UPDATE: The Tacoma Rainiers announced this week that they had "dissolved dissolved their operating partnership as the Rainiers turn their attention to other major endeavors," seemingly clearing the way for an expanded relationship with the Sounders.
Ever since the Seattle Sounders made the decision to house their USL team at Starfire Sports Complex, it was one born of convenience more than anything else. The first team and the academy were already based there and the Sounders knew the stadium would at least work.
But it was never an ideal scenario. Before settling on Starfire, the Sounders had openly acknowledged looking at options in Spokane, Everett and even Boise.