What we can learn from the names of other MLS teams. The bad and the good:
The bad -
Lets start with the FCs shall we. Toronto & Dallas - thanks for playing. You've managed to embarrass the entire league by not making the connection that we don't call it football over here.
Now for Houston. Last I checked "y'all" weren't located in Eastern Europe. Also, if you want to use Dynamo, its supposed to go in front numb nuts.
Real Salt Lake. This is probably the most poorly conceived sports team name on the planet. I'd be curious to know what connection this club has with Spain's royal family.
New York. What can I say. You sold your team to an Austrian beverage company that sells legalized liquid crack and then let the new owners name your team after it. Well done. Very Impressive.
DC United. Who exactly are you united with? Let me know as I'm rather confused.
Club Deportivo Chivas USA. I'm not going to be too hard on this one because I understand that its a part of the Guadalajara team, but if we want this league to grow up and play with the big boys some day then maybe the teams should have names that don't make them sound like ugly stepchildren. Also, despite being in Spanish speaking LA, this is still an American league, lets stick with English.
KC Wizards. I'm pretty sure that no one on this team is versed in the dark arts of sourcery. If I'm wrong please let me know. This name had to have been created by a zit faced brace wearing teen with a penchant for playing dungeons and dragons.
LA Galaxy. Somebody help me here. What the hell is that all about?
The good -
Chicago Fire. A strong name with historical value to the city it represents. Bravo!
Columbus Crew. A democratically chosen name that might lack relevance, but at least applies to a "team", and doesn't sound stupid.
New England Revolution. Has a nice ring to it and has relevance.
Colorado Rapids. Again, a nice ring to it with relevance.
San Jose earthquakes. A formidable force of nature that occurs in the San Jose area. Very well conceived.
Lets learn from these fine examples of what to do, and what not to do, and give our team a name we aren't ashamed to sing out loud when we're all packed into Qwest Field to watch them play. Sounders is great, but like the guy above (Kreeper) said, if they have to change the name there are better options. Lets push them on this. If they say its a democracy, then lets make them prove it, and actually give us the power they've said they've given us.
Kreeper - 16 years ago
If you know someone at Vulcan. If you know someone at MLS in Seattle. If you know someone at MLS. If you know someone who knows someone at any of these groups - CONTACT THEM! We need to be heard. Likewise, spread the word, everybody will want to let the management team know how bad these names are, and how little they mean to us as Seattleites. If MLS in Seattle management has even bothered to use a branding consultancy to come up with this selection of names for us to "vote" on, then they've managed to find the biggest group of low cost clowns that the marketing world has ever seen. If they're dead set against Sounders fine, I'll get over it (in another 20 to 30 years maybe). However, that doesn't mean that this city and its fans should be forced to suffer a name that only has meaning (and little meaning at that) in Europe, or a name that sounds as if it were thought of by Chairman Mao or George W. Everybody talk, speak up, be active, and don't let this happen!
eric - 16 years ago
As much as the three name options stink, don't let a team name prevent you from supporting the team. Now that is rediculous. I liked what I have heard on this forum for a name...........Seattle Sounders FC. That is by far the best, a bit from the past and a bit new.
MD - 16 years ago
For all those who are bashing the proposed names as not being creative or regionally specific enough, at least offer an alternative.
David Elske - 16 years ago
Am I dreaming? A Seattle soccer team not named the Sounders is a crime. I'll write in an alternate name. Flood them with any name BUT the ones listed. I hope this is a test to make sure we are as passionate about soccer that they are hoping we all are. Please wake me up from this nightmare.
love soccer - 16 years ago
I hope the Seattle Times has enough guts to post these negative comments so the owners can see how unhappy soccer fans in the Northwest are.
Everyone contact Vulcan and Mr. Hanauer and encourage them to call this vote off until they have better choice.
l - 16 years ago
Did all the creative minds that came up with Mariners, Seahawks, Rainiers, etc. leave the State? What a stupid list of choices. If this is the best the "focus group" could come up with - they need their eyes examined. After reading all the negative comments - I hope they call this vote off before we are the laughing stock of the MLS! At least there should be a place to "write in" a 4th option.
thaynej - 16 years ago
I agree these names suck. that said, this team will need more than simply seattle sounders fans to become and remain viable. honestly, the name 'sounders' sounds pretty ridiculous. the team is good, it's done well historically, and that's the only reason all the nostalgia is attached (chained) to it. yes the team will be in seattle, but everyone NOT from the puget sound area could give a flying **** about greenery and scenery reflected in the name. they want a team that will kick ass and a team that has a name that implies that. hell, at least a republic has a dominating quality about it; from Rome to the US, republics have made domination a legacy. bottom line: the names suck, but really so does 'the Sounders.' (ps: to Kele | Mar 21, 16:37 - it's 'short sighted' not 'short sided.')
pnfan - 16 years ago
I grew up with the Sounders, and have played my whole life. I follow other leagues and teams and am a fanatical supporter and fan outside of the MLS league. I was really looking forward to having a professional team, but it appears that we are starting off in a very amateur way. Sad to say there is a reason that leagues abroad are more supported by US fans than our own league. The names stink.
Sounder Man - 16 years ago
None of the Above!
What an insult to the fans of Seattle. Power to the people? Empty words.
The Sounders carry a legacy - local futbol fans were looking forward to carrying the name into the future. I suspect Sounders was the overwhelming choice and yet ignored.
What a terrible beginning! Shame on MLSSeattle.
HAWKMAN - 16 years ago
If these are the proposed names for "our" new MLS team, then I would like to tell every soccer fan in Seattle to forget voting for one of the proposed crappy names. Seattle FC would be the best of the 3 names, but only if it comes before Seattle in the title....after Seattle it could stand for Friggin Crappy...lol! Seattle Republic sounds like a cousin to Banana Republic, and Seattle Alliance sounds like a political group.I urge everybody to boycott voting on those choices, and to send a mass amount of e-mails to management until they get it in their head that only one name will forever exist as the right name for a team in Seattle, and that is the SOUNDERS!!!!!!! So everybody, write your letters and e-mails to MLS in Seattle and flood them like crazy until they add the Sounders name to the ballot, where we can then vote and assure that the Sounders name lives on!!!!! Sounders Forever!!!!!!
Brent - 16 years ago
How can these people be so clueless? "none of the above" gets my vote. Even if they are too intimidated by the Sounder tradition to try to continue it, they can at least come up with something that isn't embarrassing. C'mon. I mean ... c'mon!!
Democracy Now - 16 years ago
Seattle Times quotes, Nov 2007:
They offered Carey part ownership, but Carey had two conditions before he agreed to invest. "One of them was that we have a membership program like they do in Barcelona," he said. "They have about 160,000 members, and every four years the members get to vote on whether the president of the club gets to keep his job or not. That's what we're going to bring to Seattle." Barcelona's innovative mix of fans and franchise intrigued Carey.
"We're going to mix politics and sports and bring democracy to sports in America, and I think it's about time," Carey said.
*******
Where is this "democracy" Drew Carey talks about? Can't we appeal to him to come up with some new names?
Mark - 16 years ago
Horrible choices for names. I cannot believe that these three represent the best that some committee could come up with, based on what was likely thousands of submissions. Alliance? With whom? Republic? Please. There is only one name for Seattle soccer - you know it, I know it, go with the Sounders and be done with it.
NPS - 16 years ago
Even though I agree the Sounders name is good and historic here look at La Liga in Spain. There all clubs have the city name and then just a common title with it. Real (royal), FC, Athletic are joined with the city name and nothing else. Each team/fans is referred to as something else Like Real Madrid is the Vikings and Bilboa is the Lions. So the name is one thing and what they are referred to is another but is not in the name. So in our case can be Seattle FC but will always be known as Sounders.
Chip - 16 years ago
Based on the overwhelmingly negative feedback to the names,don't be surprised to see some changes on Tuesday. Remember, the team has not confirmed any of the names. Clearly , they won't want a PR mess right out of the gate. The new ownership can take this negative and really turn it into a huge postive by simply saying "We heard you. You didn't like what you saw and we've responded. However, I don't blame them for seeking something other than Sounders. Tradition does mean something, but keep in mind that in this day and age marketing is a major factor and there may be legit marketing and promotional reasons to leave Sounders out of the mix. Frankly the Mariners , based on tradition, should have been called the Rainiers. They weren't and we've all survived.
I also do not understand why Sounders is not included in the voting. Wasn't it the highest suggested name on the team website? I mainly watch Euro leagues and am not an A-League Sounder fan because it was not the highest league of soccer in the country. I went to a game in the first year in qwest but didn't like it. This area isn't second tier anything anymore.
But I do know that the name has been around for a long time as it has represtented the best soccer in the state when it has been a functional organization and is more appropriate than any name made up and infinitely better than the generic (fc), governmental (republic), or the claim to be all together name (alliance). New time, new league, but keep a history that other cities that have been in the MLS for a decade now might never reach in fifty years.
Crap, Seattle Seahawks SC makes more sense than what is suggested, but we'll have to pick the least of three evils and the owners can call it "as chosen by the fans". What a freaking farce, not being able to vote for the most appropriate choice.
Nicholas - 16 years ago
Sorry Seattle times ..but there is a new poll up on the pi website
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/thebigblog/archives/134826.asp
A real Poll
Please vote
Amanda - 16 years ago
All of these names are blah and lackluster. Let's have some color in the name. Ick!
Numero9 - 16 years ago
I have to agree, the choices are boring, generic, and lame with no regional identification. If not Sounders, how about Cascades? The explanation for not using Sounders doesn't make sense. Focus groups? Who were these people and who chose them? Among the choices announced the hardest part is to decide which is the worst.
Rob - 16 years ago
I would have voted for "None of the Above" if it was possible. Extremely disappointing choices to pick from. I am shocked that those names were the results of fan focus groups and suggestions.
Start over!!
L P - 16 years ago
wtf these names suk. why wud we ever call a seattle soccer team Seattle Republic, thats a horrible name WTF heres some better names
1. Seattle Killer Orcas
2. Seattle Green (for global warming)
3. Seattle Liberals
4. Seattle Rain
cisco - 16 years ago
Hey Seattle Times,
You need to change your Poll to either include None of the Above or Sounders as an option.
Kele - 16 years ago
As a "Seattle Ite" in long term exile in New Jersey, I have to say that the proposed names are just stupid. Dumb, unimaginative, and unoriginal, in other words, "Un Seattle-like" and a lot like what goes on out here (can anyone say "Red Bulls"?).
It also just seems such a waste to keep the Sounders name around this long only to not use it when Big Time soccer finally returns? I mean, how insulting and short sided is that?
If we can't have the Sounders as the mascot, then let's really open up the democratic process and let us, the potential paying fan base and emotionally invested, come up with some actual, creative mascots and then let's vote on the best.
As a Northwesterner, I am profoundly disappointed in the proposed names. I am used to NW creativity and there is nothing creative, new or even vaguely interesting in FC anything, Republics (WTF?) or Alliance (with whom?).
We should have a name that reflects the history and spirit of the area and the three choices don't. They came out of a committee and everyone knows that committees turn out lowest common denominators. In this case, three LCDs.
cisco - 16 years ago
Been a Sounders fan since 1974. My kid's have been Sounder fans since 1994. Like everyone else I was ready to say good bye for a fresh start with a cool new name but I agree this is all a set up to have us choose the generic FC Seattle.
I'm not giving up my season tickets but Adrian, Drew, Joe...you all need to know this is very disappointing and a poor way to introduce a new team. I like the Seattle Sounders FC alternative mentioned here.
Please either come up with something interesting and unique or let us who have supported Soccer all these years have our team name back.
If this is really "all about the fans" then I hope you're listening to us.
shawn douglas - 16 years ago
these nicknames are absolutely ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nothing to do with Seattle!
whats wrong with the Sounders?
I put down money for season tickets and if these are the only names associated with the MLS Seattle team.......I want my money back! damn!!!
Pauljam - 16 years ago
These names suck. i still think they should call them the Ites. Let's go Ites. Seattle Ites!
Or, at least, the Seattle Citizens.
Maybe I'ma give up my season tickets now...
mickey - 16 years ago
We all know that casual and non fans find Soccer boring. So why in the world would we want to perpetuate that stereotype with a boring name? A little enthusiasm from ownership instead of a phony New York Coolness would be appreciated. Hire the guys who do the Mariners Commercials and have them come up with some names if Sounders is out. They at least think outside the starch collar box. "Go Republics, Fight Republics." Good Grief.
Gertrude - 16 years ago
Terrible and unimaginative names. I like Sounders, too, b/c of its history and symbolism. If that is out, what about Emerald City FC or something similar? We could call them the "Greens", like Chelsea and Birmingham fans in the EPL call those teams the Blues, due to their colors. "Go Greens" is a play on words, too, in that it would refer to team colors as well as Seattle's rightly respected lead in environmentalism and the northwest's outdoor ethos. At least this suggestion has reason and depth behind it.
drumphil2 - 16 years ago
FC? Republic? Alliance?? Lame Lame Lame!!!!!!!! Please John Keister bring back the "Lame List" so we can give these names their proper treatment.
Sounders is the coolest name of any other Seattle sports team. Why not use it again?
!#**!!!#!!*!!!
Nick - 16 years ago
I agree with the other posters here: the choices are all awful. I'm extremely annoyed and disappointed, and I sincerely hope the ownership group will reconsider the naming issue.
In a perfect world, the Sounders, Timbers, and Whitecaps would all be ported over to MLS and the Cascadia Cup rivalry allowed to continue.
Kat - 16 years ago
You Sounder fans may want to keep one thing in mind: For MLS to really take off and become popular enough to fill Qwest Field there probably needs to be a new soccer identity that current "borderline" fans can be lured into. Don't get me wrong - you die-hard Sounder fans are the reason MLS is even here now. But for some of us "outsiders" who thought the Sounders WERE in the MLS (duh), a new name and identity are probably the kind of smart marketing idea that reaches out to that huge mass of new soccer fans ready to lay down some real cash for a ticket or two.
Part 2 of my comment is this: The name "Sounders" is a fantastic name - I have to grant you that. And the new proposed names leave a lot to be desired. I'm very disappointed. For some reason they have a New York feel to them (high & mighty) and nothing to do with Seattle and who we are (irreverant, outdoor loving, skeptical, fun folks).
NOW what do we do?
Mickey - 16 years ago
Another vote for Sounders and against all these generic or geriatric names. What exactly will the fans call any of these names. Headlines ,'Republic Wins'? Give me a break The team needs a nickname that fans can scream and identify with. Something that feels Seattle.
Democrats would be a really lousy name for a team around here. It symbolizes lack of leadership, lack of vision and a do nothing attitude. Not exactly the attributes you want for a Sports Team.
mhsports - 16 years ago
How about "FC Seattle Sounders" or is it so passe to have FC to front.
A bit of new and international flavor added to a very VERY deep northwest soccer tradition... Hey Jim Carey, you listening?... almost ALL the posts have "Sounders" in it.
In what has thus far been an exciting start to MLS soccer here, this naming contest just hit a brick wall at full throttle. Seattle Republic? Isn't that some place you park your car downtown?? What will we chant at Qwest -- "let's go Republicans"?? Seattle Alliance? I know that location; I had pre-cancer colon-screening done there, didn't I? Seattle FC is the least offensive of the three "choices" we've been granted, but given the other two, that's not saying much is it? Joe, Adrian, Drew -- you guys are a creative lot; please rethink this and admit this must be done over. Oh, okay, I get it...duh, me: FC is your choice, so you coupled it with two other choices that no one in their right mind would select. Silly me for overlooking cynicism. At least get the colors right: blue, green and white.
MRB - 16 years ago
How about,
the SEATTLE DEMOCRATS?
I mean, Seattle has been blue for quite awhile, and no one wants the team being associated with the Republicans
Unless the call the team the FREMONT Republic.
NPS - 16 years ago
Why not...Seattle Sounders FC. Keeps name and has best on the list.
The Seattle Sounders must be the name... - 16 years ago
The Seattle Sounders must be the name...
RJR - 16 years ago
I Total agree we have the Rainers,the Aqua sox, the Mariners, the T birds, theStrom/Reign, the Super Sonics, the Seahawks and the FC/Alliance/Republic give me a break whats seattle about that? this is our team not the MLS don't chase away the fan before we even have a Match.
Sounders get my vote, my familys vote and my 3 teams vote
JDS - 16 years ago
These three choices are disappointing. Seattle Sounders is my vote!
Nevers - 16 years ago
I agree that these three options are all generic lackluster names that have no significance to the Pacific Northwest or Seattle at all. That's very disappointing. Is there any imagination left out there at all? These horribly bland and boring choices do not make their point strong for taking "Sounders" off the table.
... disappointing... very disappointing
ManUFanForever - 16 years ago
For the past couple of months, my excitement for MLS in Seattle has been growing rapidly. America's highest level of the beautiful game here in Seattle finally, right? Wrong. After seeing that list of names, I feel like I just hit a brick wall. Seattle FC is blatantly uncreative, and the other two names are so atrocious I can't even say them. I'll be at the games for sure, cheering on the home side, but I have an odd feeling that I wont be the only one there wearing a SOUNDERS Jersey. There's still time for the ownership to do what's right and add that name to the list. Hopefully they'll smarten up a bit.
Brian - 16 years ago
I agree these names are very boring and lame. I can't believe this was the best they could come up with. I grew up here and have always been a soccer fan, but I admit I'm not too attached to the Sounders name. The Sounders aren't going anywhere right? They will still be our semi-pro level team I believe, but I could be wrong. In any case, I don't mind having a new name for our club, but I wish it could be somethnig cool like Arsenal, or United. If the owners read any of these blogs, please do something about this...
Bob - 16 years ago
No Sounders?? Whatever the reason, it couldn't override that name's storied history in Seattle and the cache it carries with it. When you think of soccer in Seattle, you think "Sounders." The finalist list is pathetic.
Johnnie G - 16 years ago
These three are the best we can come up with? There's nothing even remotely NW about these names, not to mention anything even partly unique. Let's just call them the "Seattle Soccer Team"
We look like a bunch of poseurs. We will be accurately described by this post from the "Stuff White People Like" Blog.
Notice below how Sounders name is praised, and then rejected immediately. Both mention the need to be "global:" what does that mean in regard to the name? Where are we "headed" and how does the name affect that? If the Sounder name is worth praise to start these sentences, then aren't they acknowledging the appropriateness of the name? Wouldn't it make more sense in those sentences, to say the Sounder name is bogus and THAT's why we need to change it, if in fact that is the point? These statements are ambiguous.
Part-owner and general manager Adrian Hanauer: ""I love the Sounders brand and the Sounders history. ... That will always be a part of Seattle soccer. ... This is a new team in a new league and we want to start fresh. ... This is a good opportunity for our fans to choose our name. We want to start a new tradition and a new direction and we'd like our name to reflect our attempt to have a global connection on and off the field"
MLS Commissioner Don Garber: "I have great respect for the Sounders and the club's history. While we should celebrate the past, we believe the MLS Seattle team should be about where they are headed tomorrow and help position the club globally."
11 - 16 years ago
Totally Agree!
Soccer in Seattle - 16 years ago
I like Sounders.
I don't like any of the ballot names. They are inexplicably lackluster, generic and pedestrian and this whole "name the team" will backfire since the base is very pro-Sounders. Why start out with a big flap with the fans on the name by taunting them with a "fixed" vote? Dumb. The vote has been labeled as "Democracy in Sports" by the team -- so why start by eliminating a legacy popular with fans as a ballot option? If the intent of the vote is to see what fans want, why not let them vote Sounders off it they don't want it? Holy Smokes, the Sounders name IS soccer in Seattle. And the league thinks we need something new? Goofy. The ballot really isn't a chance for fans to vote freely, but rather to ratify the club's plan of extinction of Sounders and the selection of a boring non-Seattle-specific name. That's not democracy. (Later, they say we'll get to vote on the GM -- wonder how that vote will be "fixed?")
There already was an FC Seattle, so how is Seattle FC new? Why not name the team Seattle team as Dallas FC or FC Toronto? Those would be new unique names. If the league is Major League SOCCER, why do they name teams as "Football" Clubs? And why would they want 3 of them? Goofy.
Count on this . . . the future of this team will begin with sizable griping and protest from fans about a non-Sounders name. Listen for the "Sounders" chants at every game.
Really, do they think that if they name the team Sounders that that will turn people off? Are they nuts?
The team will start off it's new "legacy" by hosting this fraud of a vote and alienating fans with this arogant approach. There is a reason that this league has been so stupid as to not tap into Seattle for a decade, and now we see it in action.
The comments from the MLS chief that, "While we should celebrate the past, we believe the MLS Seattle team should be about where we are headed tomorrow and help position the club globally." is about as nebulous and goofy as I've ever heard. How can you say we should celebrate the past -- and then completely discount that in the same sentence? Just how does a name help position the team globally? What does that mean? For example, how do, for example, Hot Spurs or United or FC position a team? Isn't it the play on the field that positions a team?
The team needs to add Sounders to its ballot. If it gets voted out, then it WILL be the fans that name the team. Without Sounders on the ballot, the fans will only be pawns in a fixed vote. That is not democracy.
What we can learn from the names of other MLS teams. The bad and the good:
The bad -
Lets start with the FCs shall we. Toronto & Dallas - thanks for playing. You've managed to embarrass the entire league by not making the connection that we don't call it football over here.
Now for Houston. Last I checked "y'all" weren't located in Eastern Europe. Also, if you want to use Dynamo, its supposed to go in front numb nuts.
Real Salt Lake. This is probably the most poorly conceived sports team name on the planet. I'd be curious to know what connection this club has with Spain's royal family.
New York. What can I say. You sold your team to an Austrian beverage company that sells legalized liquid crack and then let the new owners name your team after it. Well done. Very Impressive.
DC United. Who exactly are you united with? Let me know as I'm rather confused.
Club Deportivo Chivas USA. I'm not going to be too hard on this one because I understand that its a part of the Guadalajara team, but if we want this league to grow up and play with the big boys some day then maybe the teams should have names that don't make them sound like ugly stepchildren. Also, despite being in Spanish speaking LA, this is still an American league, lets stick with English.
KC Wizards. I'm pretty sure that no one on this team is versed in the dark arts of sourcery. If I'm wrong please let me know. This name had to have been created by a zit faced brace wearing teen with a penchant for playing dungeons and dragons.
LA Galaxy. Somebody help me here. What the hell is that all about?
The good -
Chicago Fire. A strong name with historical value to the city it represents. Bravo!
Columbus Crew. A democratically chosen name that might lack relevance, but at least applies to a "team", and doesn't sound stupid.
New England Revolution. Has a nice ring to it and has relevance.
Colorado Rapids. Again, a nice ring to it with relevance.
San Jose earthquakes. A formidable force of nature that occurs in the San Jose area. Very well conceived.
Lets learn from these fine examples of what to do, and what not to do, and give our team a name we aren't ashamed to sing out loud when we're all packed into Qwest Field to watch them play. Sounders is great, but like the guy above (Kreeper) said, if they have to change the name there are better options. Lets push them on this. If they say its a democracy, then lets make them prove it, and actually give us the power they've said they've given us.
If you know someone at Vulcan. If you know someone at MLS in Seattle. If you know someone at MLS. If you know someone who knows someone at any of these groups - CONTACT THEM! We need to be heard. Likewise, spread the word, everybody will want to let the management team know how bad these names are, and how little they mean to us as Seattleites. If MLS in Seattle management has even bothered to use a branding consultancy to come up with this selection of names for us to "vote" on, then they've managed to find the biggest group of low cost clowns that the marketing world has ever seen. If they're dead set against Sounders fine, I'll get over it (in another 20 to 30 years maybe). However, that doesn't mean that this city and its fans should be forced to suffer a name that only has meaning (and little meaning at that) in Europe, or a name that sounds as if it were thought of by Chairman Mao or George W. Everybody talk, speak up, be active, and don't let this happen!
As much as the three name options stink, don't let a team name prevent you from supporting the team. Now that is rediculous. I liked what I have heard on this forum for a name...........Seattle Sounders FC. That is by far the best, a bit from the past and a bit new.
For all those who are bashing the proposed names as not being creative or regionally specific enough, at least offer an alternative.
Am I dreaming? A Seattle soccer team not named the Sounders is a crime. I'll write in an alternate name. Flood them with any name BUT the ones listed. I hope this is a test to make sure we are as passionate about soccer that they are hoping we all are. Please wake me up from this nightmare.
I hope the Seattle Times has enough guts to post these negative comments so the owners can see how unhappy soccer fans in the Northwest are.
Everyone contact Vulcan and Mr. Hanauer and encourage them to call this vote off until they have better choice.
Did all the creative minds that came up with Mariners, Seahawks, Rainiers, etc. leave the State? What a stupid list of choices. If this is the best the "focus group" could come up with - they need their eyes examined. After reading all the negative comments - I hope they call this vote off before we are the laughing stock of the MLS! At least there should be a place to "write in" a 4th option.
I agree these names suck. that said, this team will need more than simply seattle sounders fans to become and remain viable. honestly, the name 'sounders' sounds pretty ridiculous. the team is good, it's done well historically, and that's the only reason all the nostalgia is attached (chained) to it. yes the team will be in seattle, but everyone NOT from the puget sound area could give a flying **** about greenery and scenery reflected in the name. they want a team that will kick ass and a team that has a name that implies that. hell, at least a republic has a dominating quality about it; from Rome to the US, republics have made domination a legacy. bottom line: the names suck, but really so does 'the Sounders.' (ps: to Kele | Mar 21, 16:37 - it's 'short sighted' not 'short sided.')
I grew up with the Sounders, and have played my whole life. I follow other leagues and teams and am a fanatical supporter and fan outside of the MLS league. I was really looking forward to having a professional team, but it appears that we are starting off in a very amateur way. Sad to say there is a reason that leagues abroad are more supported by US fans than our own league. The names stink.
None of the Above!
What an insult to the fans of Seattle. Power to the people? Empty words.
The Sounders carry a legacy - local futbol fans were looking forward to carrying the name into the future. I suspect Sounders was the overwhelming choice and yet ignored.
What a terrible beginning! Shame on MLSSeattle.
If these are the proposed names for "our" new MLS team, then I would like to tell every soccer fan in Seattle to forget voting for one of the proposed crappy names. Seattle FC would be the best of the 3 names, but only if it comes before Seattle in the title....after Seattle it could stand for Friggin Crappy...lol! Seattle Republic sounds like a cousin to Banana Republic, and Seattle Alliance sounds like a political group.I urge everybody to boycott voting on those choices, and to send a mass amount of e-mails to management until they get it in their head that only one name will forever exist as the right name for a team in Seattle, and that is the SOUNDERS!!!!!!! So everybody, write your letters and e-mails to MLS in Seattle and flood them like crazy until they add the Sounders name to the ballot, where we can then vote and assure that the Sounders name lives on!!!!! Sounders Forever!!!!!!
How can these people be so clueless? "none of the above" gets my vote. Even if they are too intimidated by the Sounder tradition to try to continue it, they can at least come up with something that isn't embarrassing. C'mon. I mean ... c'mon!!
Seattle Times quotes, Nov 2007:
They offered Carey part ownership, but Carey had two conditions before he agreed to invest. "One of them was that we have a membership program like they do in Barcelona," he said. "They have about 160,000 members, and every four years the members get to vote on whether the president of the club gets to keep his job or not. That's what we're going to bring to Seattle." Barcelona's innovative mix of fans and franchise intrigued Carey.
"We're going to mix politics and sports and bring democracy to sports in America, and I think it's about time," Carey said.
*******
Where is this "democracy" Drew Carey talks about? Can't we appeal to him to come up with some new names?
Horrible choices for names. I cannot believe that these three represent the best that some committee could come up with, based on what was likely thousands of submissions. Alliance? With whom? Republic? Please. There is only one name for Seattle soccer - you know it, I know it, go with the Sounders and be done with it.
Even though I agree the Sounders name is good and historic here look at La Liga in Spain. There all clubs have the city name and then just a common title with it. Real (royal), FC, Athletic are joined with the city name and nothing else. Each team/fans is referred to as something else Like Real Madrid is the Vikings and Bilboa is the Lions. So the name is one thing and what they are referred to is another but is not in the name. So in our case can be Seattle FC but will always be known as Sounders.
Based on the overwhelmingly negative feedback to the names,don't be surprised to see some changes on Tuesday. Remember, the team has not confirmed any of the names. Clearly , they won't want a PR mess right out of the gate. The new ownership can take this negative and really turn it into a huge postive by simply saying "We heard you. You didn't like what you saw and we've responded. However, I don't blame them for seeking something other than Sounders. Tradition does mean something, but keep in mind that in this day and age marketing is a major factor and there may be legit marketing and promotional reasons to leave Sounders out of the mix. Frankly the Mariners , based on tradition, should have been called the Rainiers. They weren't and we've all survived.
I also do not understand why Sounders is not included in the voting. Wasn't it the highest suggested name on the team website? I mainly watch Euro leagues and am not an A-League Sounder fan because it was not the highest league of soccer in the country. I went to a game in the first year in qwest but didn't like it. This area isn't second tier anything anymore.
But I do know that the name has been around for a long time as it has represtented the best soccer in the state when it has been a functional organization and is more appropriate than any name made up and infinitely better than the generic (fc), governmental (republic), or the claim to be all together name (alliance). New time, new league, but keep a history that other cities that have been in the MLS for a decade now might never reach in fifty years.
Crap, Seattle Seahawks SC makes more sense than what is suggested, but we'll have to pick the least of three evils and the owners can call it "as chosen by the fans". What a freaking farce, not being able to vote for the most appropriate choice.
Sorry Seattle times ..but there is a new poll up on the pi website
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/thebigblog/archives/134826.asp
A real Poll
Please vote
All of these names are blah and lackluster. Let's have some color in the name. Ick!
I have to agree, the choices are boring, generic, and lame with no regional identification. If not Sounders, how about Cascades? The explanation for not using Sounders doesn't make sense. Focus groups? Who were these people and who chose them? Among the choices announced the hardest part is to decide which is the worst.
I would have voted for "None of the Above" if it was possible. Extremely disappointing choices to pick from. I am shocked that those names were the results of fan focus groups and suggestions.
Start over!!
wtf these names suk. why wud we ever call a seattle soccer team Seattle Republic, thats a horrible name WTF heres some better names
1. Seattle Killer Orcas
2. Seattle Green (for global warming)
3. Seattle Liberals
4. Seattle Rain
Hey Seattle Times,
You need to change your Poll to either include None of the Above or Sounders as an option.
As a "Seattle Ite" in long term exile in New Jersey, I have to say that the proposed names are just stupid. Dumb, unimaginative, and unoriginal, in other words, "Un Seattle-like" and a lot like what goes on out here (can anyone say "Red Bulls"?).
It also just seems such a waste to keep the Sounders name around this long only to not use it when Big Time soccer finally returns? I mean, how insulting and short sided is that?
If we can't have the Sounders as the mascot, then let's really open up the democratic process and let us, the potential paying fan base and emotionally invested, come up with some actual, creative mascots and then let's vote on the best.
As a Northwesterner, I am profoundly disappointed in the proposed names. I am used to NW creativity and there is nothing creative, new or even vaguely interesting in FC anything, Republics (WTF?) or Alliance (with whom?).
We should have a name that reflects the history and spirit of the area and the three choices don't. They came out of a committee and everyone knows that committees turn out lowest common denominators. In this case, three LCDs.
Been a Sounders fan since 1974. My kid's have been Sounder fans since 1994. Like everyone else I was ready to say good bye for a fresh start with a cool new name but I agree this is all a set up to have us choose the generic FC Seattle.
I'm not giving up my season tickets but Adrian, Drew, Joe...you all need to know this is very disappointing and a poor way to introduce a new team. I like the Seattle Sounders FC alternative mentioned here.
Please either come up with something interesting and unique or let us who have supported Soccer all these years have our team name back.
If this is really "all about the fans" then I hope you're listening to us.
these nicknames are absolutely ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nothing to do with Seattle!
whats wrong with the Sounders?
I put down money for season tickets and if these are the only names associated with the MLS Seattle team.......I want my money back! damn!!!
These names suck. i still think they should call them the Ites. Let's go Ites. Seattle Ites!
Or, at least, the Seattle Citizens.
Maybe I'ma give up my season tickets now...
We all know that casual and non fans find Soccer boring. So why in the world would we want to perpetuate that stereotype with a boring name? A little enthusiasm from ownership instead of a phony New York Coolness would be appreciated. Hire the guys who do the Mariners Commercials and have them come up with some names if Sounders is out. They at least think outside the starch collar box. "Go Republics, Fight Republics." Good Grief.
Terrible and unimaginative names. I like Sounders, too, b/c of its history and symbolism. If that is out, what about Emerald City FC or something similar? We could call them the "Greens", like Chelsea and Birmingham fans in the EPL call those teams the Blues, due to their colors. "Go Greens" is a play on words, too, in that it would refer to team colors as well as Seattle's rightly respected lead in environmentalism and the northwest's outdoor ethos. At least this suggestion has reason and depth behind it.
FC? Republic? Alliance?? Lame Lame Lame!!!!!!!! Please John Keister bring back the "Lame List" so we can give these names their proper treatment.
Sounders is the coolest name of any other Seattle sports team. Why not use it again?
!#**!!!#!!*!!!
I agree with the other posters here: the choices are all awful. I'm extremely annoyed and disappointed, and I sincerely hope the ownership group will reconsider the naming issue.
In a perfect world, the Sounders, Timbers, and Whitecaps would all be ported over to MLS and the Cascadia Cup rivalry allowed to continue.
You Sounder fans may want to keep one thing in mind: For MLS to really take off and become popular enough to fill Qwest Field there probably needs to be a new soccer identity that current "borderline" fans can be lured into. Don't get me wrong - you die-hard Sounder fans are the reason MLS is even here now. But for some of us "outsiders" who thought the Sounders WERE in the MLS (duh), a new name and identity are probably the kind of smart marketing idea that reaches out to that huge mass of new soccer fans ready to lay down some real cash for a ticket or two.
Part 2 of my comment is this: The name "Sounders" is a fantastic name - I have to grant you that. And the new proposed names leave a lot to be desired. I'm very disappointed. For some reason they have a New York feel to them (high & mighty) and nothing to do with Seattle and who we are (irreverant, outdoor loving, skeptical, fun folks).
NOW what do we do?
Another vote for Sounders and against all these generic or geriatric names. What exactly will the fans call any of these names. Headlines ,'Republic Wins'? Give me a break The team needs a nickname that fans can scream and identify with. Something that feels Seattle.
Democrats would be a really lousy name for a team around here. It symbolizes lack of leadership, lack of vision and a do nothing attitude. Not exactly the attributes you want for a Sports Team.
How about "FC Seattle Sounders" or is it so passe to have FC to front.
A bit of new and international flavor added to a very VERY deep northwest soccer tradition... Hey Jim Carey, you listening?... almost ALL the posts have "Sounders" in it.
The proposed names are dumb.
These are the worst names possible!!!!!
What are they thinking!!!!
I am so angry right now!!!!
New Seattle sports slogan: REFUSE TO CHOOSE.
In what has thus far been an exciting start to MLS soccer here, this naming contest just hit a brick wall at full throttle. Seattle Republic? Isn't that some place you park your car downtown?? What will we chant at Qwest -- "let's go Republicans"?? Seattle Alliance? I know that location; I had pre-cancer colon-screening done there, didn't I? Seattle FC is the least offensive of the three "choices" we've been granted, but given the other two, that's not saying much is it? Joe, Adrian, Drew -- you guys are a creative lot; please rethink this and admit this must be done over. Oh, okay, I get it...duh, me: FC is your choice, so you coupled it with two other choices that no one in their right mind would select. Silly me for overlooking cynicism. At least get the colors right: blue, green and white.
How about,
the SEATTLE DEMOCRATS?
I mean, Seattle has been blue for quite awhile, and no one wants the team being associated with the Republicans
Unless the call the team the FREMONT Republic.
Why not...Seattle Sounders FC. Keeps name and has best on the list.
The Seattle Sounders must be the name...
I Total agree we have the Rainers,the Aqua sox, the Mariners, the T birds, theStrom/Reign, the Super Sonics, the Seahawks and the FC/Alliance/Republic give me a break whats seattle about that? this is our team not the MLS don't chase away the fan before we even have a Match.
Sounders get my vote, my familys vote and my 3 teams vote
These three choices are disappointing. Seattle Sounders is my vote!
I agree that these three options are all generic lackluster names that have no significance to the Pacific Northwest or Seattle at all. That's very disappointing. Is there any imagination left out there at all? These horribly bland and boring choices do not make their point strong for taking "Sounders" off the table.
... disappointing... very disappointing
For the past couple of months, my excitement for MLS in Seattle has been growing rapidly. America's highest level of the beautiful game here in Seattle finally, right? Wrong. After seeing that list of names, I feel like I just hit a brick wall. Seattle FC is blatantly uncreative, and the other two names are so atrocious I can't even say them. I'll be at the games for sure, cheering on the home side, but I have an odd feeling that I wont be the only one there wearing a SOUNDERS Jersey. There's still time for the ownership to do what's right and add that name to the list. Hopefully they'll smarten up a bit.
I agree these names are very boring and lame. I can't believe this was the best they could come up with. I grew up here and have always been a soccer fan, but I admit I'm not too attached to the Sounders name. The Sounders aren't going anywhere right? They will still be our semi-pro level team I believe, but I could be wrong. In any case, I don't mind having a new name for our club, but I wish it could be somethnig cool like Arsenal, or United. If the owners read any of these blogs, please do something about this...
No Sounders?? Whatever the reason, it couldn't override that name's storied history in Seattle and the cache it carries with it. When you think of soccer in Seattle, you think "Sounders." The finalist list is pathetic.
These three are the best we can come up with? There's nothing even remotely NW about these names, not to mention anything even partly unique. Let's just call them the "Seattle Soccer Team"
We look like a bunch of poseurs. We will be accurately described by this post from the "Stuff White People Like" Blog.
http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/80-the-idea-of-soccer/
Is this really all we can come up with?
Notice below how Sounders name is praised, and then rejected immediately. Both mention the need to be "global:" what does that mean in regard to the name? Where are we "headed" and how does the name affect that? If the Sounder name is worth praise to start these sentences, then aren't they acknowledging the appropriateness of the name? Wouldn't it make more sense in those sentences, to say the Sounder name is bogus and THAT's why we need to change it, if in fact that is the point? These statements are ambiguous.
Part-owner and general manager Adrian Hanauer: ""I love the Sounders brand and the Sounders history. ... That will always be a part of Seattle soccer. ... This is a new team in a new league and we want to start fresh. ... This is a good opportunity for our fans to choose our name. We want to start a new tradition and a new direction and we'd like our name to reflect our attempt to have a global connection on and off the field"
MLS Commissioner Don Garber: "I have great respect for the Sounders and the club's history. While we should celebrate the past, we believe the MLS Seattle team should be about where they are headed tomorrow and help position the club globally."
Totally Agree!
I like Sounders.
I don't like any of the ballot names. They are inexplicably lackluster, generic and pedestrian and this whole "name the team" will backfire since the base is very pro-Sounders. Why start out with a big flap with the fans on the name by taunting them with a "fixed" vote? Dumb. The vote has been labeled as "Democracy in Sports" by the team -- so why start by eliminating a legacy popular with fans as a ballot option? If the intent of the vote is to see what fans want, why not let them vote Sounders off it they don't want it? Holy Smokes, the Sounders name IS soccer in Seattle. And the league thinks we need something new? Goofy. The ballot really isn't a chance for fans to vote freely, but rather to ratify the club's plan of extinction of Sounders and the selection of a boring non-Seattle-specific name. That's not democracy. (Later, they say we'll get to vote on the GM -- wonder how that vote will be "fixed?")
There already was an FC Seattle, so how is Seattle FC new? Why not name the team Seattle team as Dallas FC or FC Toronto? Those would be new unique names. If the league is Major League SOCCER, why do they name teams as "Football" Clubs? And why would they want 3 of them? Goofy.
Count on this . . . the future of this team will begin with sizable griping and protest from fans about a non-Sounders name. Listen for the "Sounders" chants at every game.
Really, do they think that if they name the team Sounders that that will turn people off? Are they nuts?
The team will start off it's new "legacy" by hosting this fraud of a vote and alienating fans with this arogant approach. There is a reason that this league has been so stupid as to not tap into Seattle for a decade, and now we see it in action.
The comments from the MLS chief that, "While we should celebrate the past, we believe the MLS Seattle team should be about where we are headed tomorrow and help position the club globally." is about as nebulous and goofy as I've ever heard. How can you say we should celebrate the past -- and then completely discount that in the same sentence? Just how does a name help position the team globally? What does that mean? For example, how do, for example, Hot Spurs or United or FC position a team? Isn't it the play on the field that positions a team?
The team needs to add Sounders to its ballot. If it gets voted out, then it WILL be the fans that name the team. Without Sounders on the ballot, the fans will only be pawns in a fixed vote. That is not democracy.