This Thursday the northwest’s best derby continues. It may be for charity but neither side sees it as so…

Congratulations on making it back across the border. Vanc*uver away was a fun trip but could’ve used a little less hassle at the border. The good news is that this week sees a second derby match against the scum from the south.

The last time we saw the scum we defeated them 2:1 and witnessed Roger Levesque scoring off a Sanna Nyasi cross before most had even found their seats. This time they’re bringing up over 200 people for this “friendly.” While the proceeds from this match may go to charity be prepared to bring your “A-game.”

We’ll be meeting up at Fuel and McCoy’s from 15:00 (some earlier) until 16:45 for some pre-funk and then marching down Occidental to the Brougham End. Be sure to show up and be heard!

PREFUNK @ Fuel or McCoy’s Firehouse

Fuel
164 S. Washington St
Seattle, WA 98104
206-405-FUEL
21+ only

McCoy’s Firehouse Bar
173 S. Washington St
Seattle, WA 98104
206-652-5797
All ages friendly

Details/Times:
16:00 – Meet at McCoy’s or Fuel pre-game festivities
16:45 – March to the match from Occidental Park
18:00 – Kickoff

See you on the terraces,
Keef

If you thought the off season party was fun you’ll love the St. Paddy’s Day Parade. Be sure to show up early to take down some liquid courage before we walk through the city singing Sounders songs.

We’re keeping our fingers crossed… ‘Cuz if we’re lucky, council member Mark Inderhees will grace us with his leprechaun attire again!

You made it through the ECS off season party with potentially over eight hours of continuous drinking. Now we’re asking you to step up your ECS training and join us for the Seattle St. Paddy’s Day parade.

Last year the party started around 9AM and didn’t quiet down for at least eight hours. Hopefully you’ve been working on your tolerance so you can imbibe with the ECS all day! If not, this will be a great opportunity to get some training before the season starts.

Singing the same songs to the general public that are usually reserved for your club can be quite the daunting experience. That’s why we’re meeting up at Fuel and McCoy’s starting at 9:00am for a bit of liquid courage. And, in the spirit of St. Paddy’s Day, Car Bombs and Irish Coffees will be the beverages of choice. Join in on the discussion for the parade in the forums.

PREFUNK @ Fuel or McCoy’s Firehouse
Saturday, March 13th 8AM-till we’re done!!!

Fuel
164 S. Washington St
Seattle, WA 98104
206-405-FUEL
21+ only

McCoy’s Firehouse Bar
173 S. Washington St
Seattle, WA 98104
206-652-5797
All ages friendly

Details/Times:
8:00am – Meet at McCoy’s for breakfast & drink specials
9:00am – Meet at Fuel for breakfast & drink specials
11:00am – Meet at City Hall Park 4th & Jefferson
12:30pm – Parade starts

See you on the terraces,
Keef

Philly.com confirms that Sounders will open the 2010 MLS schedule at home to the Philadelphia Union on March 25th! Photo by Keef.

Rumors that Seattle would host Philly’s inaugural match next year have been confirmed. Philly.com was able to break the news that confirmed the chatter. Here’s the story from Philly.com.

This match promises to be very lively as Philly has a very hyped supporters group. Be sure to be there, in the Brougham End, as we show Philly how it’s done both on the pitch and off!

We will continue to update this story as more details unfold.

See you on the terraces,
Keef

You can download the podcast (right-click the link, then select Save As) or search for us on iTunes (“Emerald City Supporters” is the best search).  Here’s a preview of the latest episode:

• We bring you a very special podcast as nearly the entire show is recorded at last week’s American Outlaws US v El Salvador match viewing party at the Atlantic Crossing!
• We’ve got TONS of guests, starting with Colin of the American Outlaws talking about the values of becoming an AO member.  Sadly, I found out a six-pack of Budweiser isn’t included in the membership package.
• Keith & Greg jump on and talk about the importance of subgroups and getting out to our events.  They then proceed to bash the US team while it’s playing in the background.  But all for the right reasons….supposedly.
• We have another Colin (aka paintballinpunk) to talk about ECS FC and their season.  I wonder how much Russ paid him to get a shout-out on the podcast?
• We talk with Nick and Jared about their respective sub-groups (or soon-to-be sub-groups) and what the ECS means to them.  If you listen carefully, I started to sound sea sick as Jared talks about the ferry rides and the Sound.  *ulp*
• We even squeeze Timm Blakely onto the show to ramble about two-poles and the best way to sell EagleBear’s cell phone that he left behind at the pub!
• McKenzie even bails to go do homework!  Ahhhhh, what a responsible young lad.

Stay tuned to our next episode, where we’ll reveal the winner of our last episode’s two-pole contest and get involved in even more hijinks…all on The ECS Podcast!

This Wednesday team USA plays their first full a-squad match of 2010. Replay begins at 18:30. Please avoid giving away the score!

Kickoff @ 6:30pm PT, DVR delayed*.
*Live game starts at 11:30am PT, avoid the score accordingly.

This past Wednesday Sacha Kljestan saved the win for the USMNT against El Salvador with a goal in the dying minutes. This coming Wednesday the hero won’t make the trip to the Netherlands as Bob Bradley has opted to call in his first-team squad.

Among the notable call-ups DaMarcus Beasley will return to the USMNT for the first time since Confederations Cup. Also returning to the national team is Beasley’s fellow Rangers teammate Maurice Edu and Eddie Johnson who has found a resurgence in Greece for Aris Thessaloniki.

Come on out, enjoy some pints and support the Nats with the lads! If you’re not an American Outlaw member you can become one this coming Wednesday! Help our partner supporters group to become the biggest chapter in the US! Membership are $15 and include shirt and American flag bandanna.

Atlantic Crossing Pub
6508 Roosevelt Way NE,
Seattle, WA
21+ only

See you on the terraces,
Keef

ALWAYS SOUNDERS

Been itching for the season to start? We’ll help you scratch that itch at the South Sounders Membership drive on February 27, 2010! Photo by Joe Armand, Point Taken Photos.

Black Hills Militia and ECS – Armed Services Group would like to invite you to the South Sound Supporters Membership Drive on February 27th, 2010. The purpose is to find and welcome new members to the ECS, BHM and ASG families in hopes to expand our respective fan bases of Sounders FC supporters in the South Sound area. We will be selling memberships for ECS as well as raising money for our BHM rail banner, and also to introduce the pub to the South Sound soccer community in hopes that it becomes a regular place for the area’s soccer fans to meet for Sounders games.

During the event, members will get the 10% ECS discount on their food and drink purchases, as well as some special discounts on a couple of special drink that McNamara’s will announce during the event.

Hope to see you all there and meet all the prospective new members!!!

Saturday, Febraury 27th from 19:00-till we’re done!!!

McNamara’s Pub
1595 Wilmington Dr
DuPont, WA 98327
www.mcnamaraspubandgrill.com

ALWAYS SOUNDERS,
Jason
Black Hills Militia

The ECS are taking a roadtrip up to the great white north to support our boys! Be sure to get your tickets with ECS by FRIDAY Feb 26th @ noon! Bus plus game ticket is $47 US, ticket alone is $17 US (pricing for ECS members).

It’s been a damn long offseason. With talks of the MLS CBA and all that it’s seemed even more tedious than in years past. Well, we’ve got a solution to your winter doldrums!

We’re headed up north to watch our beloved Sounders battle Cascadia rivals Vancouver Whitecaps. This is also a warm-up for welcoming Vancouver into the MLS in 2011; so block off your Saturday, get on the bus with ECS, and have a good time.

Bus and Game Tickets
Tickets are on sale, order deadline is Friday 2/26 at noon. Buy your tickets here:
Bus and game tickets
Just the game ticket

See the Vancouver trip page for more detailed info.

See you on the terraces,
Keef

Come on out to the Atlantic Crossing for a replay of team USA’s matchup versus El Salvador. Replay begins at 18:30. Please avoid giving away the score!

Kickoff @ 6:30pm PT, DVR delayed*.
*Live game starts at 4pm PT, avoid the score accordingly.

Team USA got the draw it wanted back in December. January delivered a strong camp for MLS and northern European players. What does February hold for the USMNT? Hopefully the USA faithful will see a better result than the disappointing 1:3 loss to a Honduras B-team from January 23rd.

Yeah, back in January the USA always was bound to have its back against the wall. What, after Jimmy Conrad’s boneheaded sendoff in the 17th minute. Hopefully this time the team will have better discipline and we can see a determined USA get back to dominating CONCACAF sides.

Either way win or lose, draw or whatnot, there are few better ways to get over hump day than to come out and spend time with your ECS and AO friends. We hope to see you there!

Atlantic Crossing Pub
6508 Roosevelt Way NE,
Seattle, WA
21+ only

Note: Sorry to our El Salvadorian friends we might’ve offended when we originally posted that the match was against Honduras in error.

See you on the terraces,
Keef