Kasey Keller Day

Seattle Sounders FC vs San Jose Earthquakes

10/15/11 By Ryan Sales 2011 Sales on Sounders Visit: Sales on Sounders

Im not exactly 100% sure what the time line was. I was graduating from high school and still kind of selfish. Arguing with my dad occasionally about work, money, and other priorities. You know, Stuff. I got a scholarship to study Theatre at the University of Utah. My dad drove me from Seattle and dropped me off in Salt Lake City. I dont recall much road-trip conversation about soccer. Somewhere in between graduating, relocating to Utah, and showing my dad I can make it in the world, I heard about this other kid. Same age, from Olympia, Washington. A Goal Keeper to watch. Youth with promise. That sort of thing. No doubt, it was not much longer after that I started reading about him occasionally in the Seattle Times.

Keller lifting Cascadia Cup 2011

My soccer career, as for playing, had already ended. When I entered high school, I went straight for varsity Cross-Country, and made the cut. Bicycling, running, violin, and theatre were everything to me. Soccer had fallen off the shelf. That and the fact our high school forwards looked something out of the German National Team youth system. My 5-8 frame was small. Height was too much a priority for soccer at that time. Maradona was considered a one of a kind phenom, and Messi wasnt on the scene yet. Sounders players Osvaldo Alonso, Michael Fucito, and James Riley will inspire an entire new generation of soccer-kids whose skill attributes, like agility, endurance, and consistency will matter more than height. It pleases me to know that the next generation of soccer players will have a more equitable variance in size. As a senior in high school, my friend, Dawn Schuller nudged me into co-coaching a 9year old girls, first year soccer team. I found enough inspiration in that experience to consider dropping college and only coaching soccer. I couldnt see the future in that. So, I went to college to study theatre and become an actor. Kasey Kellers name didnt make many waves in theatre circles. In between a theatre conservatory-esque regime of classes; movement, voice, and theatre history, there wasnt much room for soccer. Being the sports-0-phile Ive always been, I knew who he was and continued to follow his rise up the ladder of the US National Team. Most people will tell you about Kellers Gold Cup victory over Brazil with the US National Team in 1998. Not me. In 1998 Keller summoned up a remarkable 10 save performance against Romario led Brazil. After an impressive multi-save sequence, Romario smiled, turned to Keller and shook his hand. A stunning 1-nil win over the Beautiful Games greatest nation. Good stuff, but for me the story to tell is Fulhams historic 2007 Relegation Battle. This is not to overlook how cool Keller is for living with his family in a castle in Germany, receiving an invitation to dine from the King of Spain, and playing soccer in England. Kasey Keller fights for every game no matter what is at stake. In 2006 he was part of the US squad that fizzled disappointingly at the World Cup. Afterword Keller went to Fulham in the English Premier League. Fulham fell disappointingly near the bottom of the league in Spring 2007. It looked as if they were headed for relegation. HIs move to Fulham appeared a possible last stop in his career. The relegation battle included two Seattle area Keepers dualing to keep their clubs above the relegation line. Marcus Hahnemann with Reading, and Keller with Fulham.

Height takes a back seat to Osvaldo Alonso's 2 goals vs Comunicaciones in CCL

Its difficult to describe what happened next. There is no US equivalent. We measure sports teams success by what they do at the top of the table. Bottom table teams just hold out for draft choices to help rebuild. In soccer leagues around the world, there is no less glory at the top of the table. But the place settings are few and the guest list doesnt change much. At the end of each season three teams at the bottom of the table are relegated to the league below. Three teams at the top of the table from the league below are promoted above. Relegation battles draw crowds, cameras, and conversation no different from what makes the sweet-sixteen so special. Keller dug in, and Fulham planted a historic survival flag. They stayed in Englands Premiership, their top-flight league. A battle that went to the last match of 2007. It could have been a fitting end to Kellers career, but he heard the Sounders calling. Sometimes heroes hear their calling. Ive struggled with following my own passions. How to make them part of my life in a way that earns a living. At a young age Keller heard his calling to be a professional athlete and stayed true to that path. So, when the Sounders called it was no surprise that the US International Soccer hero jumped back across the pond to make his last professional stop at home.

Captain Kasey Keller #18

At the end of Kellers second year with the Sounders, his contract was renewed. Instead of a bidding process for more money. Keller offered less. He offered $50,000 less than he could have taken. That $50,000 found Mauro Rosales. This is sports. Just entertainment at the end of the day. But with Keller its much more. School in session. Sacrifice personal reward for the greater achievements of your family and community. For your club. Keller is finishing his third year with the Sounders. Their third year in existence. He has been the team Captain from the Sounders franchise start. A soccer icon Seattle has always wanted. 63,000 will take part in his retirement ceremony. Leaving no less than what all sports in America needs. An example of hard work, leadership, and desire to win no matter what is at stake. Kasey Keller Day is officially upon us, and 63,000 will take part in his retirement celebration. One fan finds himself reflecting on his own lifes soccer influence. Taking account of future goals. As Keller retires from soccer, I find myself more and more compelled to be part of its growth. Kellers achievements inspire and bring together the core for me of what sports are about. A club rising to the occasion to represent its home city. Keller has brought both club and community together. As he retires, I cant help feel that he has united Seattle into something special for decades to come. Inspiring us in sport, classroom, and life.
Dedicated to Dawn Schuller She is my personal soccer Captain and hero. Please be sure to visit and comment on this page at my site:

Sales on Sounders

2011 Sales on Sounders by Ryan Sales