The Seattle Sounders were so excited to announce that one of their first fans became a player on the team today that they used his photo as their website art for the day with the bold title, “Welcome Home, Jordan!” Pieces all about Jordan Morris—from his interview to a discussion about what he can do in a year to even a special call for fans to come see Morris in particular highlighted the team’s enthusiasm over their newest player.

The enthusiasm is multi-fold, of course. It’s not that Morris is the best player the MLS has ever seen. But he IS the first to be capped by a national team before even signing his contract. Sounders coach Sigi Schmid is excited because he plans on using new tactics featuring Morris with the team to help give Clint Dempsey even more coverage to move throughout the field more easily. But what may be the coolest thing about the entire deal for fans is that Morris was there for the very first Sounders game as a kid in 2009 and now his dream is coming true, which is a very encouraging and inspiring story for other area youths.

Morris is glad to be back in his hometown to play as a homegrown player. He says that signing with the Sounders is his dream come true, something he has wanted in his heart ever since he was a child, and after the MLS world speculated on his decision for months, it’s now official. Morris, 21, has the most lucrative homegrown contract in the history of the club. Morris gained national acclaim while playing at Stanford, leading the team to their first national title in history, and it made him one of the most coveted players in MLS.

Seattle owner Adrian Hanauer said, “As one of the most promising US Soccer prospects in recent memory, we’re thrilled to have him join the club as we move into our eighth season in Major League Soccer.” Hanauer was also referring to the fact that Morris’s father is the team physician. Morris is the first college player in almost 20 years to join with the senior US national team. On his Twitter page, he gives the team a thumbs up and says, “It’s good to be home.”

Are you excited to have Jordan Morris on board? What do you think he will bring to the team?

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia