The Seattle Sounders FC took a break from their regularly scheduled MLS slate and took on english power Chelsea FC at Qwest Field. The Blues picked up the 2-0 win in the friendly but the real story was the atmosphere at the stadium. The expansion club has already exceeded expectations of any first year team. Seattle averages nearly 30,000 a game but on Saturday afternoon a partisan crowd of over 65,000 showcased their support for the Seattle franchise. This may be the first time in the history of the league where an MLS team outnumbers that of a european club on their home ground.

The Sounders controlled the opening possession but quickly fell behind in the 12th minute. Chelsea’s Daniel Sturridge took a pass on the left side of the penalty box and placed it behind the outstretched Kasey Keller, Seattle goalkeeper. In the 35th minute Frank Lampard added to the score and made the score 2-0 in favor Chelsea.

Seattle had some scoring chances as well but could not capitalize. Freddie Ljungberg took a 25-yard free kick in the 33rd minute causing Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech to tip it away. Ljungberg had another opportunity in the 44th minute but once again Cech made the save, this time with a diving foot save.

Chelsea made nine substitutions and Seattle made five to start the second half of the game. Zach Scott prevented the score from getting worse with sliding tackles in the 80th and 83rd minute. The game aired on ESPN2 following the Toronto FC-Houston Dynamo match-up. Seattle will take on the Dynamo on Tuesday. It is the semifinal match of the US Open Cup. The game will be played in Tukwila, Washington at 10 p.m.

On Saturday they host the Chicago Fire at Qwest Field. The game will air on ESPN2 at 3 p.m. Seattle is currently in second place in the Western Conference with 28 points, they trail Houston who has 32 points.

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