As the start of the 2016 season nears, there’s lots of Seattle Sounders news flying around. Following the departure of Obafemi Martins last week, hopefully we’re in for some good news. For starters, CHI Franciscan Health has a cool series out called NW Healthy, and the first episode has been posted. It covers what players need to be fit before the season begins. You hear about how the men are tested throughout the season aerobically, as well as their speed power testing. It’s interesting to learn about how each player is rated (such as how Kovar has gone up every year) and how players may “show up” every season.

You may have caught rookie Jordan Morris on the field for the first time at the CenturyLink Field against Club America in Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League, but you can also hear about his own take on the experience with his interview with FOX Sports. The team had a draw with a 2-2 score at the field.

Seattle Sounders Head Coach Sigi Schmid says the men are in for a long haul. “Today was all about getting into the rhythm and playing a little bit. We know beginning with today, there's going to be a stretch through the Kansas City game where there won't be a day off,” he said. Between California and Mexico City, the team is set to be busy training and preparing for the season for the whole week, which is good news, since the season is only just around the corner. Regarding Tuesday’s draw, Schmid says, “Winning 1-0 is easier than winning 2-1 or 3-2. It's important that we don't give up the goals we gave up in the last game.”

Schmidt also announced that Roberto Chen, who was training with the team during the preseason, has been cut. Defender Damion Lowe is also continuing his trial with with Minnesota United FC, so we will continue to watch and see where that leads.

And finally, some fun news for the weekend: want to make your own Seattle Sounders photo frame to use on your Facebook profile? There is a really fun application you can use to give your pics a Sounders frame to show your support of the team. It adds a “Sounders FC” banner to the bottom of any picture you use as a profile and it also adds a fun Sounders logo to the left hand corner of the picture. Rave green and use it all season with your pictures to celebrate your love of the team.

There’s only one week left until the season beings! Do you have your tickets for the March 6 game yet?

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia