Sounders FC: Some Enchanted Evening, Part 3.

The crowd at the Sounders' inaugural match created an atmosphere that reminded veteran soccer observers of contests in Europe (Okay, without hooligans. Yet. Remember that Portland just got a franchise). Flags, banners and metallic confetti filled the air in Qwest Field.

(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)

In the south end of the stadium, supporters groups, anchored by the Emerald City Supporters, were loud, enthusiastic and visible for all 90 minutes.

(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 29mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)

When the referee's whistle ended the match, players gathered at midfield and saluted each side of the stadium. Man of the Match Fredy Montero saved his best for those supporters in the south end of the field.

(Nikon D3, VR 400mm/f2.8 lens + 1.4x extender, ISO 3200, 1/400th sec.,f4.0)

With head coach Sigi Schmid's blessing, players wandered over to the stands and accepted congratulations, shook hands, gave high fives and signed autographs. James Riley was first, and he spent over 15 minutes with fans.

(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)

Sebastien Le Toux, who has been in Seattle for three years (first with the USL Sounders) was mobbed. 

(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 35mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)

Montero shook hands and signed autographs before leaving the field.

(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)

Local hero Kasey Keller finished interviews and then thanked fans before heading to the locker room.

(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 1600, 1/500th sec.,f2.8)