Sounder’s Kasey Keller Celebrates U.S. Navy and Seafair with the Ride of a Lifetime
SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders F.C. goalkeeper Kasey Keller will get some serious air while showing his support of the U.S. Navy on Monday, July 27 as he rides in the No. 7, two-seater jet of the Blue Angels with a top pilot who will perform precision maneuvers as part of the 60th Seafair.
“I have an ongoing admiration for the U.S. Navy, so to fly along with a Blue Angels pilot and be a part of the Seafair is amazing,” says the popular player who will attend an official briefing at 11:30 a.m. before being strapped into the jet at 1:00 p.m. local time.
Keller, the goalie with the lowest scoring percentage against in the MLS, and the USA’s all-time leader in wins, World Cup qualifying shutouts and appearances, is amazing in his own right. After playing at the University of Portland, he reigned as a top goalie during 1990 to 2007 on competitive European teams including some in the English Premiere League, Spain’s Liga Primera and the German Bundesliga Squad. But the man who grew up on an egg farm in Olympia, Washington is glad to be back home.
After signing with the Seattle Sounders F.C. in 2008, he is still winning games and fans with his quick skills. In fact he received the most 2009 MLS All-Star votes, but Keller insists his role in the net is nothing compared to that of the U.S. Navy.
“The commitment the Navy put in to serve our country is unparalleled. I know what it takes to make a winning team for a season, but what they do is truly a tradition of excellence.”
Keller has his own tradition of breaking records, and is the only player to ever clinch the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year an unprecedented three times (1997, 1999 and 2005). To add to his accomplishments, he will play in the 2009 MLS All-Star game on Wednesday, July 30 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Keller’s sports management company, Rezin Marketing and their close relationship with the U.S. Navy created this opportunity.
The high-flying goalie has seen the world playing soccer and gathered plenty of fans along the way, but it’s clear he feels the home field advantage.
“It’s great to be back in the U.S. and playing with the Sounders, there’s just something about being home,” says Keller. “Now flying with a Blue Angel, well that’s just the icing on the cake.”
