Seattle Sounders FC plans to honor the contributions of one of the club’s founding owners, Joe Roth, at Sunday’s match against the New York Red Bulls (3:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, YouTube TV, Univision-Seattle, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM). Fans are reminded that as a result of the league’s flex scheduling, the match’s kickoff time has changed and 3:00 p.m. PT is the correct kickoff.
Roth is being celebrated following last month’s announcement that he is departing Sounders FC. A leader behind Seattle’s successful 2007 MLS expansion bid and the team’s 2009 launch that saw Seattle set a new standard for soccer support in North America, Roth was instrumental with his ambition and vision, helping to lay the foundation of a club that has won more matches than any other team in MLS over the past 10 seasons.
The Hollywood producer oversaw six major trophies in his time as Sounders FC Owner, including four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups (2009-2011, 2014), the 2014 Supporters’ Shield, in addition to the organization’s first MLS Cup in 2016. His penchant for showmanship was critical in building the club’s profile, helping to land influential players like United States Men’s National Team forward Clint Dempsey.
In recognition of Roth’s indelible impact on the Rave Green, Sounders FC invites fans to join in thanking Roth during a special pre-match ceremony, during which time Roth will receive a Golden Scarf – the club’s highest honor.
“Joe was the inspiration of Sounders FC as we know it. He came to the Northwest, chose Seattle, decided on his partners, and I was lucky enough to be one of those partners,” said Sounders FC Majority Owner Adrian Hanauer. “His vision, drive, partnership, his caring about the community and our fans, delivering a first-class experience, atmosphere and product – he was the lynchpin in putting this whole thing together and for that I will forever be grateful. Joe thought big about this club. And obviously with his Hollywood background and knowing that we’re in show business – part of our job is to deliver a show on Saturday nights – he had great vision in that regard. I’m really proud to have been his partner.”
Additionally on Sunday – and at all home games during the month of September, as Major League Soccer and Sounders FC work to Kick Childhood Cancer – fans are reminded that for all purchases made in The Pro Shop, they will have the option to round their purchase price up to donate to Strong Against Cancer at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Fans can also stop by Soccer Celebration this Sunday against the New York Red Bulls and next Wednesday against FC Dallas and purchase a unique scarf from Sounders FC 2019 Community MVP Christine O’Connell and her Scarves Fighting Cancer campaign. All proceeds raised benefit Strong Against Cancer at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
At halftime, CenturyLink is presenting a check for $25,000 to Special Olympics Washington to celebrate the season-long CenturyLink Crossbar Challenge, which provided Unified athletes with a chance to shine. As the presenting partner of the Crossbar Challenge, CenturyLink donates for every crossbar hit or missed during the regular halftime event, which features Special Olympics Washington athletes and Unified partners.
Following a 2-0 loss at the Colorado Rapids on Saturday evening, Sounders FC (13-9-7) sits in third place in the Western Conference with 46 points and five games remaining in the 2019 regular season. Following Sunday’s match against the Red Bulls, the Rave Green take on FC Dallas on Wednesday, September 18 (7:30 p.m. PT / JOEtv, YouTube TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM) in a pivotal Western Conference matchup.
