the MLS regular season and playoffs, leading the team to 2014 Supporters’ Shield, 2014 U.S. Open Cup and 2016 MLS Cup titles. Sounders supporters will have an opportunity to say farewell to the only player in league history to win the MLS Defender of the Year award on three occasions. The first 10,000 fans will receive a Chad Marshall head cut out, courtesy of Starbucks.
Summer Music Stage
In a show that would make former Sounder Erik Friberg proud, Tacocat will be performing pre-game at the Summer Music Stage presented by Zulily, located in the North Plaza. Fresh off a sold-out concert at the Showbox Market, Tacocat's performance will begin at 6:00 p.m. PT. All fans with a ticket to the match can get ready for kickoff with some great local music.
Cascadia Cup
The reigning champs of the 2018 Cascadia Cup, three points for Seattle on Saturday would be a massive bump as they seek to defend their title. In the MLS era, only the Whitecaps have won back-to-back regional titles (2013 and 2014). While the Sounders have yet to face the Portland Timbers this season, four points from two matches against the Whitecaps would put the Rave Green in pole position to retain the Cup.
Pride Match
With the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday, the Sounders will play their annual Pride match on Saturday. In addition to Pride jerseys emblazoned with rainbow numbers, the team will wear special Pride shirts during the walkout. Between the flags, photo opportunities and pre-game ceremonies, fans in attendance will have plenty of chances to show their support for equality and the Sounders.
