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The Sound and the Glory: How the Seattle Sounders Showed Major League Soccer How to Win Over America
A unique and comprehensive look at the Seattle Sounders franchise and its storied run for the Cup The Seattle Sounders were a sensation from the start, attracting crowds of sizes unlike any MLS team had ever seen. By the 2016 season, Seattle was averaging more than 42,000 fans per home game, the most of any soccer team in the Western Hemisphere, and more than behemoths like Chelsea F.C. and A.C. Milan overseas. But, for all of its early consistent success, Seattle had yet to actually win the league. In order to reach the ambitious goals the club set for itself, the Sounders needed the jolt of a championship. To get there would require tumult previously unknown to a club built on stability, a clash of egos, and a title run so unlikely it could hardly have been scripted. This is a Cinderella story for all MLS fans and every Sounder at heart.
200 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2019
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76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 28, 2019
Decent fictional story about the rise of the Seattle Sounders in MLS. I first thought this was going to be a non-fiction book, but realized at about 25% it wasn't. Once I changed my thoughts, it turned out to be a decent book.
September 10, 2019
While Pentz jumps around from subject to subject and timeframe to timeframe in a way that seems somewhat arbitrary, if you're a diehard Sounders fan or merely interested in the peculiar shape of soccer in America, this will be a quick and interesting read for you.
April 9, 2019
Unquestionably, a home run (a hat trick!) for Sounders fans. A must-read, and a joy to read. Passionate American soccer fans will certainly breeze through happily, as well. The style is grand for those that know this team and its history, though the timeline bouncing may leave less-knowledgeable fans confused. But I enjoyed these, knowing the history of the club and appreciating how well each trip back before 2016 illustrates some aspect of the title run.
October 8, 2022
An excellent book which covers in the detail the rise of Seattle Sounders and how their success was not always expected or easy. The book covers various stories of history, MLS, coaches, managers, owners and individual stories of players and the how the club made a change for the better when they decided to move away from Seattle Seahawks.
February 7, 2019
I thought my love for soccer would propel me through this read. Doubly, I figured my connection to the professional soccer world of the Pacific Northwest, through my own collegiate coach’s player days on the Tacoma Stars, would solidify my engagement to this book. But, The Sounds of the Glory: How Seattle Sounders Showed Major League Soccer How to Win Over America would have even the most super fans on their heels.
The depth of history and knowledge on the creation and success of the Seattle Sounders’ MLS team is immensely detailed in the 200+ pages of this read. Each chapter offers glimpses into key members of the team and staff, from the young Morris, to the veteran Dempsey and many of the staff in between, this book cumulates it all. Regardless of whether you are a seasoned soccer fan or know nothing about the sport, this read will leave you a Sounders fan for sure!
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The depth of history and knowledge on the creation and success of the Seattle Sounders’ MLS team is immensely detailed in the 200+ pages of this read. Each chapter offers glimpses into key members of the team and staff, from the young Morris, to the veteran Dempsey and many of the staff in between, this book cumulates it all. Regardless of whether you are a seasoned soccer fan or know nothing about the sport, this read will leave you a Sounders fan for sure!
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
September 29, 2019
The cover is catchy but misleading. "How the Sounders showed MLS how to win over America".
That topic doesn't get thoroughly dissected or explained.
More accurately, it's a look at the years leading up to Seattle's MLS championship.
Pentz covered the Sounders for years with the Seattle Times. Here, he re-packages and re-tells a lot of that information he's collected over the years (mixed in and updated, I suppose, with follow-up interviews).
It's a smaller book -- 190 pages, with 14 chapters. Most of the chapters focus in on key players from those seasons -- Schmid, Schmetzer, Lagerwey, Evans, Frei, Morris, Dempsey, Lodeiro, etc. You find out the backstories on these guys, and how they made their way into pro soccer and Seattle.
It's clear from the writing that the author has traveled with and interacted with all of the guys on the team. There's plenty of inside stuff, and it's clear that Pentz was at most of the key games and events.
I'm a Seattle Times subscriber. Generally I'm too busy to read all of the feature articles they run, so some of this stuff I imagine I missed the first time around. Good to have it all summarized in one spot.
That topic doesn't get thoroughly dissected or explained.
More accurately, it's a look at the years leading up to Seattle's MLS championship.
Pentz covered the Sounders for years with the Seattle Times. Here, he re-packages and re-tells a lot of that information he's collected over the years (mixed in and updated, I suppose, with follow-up interviews).
It's a smaller book -- 190 pages, with 14 chapters. Most of the chapters focus in on key players from those seasons -- Schmid, Schmetzer, Lagerwey, Evans, Frei, Morris, Dempsey, Lodeiro, etc. You find out the backstories on these guys, and how they made their way into pro soccer and Seattle.
It's clear from the writing that the author has traveled with and interacted with all of the guys on the team. There's plenty of inside stuff, and it's clear that Pentz was at most of the key games and events.
I'm a Seattle Times subscriber. Generally I'm too busy to read all of the feature articles they run, so some of this stuff I imagine I missed the first time around. Good to have it all summarized in one spot.
March 8, 2019
While I am not a Seattle Sounders fan, I admire the organization and I was looking forward to understanding how they’ve been so successful in and off the field. This book did that and more.
There are two main themes: this history of the Sounders and soccer in Seattle, and the story of their 2016 championship. The author tells the story in large part by getting us to know the people behind those accomplishments. His writing story makes the stories flow and makes the book hard to put down. It reads like a novel but is a true story.
There are two main themes: this history of the Sounders and soccer in Seattle, and the story of their 2016 championship. The author tells the story in large part by getting us to know the people behind those accomplishments. His writing story makes the stories flow and makes the book hard to put down. It reads like a novel but is a true story.
June 20, 2020
An interesting look inside the Seattle Sounders, one of the most unique teams in MLS. The focus is on the 2016 season which saw them fire their legendary coach part way through the season. Some highlights to the NASL Sounders and history of soccer in the Pacific Northwest are present also. Unfortunately, not enough time is spent on the unique structure of the team giving fans a say on who runs the team.
March 13, 2019
This is a must-read for Sounders fans. Pentz gets great insight into why the 2016 season turned out the way it did—from the terrible start to the turnaround to the championship.
You'll walk away from this book knowing more about how and why the team operates, and with a greater appreciation for Sigi Schmid and Garth Lagerwey. (And for the importance of sports journalism!)
You'll walk away from this book knowing more about how and why the team operates, and with a greater appreciation for Sigi Schmid and Garth Lagerwey. (And for the importance of sports journalism!)
March 27, 2019
For fans of the Sounders, it puts you right back into all the downs and ups of the 2016 season. For sports fans it gives great insight into an amazing club (I'm biased, I know) and and maybe gives some support to why soccer continues to be America's sport of the future. For me, well it made me very very homesick.
August 27, 2019
Matt Pentz flexes his writing skillfully in covering a topic that many have given a very dry spin to. Pentz pulls you into the emotional and personal world of the Seattle Sounders and how they achieved the 2016 MLS cup. I somehow walked away from this book an even bigger fan of the Sounders than I was when I began! Excited to follow more of Pentz's writings.
December 17, 2020
As a Sounders season ticket holder for several years, I definitely enjoyed this book. I wouldn't say it's a "can't miss" read for soccer fans in general, but Sounders fans will appreciate the behind the scenes info they may not have been aware of.
Pentz is a good writer, and I look forward to his next book offering.
Pentz is a good writer, and I look forward to his next book offering.
March 13, 2023
A pretty good look at the moves and franchise situation leading up to the 2016 MLS Cup victory by the Sounders. As a lifelong fan, I would have loved to learn more about the earlier eras of the franchise, including it's NASL days (perhaps I'll get that from "Authentic Masterpiece," another Sounders book written by a Seattle sports journalist). Also, a few photos would have been a nice addition!
April 21, 2019
Well written exploration of Sounder’s championship season
This is a must read for ant Sounders fan. It will also be enjoyable and interesting for anyone interested in American soccer.
This is a must read for ant Sounders fan. It will also be enjoyable and interesting for anyone interested in American soccer.
March 31, 2019
A fun read if you’re a Sounders fan.
December 30, 2019
Really solid book about the Seattle Sounders and their rise to dominance throughout the years. Excellent reporting and insider knowledge. Very enjoyable read!
July 20, 2024
Great book on Sounders history!
February 7, 2025
Easy read with lots of good information from various people within the organization. Definitely recommend for any Sounders fan or those interested in MLS history.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews