There exists a strange and mysterious place located on planet Earth where athletes are trained not to catch or throw balls, but rather to kick them. Huge expanses of grass are framed by two opposing metal boxes filled with nets. In this area, twenty-two players attempt to place a small rubber ball into the aforementioned boxes using only their feet. We know this place as Europe, and the sport as fútbol, football, or soccer.

At last, after almost 200 years of U.S. existence, the sport that has enamored the world has come to America. The latest installment in the soccer saga has been the Seattle Sounders F.C. In years past, Seattle has had a Sounders team playing in a smaller professional league known as the USL, rather than the higher-level Major League Soccer. Now Seattle Sounders FC is legit.

The team got off to a spectacular start, winning the first three games of the season without yielding a single goal. After a couple of losses and a draw however, some question the team’s long term integrity. The MLS is a fast streaking league, meaning that a successful team can have a bad a game, while a team that has been less successful could have a stellar game. We will have to wait and see which happens to the Sounders. As for me, I am a believer.

For one, the team has attracted two superstars of the sport to the Emerald City. Both Freddie Ljungberg, the previous captain of the Swedish national team, and goalkeeper Kasey Keller have been enlisted into the neon green and blue army. Keller, played previously for the English Premier League team Fulham. When his contract expired, the Sounders were able to sign him and his lightening quick hands.

Famous from his years on the United States National team, Keller calls the Sounders a “super cool team” and is grateful to be a part of the squad and the MLS. When a couple of idols of the sport are mixed in with a relatively young team, one must fear that power trips and selfishness might ensue, but Keller ensures that “there are no egos here.” This mentality sets the Sounders apart from other teams across the globe where individual players compete for the limelight instead of more important things (such as dating supermodels). Keller brings much needed leadership and organization from the back and is a great addition to an already impressive line up.

In addition to these world famous footballers, the team includes some lesser known, but just as important, names. One such player is Brad Evans. The starting defensive midfielder for the Sounders, proved his worth during the first game of the season when he finished the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs. In previous years Evans played for the Columbus Crew where he helped them to their first MLS Cup. Evans also played for the U-20 Fifa World Cup in Holland in 2005.

“It’s been awesome since day one,” says Evans.

Mirroring Keller’s thoughts, Evans adds that Ljungberg and Keller “have said that its always been all about the team.” For superstars to say that they are working well with the team is one thing, but for one of their teammates to agree is another. With the way the idols operate selflessly for the good of the team, along with the team’s communication and cooperation, it looks like the Sounders have been playing together for twenty years.

With a huge emphasis on soccer. including one of the most extensive youth programs in the country, it is not surprising to see just how much the city has taken to its new team. With other Seattle sports teams’ performances as of late, thousands have jumped on the Sounders bandwagon in hopes of redemption from the woeful exhibitions of the Mariners and the Seahawks. Qwest field is hosting the MLS cup — a perfect opportunity for the Sounders to show their true worth.

“There may just be a hope for us in the tournament this year,” says Keller. For a brand new team to win the MLS cup their first year is unheard of, but if anyone could do it, it would be this Sounders team.

A new form of soccer hooligan has been created. Should they be feared? Worshipped? Perhaps a bit of both. European matches have grown accustomed to massive brawls and acts of public nudity in the grandeur of the sport. However, there is a distinction between European and Seattle matches.

“There is so much animosity in Europe, whereas here it’s all about your home team,” says Keller.

For example, if you walked into Manchester City wearing a Liverpool FC jersey, you would most likely live out the rest of your days eating through a straw. For Sounders fans however, rooting for the team does not necessarily mean putting down their opponents. This mentality has resulted in surprisingly PG-rated games (excluding the apparent inebriation of eighty percent of the spectators). Though there have been no fights or streakers yet, we must all pray to Lord Fifa to bring us a true fútbol experience soon.

In any case, Sounders FC looks like it will live up to expectations and could just be the salvation from the mediocrity of Seattle sports. Scarves Up!