SEATTLE, WA—This Sunday, as Sounders FC prepares to host expansion side Minnesota United FC, the home club wishes to encourage fans and media to arrive early for a prompt 7:05 p.m. PT kickoff at CenturyLink Field (FS1, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360 AM).

Photos: Vintage Sounders by Scott Butner

As part of matchday, Seattle is honoring a variety of team legends. Beginning with the March to Match in Occidental Park, alumni from the NASL Sounders’ 1977 Soccer Bowl team are set to take part in the Matchday Insider presentation with Jason Rantz at 5:30 p.m. PT. The group includes Adrian Webster, Davey Butler, Jimmy Gabriel, Dave Gillett, Bobby Howe, Denny Buck, Paul Mendes, Darrell Oak, Ward Forrest and David D’Errico. From 6:00-6:30 p.m. PT, the Soccer Bowl alumni are stationed in Soccer Celebration for a meet-and-greet opportunity with fans.

Adrian Webster and Davey Butler are then being honored with a Golden Scarves before kickoff, while the entire alumni group leads “Scarves Up,” acknowledging the contributions of the 1977 NASL Seattle Sounders to the club’s history.

In addition to presenting the Golden Scarves, Sounders FC is also recognizing former team executive Gary Wright and goalkeeper Kasey Keller for the pair’s recent induction into the Washington State Sports Hall of Fame. Wright, a longtime executive with both Sounders FC and the Seahawks, has left an indelible mark on the Seattle sports landscape, having helped lead the Rave Green’s MLS launch and the Seahawks’ public relations efforts as an original employee beginning in 1976. Keller, who played for Sounders FC from 2009-2011, is one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in U.S. Men’s National Team history and was the first American goalkeeper to become a regular fixture in Europe’s topflight leagues, having played in the English Premier League, German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga.

“We’re excited to be able to recognize so many important contributors to Sounders history during Sunday’s match,” said Sounders FC Chief Operating Officer Bart Wiley. “The 1977 Soccer Bowl will always mark a special time for the team and it is an honor to host a team reunion to gather legends together again. We’re also thrilled for Gary and Kasey, two more imperative pieces in our club’s story, for their rightful inductions into the Washington State Sports Hall of Fame. We hope that our fans will come out early to show their support for all of our honorees.”

The nod toward Seattle’s pre-MLS days is set to continue throughout the upcoming week, as Sounders FC heads toward its final regular-season matchup against the Portland Timbers on Sunday, August 27 and the team celebrates with a Heritage-themed game, complete with décor around the stadium and a special trading card giveaway.

Sounders FC currently sits tied for top position in the Western Conference with 37 points following a 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City last Saturday. This Sunday’s match marks the second meeting between the Rave Green and the Loons, as Sounders FC took a 4-0 win in Minneapolis earlier this month. Following Sunday evening’s bout, Seattle faces two consecutive Cascadia rivals, first in a midweek clash at Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday, August 23, followed by hosting the Portland Timbers on Sunday, August 27 at CenturyLink Field.