The Seattle Sounders will be desperate to finally make their mark against European opposition this summer when they meet Chelsea in the World Football Challenge on July 28.
The MLS club and three-time defending US Open Cup champions have lost all four matches played against visiting European powers since their 2009 expansion seasion. Each of the four games were played at home at CenturyLink Field.
The Sounders played Chelsea and Celtic tight in 2009 and 2010 (2-0 and 2-1 losses respectively). The 4-0 setback to Barcelona saw the Spanish club score two late goals, while the 7-0 defeat against Manchester United last year still stings and fuels a desire to earn their first result this year.
It's worth noting that three of the four matches against European opposition represent the top three attendances in Sounders club history.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS vs. EUROPEAN OPPONENTS ALL-TIME
Sat., July 18, 2009: Chelsea 2, Seattle 0
GOALS: 12' Sturridge, 35' Lampard
ATTENDANCE: 65,289
Wed., Aug. 5, 2009: Barcelona 4, Seattle 0
GOALS: 21' Messi, 41' Messi, 75' Jeffren, 89' Pedro
ATTENDANCE: 66,848
Sat., July 18, 2010: Celtic 2, Seattle 1
GOALS: 32' Samaras PK (Celtic), 64' McCourt (Celtic), 66' Estrada (Seattle)
ATTENDANCE: 45,631
Sat., July 20, 2011: Manchester United 7, Seattle 0
GOALS: 15' Owen, 49' Diouf, 51' Rooney, 69' Rooney, 71' Park, 72' Rooney, 88' Obertan
ATTENDANCE: 67,052
