Energy is high as the New Year approaches and both fans and players count down toward preseason festivities. Seattle Sounders players’ spirits were soaring as they wished their fans a Happy New Year with festive greetings on social media. The entire team wishes Seattle fans near and far a safe, happy and healthy New Year in general, too.

Stefan Frei shared an image of fireworks on his Twitter page, wishing his friends, fans and family, “Happy New Year to y’all!” and included the hopeful hashtag #2016. Obafemi Martins gave fans some fun firework emoticons on his status, wishing everyone a happy New Year and promising to have an even “more memorable” year in 2016. Andreas Ivanschitz wished people a happy New Year as well as “Prosit Neujahr” in German, along with some fun firework and clover images. In another Tweet, Ivanschitz thanked everyone for their support, wishing them health and happiness in the coming year. He declared, “May it be a memorable one.”

Some Sounders were more personal, sharing their own New Year’s Eve plans with fans, which is always fun to see. Brad Evans shared an image of two arcade games set up and said that his brother-in-law was set up for a night of fun! He said that they would be playing Golden Tee and Big Buck all night long. Fans declared that they were jealous—and that Evans needed to add Pac Man to his setup.

Other Sounders shared even more touching personal stories. Tyrone Mears shared a photo of himself and his four children on his Instagram page with the caption, “Wishing u all a happy new year, can't wait to see what 2016 brings,” followed by two heart emoticons. All looked happy and healthy in the Mears household. Jimmy Ockford declared that 2015 was filled with both great and tough times, and he seemed thankful for the memories he made during the year. He also said, “See ya soon 2016.”

Want to share your Rave Green wishes? Tweet back to the players on your feed or visit the Sounders Facebook page to declare your hopes and dreams for the team in the New Year. Some fans are simply saying how they can’t wait for the next season and how they wish for lots of exciting games. Other fans are already calling for the MLS Cup! Be sure to check the new Best Photos of 2015 Album to review the year.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia