Captions by Max Aquino
Photos by Max Aquino and Casey Woodrum
Follow Max on Twitter – @MaxAquinoPhoto
Follow Casey on Twitter – @Casey133k
On a rainy night in Seattle, around 150 Sounders fans braved the weather at Boeing Field for the newly crowned Western Conference Champions to land.
Security had not anticipated the contingent, expecting maybe 15-20 people. The lobby was quickly overloaded, and the fans were forced out into the parking lot.
Eventually, Perimeter Drive was closed down to make room for emergency vehicle access.
As the players disembarked the plane, several were surprised and pleased to see media there to greet them.
Little did they know, the journalists and photographers were only the tip of the iceberg.
As they posed for media photos, the voices of the fans could be heard from inside the building.
After the media pictures, they continued on to the adoring masses.
Leading the way was team captain Osvaldo Alonso, who was one of the original members of the 2009 squad.
The players led a “SEATTLE SOUNDERS” call and repeat with the crowd, as they raised the trophy to the fans and marched in a group toward the raucous crowd.
A party-like atmosphere ensued as the players entered the foray to celebrate with the fans.
Coach Brian Schmetzer also embraced the fan support, staying until the last few fans decided it was time to call it a night.
Talk among quickly turned to the MLS Cup and possible travel. Whether the MLS Cup is to be played in Seattle or Toronto, a strong Seattle contingent is to be expected.