Posted by tallguy at 3/24/08 5:35 p.m.

Yes, Seattle FC can still be nicknamed the Sounders, but that still doesn't hide the fact that many of these fans feel disrespected by the decision to not put Sounders on the ballot. When asked, over 60% of us responded with some form of Sounders. Now, this poll shows 75% in favor of Sounders. Why even bother to ask in the first place what our choice would be if all we are going to get to vote on are three factory-made names? Sounds just like the democracy I've come to expect in America these days.

Posted by DoritosRock at 3/24/08 6:10 p.m.

MLSSeattle and the MLS are dropping the ball. I won't be throwing myself off the Aurora bridge over their decision but, you gotta wonder. Where exactly did the PR firm they hired do the market research?

Antarctica?

Posted by tallguy at 3/24/08 7:02 p.m.

I would just like to add one more thing to my comment above: Buy only tickets. Do Not Buy Any Other Merchandise! Only after they name the team Sounders do we go out and buy the hats and shirts and jerseys and whatever else. Tickets Only!!!

Posted by unregistered user at 3/24/08 8:15 p.m.

MLS has also sanctioned team names such as:

Clash
Mutiny
Burn

And while original MLS teams like DC United stretch reality to claim "tradition" developed over 14 years (the term is knitted on the back of their kits). The Sounders, Timbers and Whitecaps come with built in tradition going back over a third of a century and each faced greats like Pele. I don't understand this 'con-tradition contradiction', and I forecast an expensive rebranding of Seattle FC in 2-3 years.

Posted by Sounders4Life at 3/24/08 8:37 p.m.

Chicago successfully fought MLS/Nike back in 1998, when the latter were trying to shove "Chicago Rhythm" and/or "Chicago Machine" down their throats. Seems the ownership here should be able to put up a better fight than they have so far.

"Democracy through sports" -- rather ironic drivel on MLSInSeattle.com last week -- when the clear choice of many many polls (including one they ran themselves last winter) is Sounders. Put it on the ballot... if something else wins, we move on, but people ought to at least have a VALID choice.

Don't buy Seattle MLS gear. Stock up on Sounders gear this season!!

Posted by Angry Seattlite at 3/25/08 9:17 a.m.

Did it occur to anyone that the Sounders name is copyrighted and that franchise may try to continue operating in the USL in a different stadium in the Puget Sound area?

Posted by Ciscokid at 3/25/08 10:03 a.m.

Hey Angry Seattlite,

If it's true that's copyrighted and planned for somewhere else in the area, all they'd have to do is say that. Plus, Adrian Hanuer is the owner of the Sounder's and minority owner of the new MLS team so I find it hard to believe he doesn't control the name rights.

The issue is about transparency and tradition. For many of us soccer/Sounders supporters, the old Sounders is where we developed our passion.You want to take that away, it's your right as new owners, but you can't claim fan democracy and give us such uninspired options instead, while you do it.

This is an educated, pro-active, passionate fan base, and I think these new owners are now learning that you'd better bring it when dealing with the base or be prepared to face scrutiny.

I'm not an idiot. Not going to forgo my season tickets or never buy any merch. But I have and will continue to advocate for my choice, which I believe is my right in a true "democracy."

Posted by unregistered user at 3/25/08 10:17 a.m.

Sounders isn't copyrighted/trademark by anyone currently. The trademarks are all dead. There are USL territorial rights for the Puget Sound region but they aren't tied to the name.

Here's the info on one of the trademarks:

http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=hh10m1.5.10

Posted by Ciscokid at 3/25/08 10:48 a.m.

I may have to take a step back and apologize to the MLS Seattle ownership.

The MLSRumors blog has an e-mail posted describing the decisionmaking and claims that the League killed Sounders, and that Seattle FC is the owners may to actually save the Sounders name. If true, I owe Adrian, Joe, and the others an apology.

Here's the link:

http://mlsrumors.blogspot.com/2008/03/expansion-did-mls-kill-sounders-seattle.html

Still, the handling of the process has been a pretty poor .

Posted by Ciscokid at 3/25/08 11:17 a.m.

may=way to actually save...

Posted by Ciscokid at 3/25/08 2:56 p.m.

MLS Seattle just released the voting options:

Alliance
Republic
Seattle FC
WRITE IN OPTION!!!:

Now THAT'S Democracy in action folks!

Bravo to the MLS Seattle group for listening and responding. That is true leadership

Posted by Sounders4Life at 3/25/08 3:12 p.m.

Those of you who want to preserve the Sounders, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!!!

Get your friends, your neighbors, anyone to keep the ball rolling.

Now the key question is, will MLS respect the will of the people should Sounders win?

SOUNDERS 'TIL I DIE!!!

Posted by fuzzyeater_39 at 3/25/08 7:29 p.m.

i really want the sounders has our mls soccer team name let bring them up from tha a soccer league

Posted by Sounders4Life at 3/25/08 10:20 p.m.

Write in "Seattle Sounders" as the MLS team name, now that write in votes are allowed!

Vote starts Thursday, so get those votes in!

Posted by unregistered user at 3/26/08 8:59 a.m.

I admit I'm (fairly) new to Seattle. I just don't get the love for the name Seattle Sounders. Remember moving from junior high/middle school to high school, then to college? Did you have the same mascot the whole time? NO. The MLS coming in is the big time, let's have a big time name. [Which none of the 3 official options are.]

Besides, the Sounders sounds like a group of people from Tacoma/Everett whining we're part of the area too.

Posted by unregistered user at 3/26/08 2:59 p.m.

Seattle Sounders is the only way to go

Posted by unregistered user at 3/28/08 1:51 a.m.

How about the name "Phillies"? Is that a big time name or a relic of the past?

Phillies is a great name, because it IS a relic of the past, it has history that goes with it, as does "Sounders".

If we name the team "Sounders", we hang every championship we've won inside Qwest field, which is more than the 'Hawks, Mariners and basket-whatevers put together.

That's why Seattle's the Sounders.

Posted by unregistered user at 3/29/08 9:04 p.m.

How about Seattle Sounders FC? Keep the Sounders. Anything else is ignores the history of soccer in Seattle. Do they want a successful franchise or not. Sounders with a major league exposure would play on the existing brand that is recognized and has passion behind it.

Posted by Knuckles at 4/7/08 2:45 p.m.

And you, unregistered user with post #112898, are the winner. Please claim your prize from the Seattle University cheerleaders at the next Sounders home game.