On Dec. 10, 2016, the Seattle Sounders pulled into an exclusive club alongside just 10 other members. After eight seasons in MLS, Seattle could call itself MLS Cup champions for all time.
Exactly 56 days later, the Sounders are rebooting the engine to do it all over again.
Saturday represents the first time the Sounders’ full XI steps onto the field in even a semi-competitive capacity since Roman Torres hammered home a penalty in frigid Toronto to send Seattle home with the 2016 MLS Cup. The Sounders stake an important signpost for the 2017 season into the ground on Saturday when they square off, fittingly, against the Portland Timbers (5:30 p.