Sounders FC to play Chelsea?

Seattle's next great hope in sports (maybe only great hope in sports) the Sounders, are rumored to be part of a scheduled US tour for the great English soccer club Chelsea. GoSounders.com has the report:

Rumors are flying around that English Premier club Chelsea will be headed to Seattle to face Sounders FC for a Friendly in July (we're getting conflicting dates, but July 18th seems to be the most prevalent one).

Chelsea is planning a summer tour of the US so this isn't a huge stretch. Chelsea played Celtic here at Qwest Field in 2004. Season Ticket Reps are informing people that the game will be included with Sounders FC Season Tickets.

The Blues won the Premier League in 2005 and 2006 and went to the final of the UEFA Champions League last May.

This is big news for a franchise looking to start off on the right foot, and with an opportunity to fill a vacancy in Seattle's pro sports picture a big match-up like this could be a great way to build interest and fan-base.

[source: GoSounders.com]