Sounders FC: Getting Friendly with Chelsea

Sounders FC played a "friendly" (read that, "exhibition" match) against Chelsea FC, one of the most famous clubs in the world. Chelsea plays in the English Premier League, arguably the top league in the world.

As this was a friendly, action photos from the match were not as important to me as capturing the atmosphere of the event.

The day was perfect. Bright sunny skies and temperatures in the high 70's. Qwest Field was packed.

(Nikon D3, Nikkor 14-24mm/f2.8 lens @ 14mm, ISO 400, 1/1000th sec.,f8.0)

Shooting "color" was not a problem.

(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/250th sec.,f7.1 + fill flash)

This fan's shades were not only Rave Green, they also reflected the distinctive arches of the stadium.

(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm f4.0 lens @ 400mm, ISO 400, 1/640th sec.f4.0)

The notoriously loud and raucous fans in the south stands were in full effect with their flags and chants. Note — the flags make a great photo. The chants? Not so much.

(Nikon D3, VR 70-200mm/f2.8 lens @ 125mm, ISO 200, 1/1250th sec.,f4.0)

World-famous glass artist Dale Chihuly was on hand to receive the Golden Scarf before the match. He also donated an original glass piece to each club to commemorate the event.

(Nikon D3, VR 200-400mm/f4.0 lens @ 270mm, ISO 400, 1/800th sec.f/4.0)

One of my duties in working for the Sounders is to document things other than the team. For example, the club has begun selling seats that are right next to the pitch. That's right. For the right price, you and friends can sit on along the sidelines, right along the midfield stripe, with food and drink served to you all game long.

(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/640th sec.,f5.6)

Not only do you get the view and the food, you're also so close to the players that they'll come over and pose for pictures. Pretty cool. (And no, I don't get a commission for selling them, even if that did seem like an ad…)

(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/250th sec.,f4.0)

The game started, and there was plenty of action, even for an exhibition. Chelsea's Frank Lampard had no problem taking down Freddie Ljungberg in the first half.

(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 400, 1/1250th sec.,f4.0)

Seattle did a decent job of keeping possession and applying pressure near the Chelsea goal. Chelsea's Michael Ballack heads a cross back out of his team's area.

(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 400, 1/1250th sec.,f4.0)

Kasey Keller was very busy back in goal for the Sounders. Chelsea scored in the 12th minute and made it look easy, but Keller kept flying around to make saves.

(Nikon D3, VR 600mm/f4.0 lens, ISO 400, 1/1250th sec.,f4.0)

Post-match, Ljungberg, who used to play for Arsenal in the Premier League, visited with friends who play for Chelsea.

(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/250th sec.,f4.5 + fill flash)

Always great with the fans, he also stopped to sign autographs for fans near the tunnel leading to the locker room.

(Nikon D3, Nikkor 24-70mm/f2.8 lens @ 24mm, ISO 200, 1/250th sec.,f13 + fill flash)

The Sounders, juggling three different commitments, face the Houston Dynamo on Tuesday night in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup. Yes, that's the same team they face last week in M.L.S. competition. For those of you keeping score at home, the Sounders are involved in league play (Major League Soccer), tournament play (U.S. Open Cup) and exhibition play (friendlies against Chelsea and Barcelona).