MLS Seattle fans can write in vote for team name

Seattle's Major League Soccer franchise that starts play next year could be known as one of three main options — or anything else. Even, perhaps, the Sounders.

That's because the team elected to add a write-in choice as a fourth name option, giving the public the right to choose from the original three — the Seattle Alliance, Seattle FC and the Seattle Republic — or put in a different name.

Online voting at www.mlsinseattle.com starts tonight at midnight, so those who are awake late can log on and cast their votes. The process ends just before midnight next Monday, and the winning name will be revealed at a news conference that can be viewed live on the team site at 11 a.m. April 7.

"We received nearly 6,000 submissions for a total of 2,382 suggested team names," MLS Seattle majority owner Joe Roth said in a statement from the club. "We are committed to build one of the fan-friendliest teams in the league."

The Sounders name, which currently belongs to the minor-league soccer team in Seattle, was initially left out of the naming options as the team expressed its desire to go in a different direction.

Fans are allowed one vote per unique e-mail address, and MLS Seattle season-ticket holders will be allowed the same number of votes as deposits purchased. The team has sold more than 13,000 season-ticket deposits.

MLS Seattle has hired two companies to provide a secure Internet voting system and to recount all votes.

The team's statement offered an explanation of the main three naming options. Seattle Alliance represents a bond that brings together fans, coaches and players to celebrate the game. Seattle FC brings a soccer acronym used worldwide that stands for "football club," and Seattle Republic represents a call to all fans, coaches and players to unite.

Note

• With the signing of MF Josh Gardner for 2008, the Sounders have their starting 11 players from last season's USL-1 championship team intact.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com