On March 19th Professional Soccer made a triumph return to Seattle, as the Seattle Sounders, named after Seattle NASL team, made its debut with a 3-0 win over Red Bull New York, who played in the previous years MLS Cup. Scoring the first goal for the Sounders was Fredy Montero.

The Sounders would use their substantial home-field advantage to three straight wins to start their inaugural season as they proved early on they would not be a typical expansion team. They would have almost the same amount of ties and wins, and they would surge to the playoffs with a record of 12-7-11.

During the season, the Sounders would not sink lower than fifth place. In the first round, the Houston Dynamo used a Brian Ching goal in extra time of the second leg to eliminate the Sounders.

Amid the season, the Sounders won the US Open Cup, replicating the accomplishment of the Chicago Fire.