Issue 22 | Sounders Monthly

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IN THIS ISSUE

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CLOSER LOOK Xavier Arreaga is introduced, the Sounders sign Special Olympics athletes and the U.S. Open Cup comes to Tacoma

2019 SCHEDULE Check out this year’s full slate

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MEET THE TEAM

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TO THE VÍCTOR GO THE SPOILS

Sounders players discuss their favorite television shows

Víctor Rodríguez is just getting started WORDS BY RYAN KRASNOO

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FANS4FIELDS Help RAVE Foundation say yes to fields and free play

ATHLETE ALLY An open letter on inclusion from Bryan Meredith

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HE’S BACK!

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10 QUESTIONS: NICOLÁS LODEIRO

Joevin Jones is ready to pick up where he left off in Seattle WORDS BY JOSEPH MONDELLO

Nicolás Lodeiro opens up on his favorite goal celebration, his best life advice and more

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ryan Krasnoo CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Rachel Johnson CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS

Claire De Rocco Kristin Sheetz

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Danny Ciaccio Pablo Mendicuti Joseph Mondello

COMMUNICATIONS

Alex Caulfield Kelly Schutz Brian Verdi Matt Winter

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER

Jane Gershovich

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mike Fiechtner Jane Gershovich Dan Poss Lindsey Wasson

© 2019 BY MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER, LLC AND SEATTLE SOCCER, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT OF SEATTLE SOCCER, LLC IS PROHIBITED. SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 159 SOUTH JACKSON, SUITE 200 SEATTLE, WA 98104 887-MLS-GOAL SOUNDERSFC.COM

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CLOSER LOOK

MAY 23, 2019

New Sounders center back Xavier Arreaga is introduced at Starfire Sports with (L-R) General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey, VP of Soccer & Sporting Director Chris Henderson and Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. 2


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MAY 28, 2019

Sounders forward Will Bruin and Head Coach Brian Schmetzer attend signing day for the 2019 Special Olympics Unified Soccer Team at The NINETY. 4


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JUNE 12, 2019

A beautiful sunset hangs over Cheney Stadium where the Sounders hosted the Portland Timbers in the Fourth Round of the U.S. Open Cup in their first-ever match in Tacoma. 6


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GIVE LOVE WINGS AND

LET IT FLY.

Connecting Sounders FC fans to 60+ destinations from Sea-Tac with our partners. OFFICIAL AIRLINE

AD Based on 2019 destinations from Seattle offered by Delta and its joint venture or codeshare partners. 8


2019 SCHEDULE DATE

OPP ONENT

TIME

WATCH

SATURDAY, MARCH 2

VS FC CINCINNATI

7:00 PM

FS1, YOUTUBE TV

W

4-1

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

VS COLORADO RAPIDS

7:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

W

2-0

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

AT CHICAGO FIRE

10:00 AM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

W

4-2

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

AT VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC

7:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

D

0-0

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

VS REAL SALT LAKE

7:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

W

1-0

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

VS TORONTO FC

1:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

W

3-2

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

AT LAFC

4:00 PM

FS1, YOUTUBE TV

L

1-4

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24

VS SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

7:30 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

D

2-2

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

VS LAFC

12:30 PM

ESPN, YOUTUBE TV

D

1-1

SATURDAY, MAY 4

AT MINNESOTA UNITED FC

5:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

D

1-1

SATURDAY, MAY 11

VS HOUSTON DYNAMO

7:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

W

1-0

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

VS ORLANDO CITY SC

7:30 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

W

2-1

SATURDAY, MAY 18

AT PHILADELPHIA UNION

4:30 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

D

0-0

SUNDAY, MAY 26

AT SPORTING KC

3:00 PM

FS1, YOUTUBE TV

L

2-3

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

AT FC DALLAS

5:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

L

1-2

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

AT MONTREAL IMPACT

4:30 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

L

1-2

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

VS VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC

7:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

AT NEW YORK CITY FC

4:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

SATURDAY, JULY 6

AT COLUMBUS CREW SC

4:30 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

SUNDAY, JULY 14

VS ATLANTA UNITED FC

1:00 PM

ESPN, YOUTUBE TV

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

VS BORUSSIA DORTMUND

7:30 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

SUNDAY, JULY 21

VS PORTLAND TIMBERS

6:30 PM

FS1, YOUTUBE TV

SATURDAY, JULY 27

AT HOUSTON DYNAMO

5:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

VS SPORTING KC

7:00 PM

FS1, YOUTUBE TV

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

VS NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION

1:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14

AT REAL SALT LAKE

7:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17

AT LA GALAXY

7:00 PM

ESPN2, YOUTUBE TV

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23

AT PORTLAND TIMBERS

7:00 PM

ESPN, YOUTUBE TV

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

VS LA GALAXY

3:00 PM

FS1, YOUTUBE TV

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

AT COLORADO RAPIDS

6:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

VS NEW YORK RED BULLS

12:30 PM

ESPN, YOUTUBE TV

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

VS FC DALLAS

7:30 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

AT D.C. UNITED

5:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

AT SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

4:30 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6

VS MINNESOTA UNITED FC

1:00 PM

JOETV, YOUTUBE TV

RESULT

Match dates and times subject to change. All times pacific. More info at soundersfc.com/schedule. PRESENTING PARTNER OF THE 2019 SOUNDERS FC SEASON

S TRE A M ALL M ATC HES LIVE ON YOU TU BE T V 9


MEET THE TEAM “WHAT WAS THE LAST TV SHOW THAT YOU BINGE-WATCHED?”

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Jordy Delem Midfielder

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Jordan Morris Forward

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Brad Smith Defender

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1

Trey Muse Goalkeeper

A: Jack Ryan

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A: Big Little Lies

Stefan Frei Goalkeeper

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Joevin Jones Defender

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Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez Forward

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Saad Abdul-Salaam Defender

Kim Kee-hee Defender

A: The Handmaid’s Tale

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Gustav Svensson Midfielder

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Nouhou Defender

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Víctor Rodríguez Midfielder

Román Torres Defender


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Xavier Arreaga Defender

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Kelvin Leerdam Defender

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Cristian Roldan Midfielder

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Will Bruin Forward

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Handwalla Bwana Midfielder

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Jonathan Campbell Defender

A: Narcos

Danny Leyva Midfielder

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Nicolás Lodeiro Midfielder

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Bryan Meredith Goalkeeper

A: Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Alex Roldan Midfielder

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Raúl Ruidíaz Forward

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Harry Shipp Midfielder

TECHNICAL STAFF Garth Lagerwey

General Manager & President of Soccer

Chris Henderson A: Game of Thrones

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Henry Wingo Midfielder

VP of Soccer & Sporting Director

Brian Schmetzer Head Coach

Djimi Traore

Assistant Coach

Gonzalo Pineda Assistant Coach

Preki

Assistant Coach

Chris Little

Tacoma Defiance Head Coach & Academy Director of Coaching

Marc Nicholls

Director of Player Development

Tom Dutra

Club Director of Goalkeeping

Damian Roden

High Performance Director

Ravi Ramineni

Grant Clark

Team Administration Director

Vince Johnson

Team Services Director

Director of Soccer Analytics

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BY RYAN KRASNOO PHOTOGRAPHS BY JANE GERSHOVICH ABOUT THESE PHOTOS

Víctor Rodríguez poses at Houghton Beach Park in Kirkland

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The 29-year-old has scored nine goals in 37 regular-season appearances since joining the Seattle Sounders in summer 2017. After his daughter, Astrid, was born in October of that year, he celebrated by forming his fingers into an “A” for her name, and he’s done it on every goal since. “[Life] is pretty good,” Rodriguez said. “[My family and I] are enjoying it a lot, we enjoy the Seattle people. They are very friendly, and I am really happy. “Obviously better now with this [summer] weather,” he added with a smirk.

Rodríguez grew up in Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city and a place known for its beautiful scenery, its history and its football. He spent four years in FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia Academy, donning the same colors as Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique and Cesc Fàbregas. La Masia taught Rodríguez much of what he knows about soccer, but also proved a pivotal place in his development as a man. “It was amazing,” Rodríguez said. “You can play with really good players in Spain.

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I enjoyed it a lot. It helps form you as a person. You always to have respect your teammates, respect the staff. It’s really important to improve on a personal level.” His first soccer idol was Javier Saviola, a former Argentine international who joined Barcelona’s First Team in 2001, the same year Rodríguez joined the Academy. Saviola starred at Argentine giants River Plate before making the move to Camp Nou, where he made over 100 appearances for Barça. Rodríguez turned pro in 2008 and spent the next 10 years playing in Spain’s first and second divisions before joining the Sounders from Sporting Gijón two

years ago. Since then, he’s been a crucial part of a Sounders attack that helped the club reach MLS Cup 2017 and set an MLS record for consecutive wins last year. “I really love the atmosphere in CenturyLink Field with our fans,” Rodríguez said. “Every game it’s a show, every game it’s amazing to play there. I enjoy playing with my teammates a lot too. The staff and the players, we have a great connection and mutual feelings. When I feel that, it’s very important for me. I enjoy playing with Nico [Lodeiro], Jordan [Morris], Cristian [Roldan], we have a lot of players who play similarly. I really enjoy that.”

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One thing that surprised Rodríguez initially when he arrived in Seattle was the quality of play in MLS, especially from his young domestic teammates. “I didn’t know a lot about the league,” Rodríguez said candidly. “I know now that the level is really up. There are really good players here, American players too. Cristian and Jordan are a good example.” Moving to the United States from the only place he’s ever lived or played was an adjustment. He didn’t speak much English at the time, but is all but fluent now. He

even completed this entire interview in English, something he didn’t think possible when he moved across the Atlantic in 2017. “It’s hard for me to organize phrases, but I’m really happy learning English because it’s the biggest language in the world,” he said. “I hope this will help me in the future, not just for soccer. “I’ve improved as a person with my daughter and my wife,” he added. “But as a soccer player, I hope I can continue improving to do a lot of things for this franchise.”

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HELP RAVE FOUNDATION SAY YES TO FIELDS AND FREE PLAY Tell us where you think the next RAVE Foundation Community Field should go. #FANS4FIELDS

Give the gift of play! Get a RAVE soccer ball for yourself - we give one to a kid. $20 TEXT RAVE TO 52182

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E VERYONE BELONGS IN SP ORTS AND SP ORTS BELONG TO E VERYONE. 24


Let me start by making something perfectly clear: Everyone belongs in sports and sports belong to everyone. I don’t want to bury the lede. I don’t want to be misunderstood. With Pride Month upon us, I want to be direct and upfront with you. LGBTQ youth especially have every right as you and me to play and support and engage in the same games we both love. Anybody who says differently is an idiot and they don’t know what they’re talking about. Just because you’re gay doesn’t mean you can’t play soccer or football, or just because you’re a woman you can’t play football. That mindset is nonsense, and frankly, it’s tired. That’s changed over the years and is continuing to change for the better, in part because of athlete allies who are taking a stand. I’ll stop you right there. I know, this isn’t about me. As an ally, it’s never about me, but as someone with a platform, it’s up to me. As athletes, right or wrong, we are on a bit of a pedestal. People tend to look up to us, so it’s important to understand the value that our words have and to put a good message out to people. To make sure people understand that, especially in soccer, everybody is accepted. In this world, sport or otherwise, everyone should be welcomed, no matter their differences. Is that idealistic? Perhaps. But it’s a standard we need to aim for, and it starts with you. 25


IT ' S MY JOB AS A PL AYER TO MAKE SURE THAT MORE ATHLE TES HAVE THE COUR AGE AND CONFIDENCE TO BE WHO THE Y ARE AND TO MAKE THE LOCKER ROOM A SAFE AND SUPP ORTIVE SPACE.

Meredith and Jordan Morris represent Sounders FC in the 2018 Pride Parade in downtown Seattle.

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All athletes have different causes and different things that mean something to them personally. I want to be a positive role model for my community and show people, young LGBTQ kids especially, that you’re perfectly OK being who you are. While it’s important for athletes to speak out on issues that don’t affect us directly, it’s just as important for kids to see people like them competing alongside us. It’s vital for kids to see former MLS player Robbie Rogers and current Minnesota United midfielder Collin Martin come out. They are pioneers, and their representation matters far more than anything I could do. I appreciate them being strong and coming out and hopefully blazing a path for other young kids. Collin is the only openly gay player, not just in Major League Soccer, but in the five major American sports leagues. Over 3,000 professional athletes. And only one is openly gay. It’s Collin, and that’s it. In the hyper-masculine world of professional sports, do you understand how groundbreaking that is? I need you to let that sink in. Go ahead. Seriously, I’ll wait. It’s my job as a player to make sure that more athletes have the courage and confidence to be who they are and to make the locker room a safe and supportive space. To show my teammates that we’re in this together, and I’m only judging them by their play on the field, not their identity off it. I’m not here to tell you that I’m perfect either. But I am making a conscious effort to be better, and I expect you to as well. Not for me, but for the future Robbie Rogerses and Collin Martins. And when they do come along, you best believe they’ll be welcomed.

Bryan Meredith SOUNDERS FC GOALKEEPER AND ATHLETE ALLY AMBASSADOR

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SOUNDERSFC.COM/FORTHEGREATERGREEN 28


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AFTER SPENDING THE LAST 18 MONTHS ABROAD, JOEVIN JONES HAS RETURNED TO SEATTLE READY TO PICK UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF BY JOSEPH MONDELLO

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Zulily is proud to team up with local youth from Sounders FC community partners to present the Zulily Dream Team! 32


T

There was a familiar face at Starfire Sports on Thursday, May 30, as Joevin Jones trained with his teammates for the first time since he re-signed with the Seattle Sounders on May 8. Jones, who spent two seasons with the Sounders before joining SV Darmstadt in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, landed in Seattle on Wednesday and was eager to reunite with the club. “It feels great to be back home,” said Jones. “I feel welcome from the fans and the coaching staff, and I’m happy to be back.” Jones spent the majority of his first two MLS campaigns — the first with the Chicago Fire in 2015 and the second with the Sounders in 2016 — as a buccaneering fullback, pushing forward into the attack and creating chances with his technical combination play. The Trinidad and Tobago

international enjoyed a breakout season in 2017, tallying 11 assists while routinely playing as a left winger en route to a second consecutive MLS Cup appearance. Those performances garnered interest from Europe, opening a professional pathway he had craved ever since he signed his first contract with W Connection in his home country. “As a kid, I always wanted to play in Europe,” he said. “So, when I got the chance to go, and I got the opportunity, I took it. I went and I showed what I can do.” After two seasons in Germany, during which he tallied six goals and helped Darmstadt stave off relegation, Jones jumped at the chance to return to Seattle. Head Coach Brian Schmetzer, who maintained a strong relationship with

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HE’S A FUNNY KID. HE’S GOT A GOOD PERSONALITY. HE’S A TALENTED, TALENTED SOCCER PLAYER. HEAD COACH BRIAN SCHMETZER ON JONES Jones when he moved abroad, is thrilled to have his former player bolster an already strong Sounders First Team. “He’s a funny kid,” said Schmetzer. “He’s got a good personality. He’s a talented, talented soccer player. So, I’m happy to have him back.” Jones came on as a substitute in matches against FC Dallas and the Montreal Impact on June 1 and June 5, respectively, before departing to join Trinidad and Tobago ahead of the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup. When he returns, his play will be a huge factor in how far the Sounders go this season. The skill set and versatility that Jones brings to the table are a welcome addition, as they provide Schmetzer with further tactical flexibility. Nominally a left back, Jones can line up on the left or right side of Seattle’s three-man attacking midfield as well. Beyond the formational variance, Jones’ technical acumen and patience on the ball will be critical when the Sounders seek to breakdown bunkered opponents through sustained possession. “He’s clean on the ball, keeps possession and he runs fast, but he doesn’t look like he’s running fast,” added Schmetzer.

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SOUNDERS FC SUMMER CAMPS J U N E 24 - AU G U S T 3 0 A v a i l a b l e w e e k l y fo r a ge s 3 -1 6 a n d a l l a b i l i t i e s 25+ locations throughout Greater Seattle

Full Day: $285 Half-Day: $200 Advanced: $305 Emergence (Ages 3-5): $190

REGISTER TODAY AT SOUNDERSFC.COM/CAMPS

CAMPERS WILL RECEIVE One complimentar y ticket to a Sounders FC match

C a m p j e r s e y, s o c c e r ball and giveaways

Curriculum created by Sounders FC Academy Staf f

Chance to meet Sounders FC players and receive autographs

Camps are also supported by


IT FEELS GREAT TO BE BACK HOME.

JOEVIN JONES

One of the most difficult aspects of integrating a new signing into a team is establishing chemistry with his teammates, on and off the pitch. But with the likes of Román Torres, Cristian Roldan, Stefan Frei, Víctor Rodríguez and Nouhou, there are plenty of players who Jones knows well from his tenure in the Pacific Northwest. Yes, the tactics have changed since 2017, but Jones possesses the requisite skill and soccer intelligence to hit the ground running in Rave Green. “I can see from the first day [of training] that it’s a little bit different,” said Jones. “But I’m a smart player, so I will get it right in time.”

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10 QUESTIONS with Nicolás Lodeiro

01 WHO IS THE WORST RO OMMATE ON THE TEAM? (Everyone)

02 WHAT ARE YOU BEST ON THE TEAM AT D OING? (Preparing mate)

03 IF YOU WERE NOT A PROFESSIONAL SO CCER PL AYER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? (Physical education teacher)

04 WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SP ORT TO PL AY OR WATCH OTHER THAN SO CCER? (Volleyball)

05 WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE SO CCER PL AYER GROWING UP?

06 WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GOAL CELEBRATION? (Shoe phone)

07 IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPERP OWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? (Teleport)

08 WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE SOMEONE GAVE YOU? (Enjoy)

09 WHICH PL ACE THAT YOU HAVEN’T BEEN TO D O YOU WANT TO VISIT THE MOST ?

10 WHAT IS THE L AST T V SHOW YOU BINGE-WATCHED?

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5K - TUKWILA, WA SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 10 AM

Register at

DON’T MISS THE RAVE GREEN RUN FINISH LINE FESTIVAL! PRESENTED BY

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


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