Originally published Friday, October 24, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Sounders FC holding open tryouts — with a twist

Sounders FC will hold open tryouts in three Washington cities next month, and the tryouts will be taped for TV with the one player who survives the cuts awarded a roster spot on the Major League Soccer team in 2009.

By José Miguel Romero

Seattle Times staff reporter

RENTON — Seattle Sounders FC will hold open tryouts for the team in Tukwila, Spokane and Yakima next month, the club announced Thursday.

The tryouts will have a twist. They'll be taped for a reality-based TV show that will air on KING-TV, KONG-TV and Northwest Cable News in late January.

A minimum of three finalists from each city will take part in a one-hour tryout in Seattle that will be televised Feb. 1 after Super Bowl XLII on KING.

Viewers from each city will vote to narrow the list to three players, and judges will choose the winner. The one who emerges will be awarded a spot on the 2009 Sounders FC roster.

Those interested in trying out must be at least 18. The first set of tests is speed and fitness, followed by skills tests and mini-games. The first tryout is Nov. 9 at Spokane's Plants Ferry Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The second is at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila on Nov. 15, same time, and the third is Nov. 22 at Chesterley Park in Yakima, same time.

Advance registration at www.soundersfc.com is required.

Other Major League Soccer teams, Chivas USA and FC Dallas, have held open tryouts for TV. The clubs were featured in "Sueno MLS" on Spanish-language Univision in 2007 and earlier this year.

Midfielder Jorge Flores was chosen from more than 2,000 participants in 2007 and is now on Chivas USA's 28-man roster.

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

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