I.S.A. Adds Seattle Sounders Record Open Cup Artifacts

The Record Setting Final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup between the Columbus Crew and Seattle Sounders will be chronicled at the International Soccer Archives. The Seattle Sounders, who won their second consecutive Cup title, drew 31,311 fans and broke the previous mark set in 1929.

The Sounders also became the first professional club to win back-to-back Open Cups since the 1930 - 1931 Fall River Marksmen of the American Soccer League. Seattle Sounders sent a match ticket (above) and the game jersey of Captain Kasey Keller (below).

Keller, who is no stranger to Cup Finals, played in two Finals with Leicester City in 1997 and 1999 and was in the squad of Tottenham Hostspurs in 2002.

Among the ephemera are the original line-up sheets and media packets. These items will go into the collection next to the 1930 U.S. Open Cup medal exhibited in the I.S.A. Collection.

Seattle Sounders finished only their second season in Major League Soccer.

BONHAMS To Auction George Best Treasures

Chester, UK - Bonhams Auctions of England will be selling the very best of George Best.  The legendary Irish footballer who passed away in 2005, was considered by many as the first pop icon in the sport.

Having plied his skills on 5 continents, the gifted yet troubled star was the hero to millions especially his beloved Manchester United fans.

Up for sale is cream of his accomplishments, including the 1968 European Cup Winners medal, his last Northern Ireland team jersey, and a limited edition Fabrege Egg created to honor George Best's career.

Of special interest is the American Soccer League presentation award (below) for services to soccer in the United States. The I.S.A. provided specific photographs and information on this particular artifact for the auction.

(George Best and Noel Lemon)

Beginning in 1976, Best played for the Los Angeles Aztecs, Ft. Lauderdale Strikers and finished with the San Jose Earthquakes in 1981.

In addition, the auction includes many Manchester United items from paintings to actual player's seats from the stadium at Old Trafford.

The auction will be held in Chester on Wednesday, October 20th.