Before the chants from the crowd, before the coaches’ commands are barked from the sidelines, before the goal calls blast through the PA speakers, there is silence.
About 20 times a year at CenturyLink Field, a nervous energy from 40,000 fans sweeps across the stadium. Moments later, the faint sounds of a beating drum are followed by a harmonious clap. And another. And another.
From the corner of the stadium, 11 Sounders walk onto the field. The opposing team walks in stride, too. Somewhere in that line stands a father and son, Nicolás and Leandro Lodeiro, who walk hand-in-hand.