Who would have guessed that the Sounders would have had the success they did in 2009? Few believed Seattle could sustain such a healthy appetite for the world’s sport.
Nevertheless, Seattle has arrived and the proof is top-tier players taking notice and expressing an interest in playing for the second-year American startup. Yahoo! Sports is reporting that Marcus Hahnemann, keeper for the Wolverhampton Wanderers, said he would like to play for the Sounders if current goalie Keller decides to retire.
To Continue...
The Wanderers are currently members of the English Premier League and the team turned to Hahnemann in 2009 when their first-string keeper lost his touch.
The international stud-list began with homegrown Kasey Keller and Freddie Ljungberg, followed by the recent announcement that Blasie Kufo will be joining the team post World Cup.
Hahnemann grew up in the Seattle area, first attending Kentridge High School and later transferred to Newport High School in Bellevue. In college, Hahnemann played for Seattle Pacific University Falcons and in 1993, was rewarded with a NCAA Division II championship.
Professional success followed and after signing with the USL Seattle Sounders in 1995and winning two consecutive A-League championships in his hometown, Hahnemann made the jump to the 5-year-old MLS, signing with the Colorado Rapids in 1997. A year later, he was playing in London with the Fulham F.C., Reading F.C. and currently for Wolverhampton. Hahnemann also earned caps with the U.S. National team playing with Tim Howard and Keller during the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
If Keller, 40, decides to retire after this, or next season, Hahnemann, 37, looks to be a positive addition to the Rave Green. Coming to the less competitive MLS would be a breeze after playing in the Premier League. The veteran would have a similar role to what Keller provides the team, the situational awareness and poise under pressure that only minutes in Europe and experience can provide.
Hahnemann also seems durable despite his age. In a recent collision with Everton midfielder Dan Gosling, the Seattle native came out on top, literally. Gosling is expected to miss nine months after suffering a torn cruciate knee ligament.
Reach Galen Helmgren at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
