I'm shocked that the MLS is expanding. I really thought they would be downsizing and or have folded by now.

Seattle to get expansion MLS franchise in 2009 or later

Associated Press

SEATTLE -- Major League Soccer has granted an expansion franchise to Seattle and it could begin playing as soon as 2009, a league official confirmed Friday.

Commissioner Don Garber will announce the decision in Seattle on Tuesday, the league said.

MLS spokesman Dan Courtemanche said Friday the team could start playing as soon as the spring of 2009. MLS seasons run from April into November, and it's likely the team will play at Qwest Field, at least initially.

MLS seasons run from April into November.

The league is bringing a team back to San Jose for the 2008 season to create two, balanced conferences of seven teams each. MLS has already stated its intentions of expanding to 16 teams in the next few years.

This will be the first time the highest level of professional soccer in North America has a had a team in Seattle since the Sounders played in the North American Soccer League from 1974 until the team folded in 1983.

The reborn Sounders have been one of the top franchises in the second-tier United Soccer Leagues, winning four league championships in the last 12 years -- including in 2005 and again this past season.