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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sounders’ lineup loaded with players from inaugural season

Don Ruiz Tacoma News Tribune

There will be shades of Seattle’s 2009 expansion season before and during the match Sunday, when the Sounders play host to the Los Angeles Galaxy.

During pregame ceremonies, coach Sigi Schmid and former goalkeeper Kasey Keller will be honored for their National Soccer Hall of Fame inductions. Once the game begins, Seattle’s starting 11 could include four players who have been around since the inaugural season: midfielder Osvaldo Alonso and defenders Brad Evans, Zach Scott and Leo Gonzalez.

“Obviously, it’s a testament to those guys for taking care of their bodies, No. 1,” Evans said. “But also being able to perform at the highest level so consistently.”

Evans came to Seattle in the expansion draft and has been a regular starter at various positions since. Alonso was signed from the USL Charleston Battery during the run up to that first season, and settled in as a star defensive midfielder.

Scott – whom owner Adrian Hanauer calls “Mr. Sounder” – has been with the club through its USL days, and recently reached the 100-appearance mark with the MLS team. He has provided depth at central defense this season and seems likely to be needed again with both usual starters out: Roman Torres (knee injury) lost for the season, and Chad Marshall out for the game after suffering a neck sprain in training Wednesday.

Gonzalez joined the club as a free agent in July 2009. He had been the first-choice starter for most of his time before falling into a reserve role this season behind Dylan Remick and Oniel Fisher.