New MLS Season Means New Excitement and Kits

MLS 2022

The start of the 2022 Major League Soccer season is just around the corner. The season-opening slate of games is set for Feb 26. The start of a new season always offers plenty of excitement for the 28 teams and their fans. It signifies a fresh start in which the players on the team can aim to perform better than they did during the previous campaign. Meanwhile, fans get to watch their favorite players back in action, welcome new players to the team and check out the new kits.

There is arguably more excitement surrounding the MLS now than ever before. Over the past decade, the MLS, a league widely believed to be a step below the Premier League and other major football leagues in Europe, has become known as the place where soccer stars like David Beckham have played the final years of their legendary careers.

However, during the January transfer window, not one but two European footballers in their prime announced intentions to join MLS clubs. Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri signed a contract to immediately join the Chicago Fire, while Italian superstar Lorenzo Insigne is going to play with Toronto FC starting in the summer. In addition, teenage forward Ricardo Pepi transferred from FC Dallas to FC Augsburg in Germany, one of many young Americans developed by MLS clubs to move to European clubs last month.

New Kits: How Do They Look

Many clubs have unveiled new kits in advance of the new season, exciting fans who have taken to social media and other places to share their opinions. This is because the kits serve as a link between the team and its fans. For example, the Seattle Sounders recently introduced their new main kit Legacy Green. The blue diamonds featured across the front of the jersey signify the memories that have led to the development of the strong bond between Sounders players and fans. Legacy Green retains the Sounders hallmark Rave Green color, while the new blue highlights the club’s desire for more success and trophies. The new jersey also recognizes the franchise’s impact in the Puget Sound as well as its storied history.

Public Opinion?

Personally, I like how the Sounders designed their new jersey, especially the blue diamond shapes weaving across the front of the kit. I imagine that Lumen Field, the home of the Sounders, will be filled this year with supportive fans wearing Legacy Green.

Mike Hancock, a Sounders season ticket holder, shared similar sentiments about the new jersey.

” I had not realized that they made a new one. I like this new green jersey Legacy Green as it’s the same color scheme and better than the purple one. When they went from standard green to purple Zulily jerseys (the 2021 Jimi Hendrix Kit), I thought that the new jerseys were nice. However, it was not kind to people like me with year old green jerseys. I felt like out of vogue when I wore the purple jersey” Hancock said.

Pete Fewing, Seattle University men’s soccer coach and Sounders broadcaster, is another fan of the Sounders latest uniform.

“I like the new uniforms like I have had every other kit. It is always nice to see how they continue to add new looks. Over the past 14 years, the Sounders have had a lot of different uniforms. Ones that I liked the most are teal blue heritage, pitch black, Jimi Hendrix, bright yellow and the first one Rave Green,” Fewing said.

He also commented on how the uniforms impact players and fans.

“Players enjoy when the team comes out with new looks. They want to look sharp and look at the kit like they look at the city. This is another fun uniform that players can enjoy. Then, for fans, it is fun to look around the stadium and see everyone wearing different jerseys,” Fewing said.

Let the Games Begin

Since Feb 15, this jersey has been available online and at all Sounders FC Pro Shops, perfect timing for fans to get their copy before the new season’s first two home games this week.

The Sounders have been making waves off the field with the release of this new uniform and announcement of new training facility in development. Now, it is time for the team to see if they can shake off last year’s disappointing season and return to MLS championship contention. Feb 24 is the Sounders 2022 home opener against Motagua in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions League.

UP NEXT: Sounders Announce Broadcast Schedule