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Archives for July 2017

BLACK ENTERPRISE Publishes Rankings Of The Nation’s Largest Black-Owned Businesses

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45th Annual BLACK ENTERPRISE 100s Issue also lists the 50 Top Companies for Supplier Diversity BLACK ENTERPRISE marks 45 years of listing America’s largest black companies with the publication’s May/June 2017 issue of the BE 100s, universally recognized as the most authoritative analysis and annual ranking of the nation’s top grossing black-owned companies. The BE 100s ranks America’s largest black-owned companies, including automobile dealers, banks, asset managers, investment banks, and private equity firms.

In our 45th Annual Report on Black Business under the theme, “Evolution,” our editors found scores of BE 100 CEOs who have remodeled their companies for opportunity and expansion. In fact, scalability has been the foundation of growth for the billion-dollar revenue leaders—technology integrator World Wide Technology Inc. with $9.3 billion in revenues and workforce solution juggernaut ACT-1, which generated over $2 billion in revenues.

When BLACK ENTERPRISE first compiled its “Top 100” in 1973, combined sales for the 100 component companies totaled $473 million. Results of the 2017 report show that the Top 100 collectively grossed more than $27 billion in 2016, a $3 billion increase in revenue over the previous year.

In addition to the BE 100s listings, the package also features profiles of the chief executives of the 2017 BLACK ENTERPRISE Companies of the Year:

Company of the Year: Powers & Sons Construction Co. Inc., Gary, IN; CEO, Mamon Powers Jr.

Auto Dealer of the Year: National Automotive Management L.L.C., Hamilton, NJ; CEO, Jessie Armstead.

Financial Company of the Year: CastleOak Securities, New York, NY; CEO, David R Jones.

“The BE 100s—the nation’s largest black businesses—continue to be the standard bearers for all American enterprises, demonstrating that sustained business growth comes when ideation and innovation is wedded to execution and excellence,” says BLACK ENTERPRISE Senior SVP/Chief Content Officer Derek T. Dingle. “As such, most exhibit elasticity, capability, technological adaptability and branding power in a seesaw economic recovery and hyper-competitive business environment.”

In developing the rankings for 2017, BE Research collected surveys from hundreds of companies as well as information from government agencies, professional organizations, industry associations, business information services, entrepreneurs, and corporations. The information included total revenues for calendar year 2016; a detailed description of business activities; historical ownership data; and confirmation that the entity is at least 51% black-owned, or that blacks own at least 51% of the controlling shares if the company is publicly traded. The May/June 2017 issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE—complete BE 100s rankings, full eligibility criteria, and company overviews -—is on newsstands today.

Also included in the issue is BE‘s listing of the 50 Top Companies for Supplier Diversity. The companies singled out represent the leaders in procurement spending and partnership with minority firms. The complete report, including methodology and selection criteria, is available in the May/June 2017 issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine.

BLACK ENTERPRISE is also marking the 45th anniversary of the BE 100s by socializing some of the most exciting moments with the hashtag #45DaysofBE100s.

BLACK ENTERPRISE, your ultimate source for wealth creation, is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, BE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Every month, BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine provides 6 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. A multimedia company, BLACK ENTERPRISE produces television programming, business and lifestyle events, web content and digital media. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the definitive source of information for and about African American business markets and leaders, and the authority on black business news and trends.

Grammy Nominee Sings About The Importance Of Good Mental Health Tracy Randall, As He Continues to Battle Terminal Cancer but boldly speaks about his mental state throughout the process is Set to Release New Single Entitled ”Be Free’

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Grammy Nominated Tracy Randall “No Judgment” available now. Lavish Records

Grammy nominated songwriter and singer Tracy Randall, in addition to battling cancer for the second time openly speaks about his everyday struggle with bi-polar disorder, will release, ‘Be Free-Official Video’, the third single from his third studio album, ‘No Judgment’, to impact radio.  The Lavish Records recording artist Tracy Randall isn’t supposed to be here. In 2006, he was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, underwent aggressive rounds of chemo and radiation therapy, and his doctors gave up.
In February 2007 doctors told him to go home and prepare to die he had between three to six months to live. “However, the 6 months turned to ten (10) years,” he recalls. He left the office that cold, rainy afternoon and started walking. “I began to pray and talk to God not about me but about my family and their survival because I’m the breadwinner,” as he walked past the 42nd Street subway where he usually caught the train and kept walking, talking. “By the time I got to 96th Street, this voice said, ‘You’re going to be okay.’”  His testimony on YouTube has over 300,000 views.  Unfortunately, after being in remission for almost seven years cancer came back with a vengeance trying to stop his spiritual growth and love for Christ.

“Be Free” displays Randall’s heart as he sings this definite acknowledgment and highest praise to God.  “Be Free“ a soulful and heartfelt song that emotes his plea to God not to heal his body but to give him the courage and strength to endure the depression that continues to plague him in addition to his ongoing battle with cancer. “Early morning pain keeps me in the bed I can barely move Voices telling me I should be dead I focus on you” he sings on this almost soulful huge pop ballad. “Part of me gave up, Part of me stood strong. I know I can do this. In my mind, there’s doubt. Asking myself how.  How will I get through this? I want to be free (free). From this hurt and pain. This hurt and pain. This hurt and pain.” The song is the first single from Randall’s third CD “No Judgment” released on March 25th, 2016 that features tracks of what he calls Urban Inspirational. “It’s inspirational and motivational music,” Randall explains. “But it has that urban R&B beat.”

It is quite clear that Randall is going to be the mainstay for he has impacted pop radio with his inspiring first single of his sophomore album, “I Am All You Need”peaking at #36 on the Billboard Top 40 and the second single entitled “It Feels Good” peaked remained in the top 100 for over 8 weeks on the Gospel Billboard Charts.

Randall, the Lake Charles, and LA native grew up on a musical diet of Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder. After completing his undergraduate degree from LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Randall was signed to the Isley Brothers’ T-Neck/Island Records label. After Universal/Polygram took over the company in 1999, he left to start Lavish Records. He released his first gospel CD “Sinners Have Souls Too” in 2007 and has done a lot of behind the scenes work in the music industry. Randall co-wrote four songs on Shaggy’s Grammy Award-nominated “Summer in Kingston” CD that reached #1 on Billboard’s Top Reggae Albums chart in 2012.

Please note that in a year “Be Free” has acquired over 1 million plays on Soundcloud.

 

Why I Decided to Wear My Natural Hair for a Professional Headshot

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Bie Aweh M.Ed Biz Dev Wizard| Life-Long Learner| Equity & Inclusion Thought Leader| CrossFitter
Bie Aweh M.Ed
Biz Dev Wizard| Life-Long Learner| Equity & Inclusion Thought Leader| CrossFitter

Picture day at work can be an exciting time: not only are you becoming an official part of the team, the brand, but it is also another excuse to buy new clothes. The most exciting part, for me at least, is to be able to update my Linkedin profile. All that said, unfortunately,  picture day can also invoke a lot of unnecessary anxiety for me. Not because I am camera shy–just check my Instagram–because while I think my natural hair is awesome, many others still think that it is….different.  Never mind that I have a stellar work ethic, or that I contribute to student success daily at the number one public university in the world. All these things seem to not matter once people see my natural hair, because all of a sudden both my hair and I are identified as “unprofessional”.

The anxiety I experience does not only come up during picture day, it comes up as I am preparing for interviews. I generally love interviewing and feel quite confident that when I am in an interview, I am absolutely flourishing! My anxiety manifests itself as I am trying to figure out how to professionally style my hair. Forget the fact that women worry about what to wear; I am in the group of  Black women and girls who have been told that unless your hair is straight, it is not professional thus undesirable. Hence, a large portion of my interview prep consists of me staring in a mirror trying to style my hair in the least distracting way so that my interviewer doesn’t have a chance to focus on the  stereotypical images of Black people they may have been consumed through the media. This is what renowned social psychologist Dr. Claude Steele calls stereotype threat. Stereotype threat refers to  “ a situational predicament in which people are or feel themselves to be at risk of conforming to stereotypes about their social group”.  This directly correlates to the feeling of constantly wondering if and what stories are being projected onto me simply because of my locs by those interviewing me — something I highly doubt my non Black colleagues have to worry about.

Who determines professionalism? What ideals are informing notions of professionalism that essentially tell Black women, like myself, that because we choose to embrace our authentic selves, we are suddenly not “professional”? Naturally, I did what every millennial does when we have a question, I googled unprofessional hair. (I invite you all to do the same.) I was not surprised by the mostly Black faces in the populated results. Essentially, my search affirmed the discomfort and anxiety I felt all along. Black women in general, but especially Black women who have natural hair, do not fit into this idea of professionalism. So does this mean our hair is good enough to warrant stares, or worse, petting, but not good enough for the office?

A Call to Action: Creating inclusive work spaces

For many companies who are attempting to address ongoing concerns of inclusion, it is crucial to unpack the term professionalism and how people of color and gender nonconforming people fit into that paradigm. This DOES NOT mean you are lowering your standards, nor does it mean that you should not continue to ask and expect your employees to conduct themselves in appropriate behavior and adhere to things like dress codes. It DOES  mean that within those expectations, you are leaving room for people like myself to feel like we can show up wearing our natural hair and not be judged or assumed less competent because of it. Inclusion is no doubt a buzzword these days, but it is my hope that this piece offers critical and concrete experiences to consider, which can and should  inform efforts towards making workplaces more inclusive.  People do their best work when they are allowed to be their authentic selves; therefore, companies must be committed to creating work cultures that encourages this. So, the next time someone comes into your office with their natural threads, rather than stare blankly, provide a compliment or say nothing at all and continue to work. That is ok!

As for my professional headshot, I finally gathered the courage to rock my natural threads and prove that, contrary to popular belief, you can be an incredible educator, doctor, lawyer, or engineer, and rock natural hair

 

Dining and retail redevelopment at Sea-Tac

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The Port of Seattle is in the middle of a long-term dining and retail redevelopment program to increase options for travelers and expand access for small and local businesses:

  • 90 percent of the units are expiring over several years, and
  • some have already been re-leased.

Expect to see some new and different names inside Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The Port strives to find the right mix of national and local brands for our travelers while also balancing community and Port priorities.

Check back here for news and announcements to be the first to know about what’s coming soon.

Sea-Tac Airport is an economic driver for the Pacific Northwest. The Port of Seattle aims to deliver a Northwest ‘sense of place’ to travelers by promoting job growth and creating new opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses.

Sea-Tac Airport:

  • is a global gateway,
  • is the 9th busiest airport in the country, and
  • served 45.7 million travelers in 2016.

Future changes

Overview map of gates at Sea-TacThe Port is committed to exemplary customer service at Sea-Tac Airport, beginning with a high quality experience for travelers at the airport’s restaurants and stores.

In the coming years, travelers will see changes with new, exciting concepts. Dining and retail square footage may grow by at least 35 percent by 2025.

Be aware construction will be part of the changes, so some units may be closed until new construction is complete. We appreciate your patience.

Opportunities for local business owners

Currently, 60 of the prime locations are scheduled to expire through 2019. New opportunities will be available for large, small and minority-owned businesses to bid for available spaces. If you’re a business owner looking to do business at Sea-Tac, click here for more information.

Coming soon

Café Floret – Scheduled to open in July 2017, this will be Sea-Tac’s first vegetarian restaurant. Located near the A and B Concourse intersection, the unique chef-driven spot will feature 27 foot windows overlooking the tarmac. Check out Seattle Met’s profile on the new restaurant!

Qdoba – Coming 4th quarter 2017 to Central Terminal. A premier national brand, Qdoba promises to deliver new creations and old classics where guests are encouraged to explore new flavor combinations. From daily hand-smashed guac to meats and veggies grilled on the spot, fresh and bold is Qboda.

Starbucks Evenings – Welcome to the birthpDace of Starbucks. This new concept will expand the existing location in the middle of Central Terminal. Look for the new store in 4th quarter 2017.

Terminal GetAwaySpa – Situated in both Concourses A and C, the name says it all, a relaxing getaway within the airport. Look for these spots to open in Sept. 2017.

Alki Bakery – Grab a treat and coffee near the pre-security checkpoint 3 location. This new outlet is designed to serve airport guests who may be waiting for ticketed passengers, or just hungry folks who can’t wait to get through the checkpoint.

SeatacAirport

New State Provision Addresses Lead in School Drinking Water

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Environment Washington and WashPIRG hailed a new provision in the state’s budget that directs the Department of Health (DOH) to develop guidance for schools to take action whenever lead in water exceeds 1 part per billion.

“There is no safe level of lead for our children,” said Bruce Speight, Environment Washington and WashPIRG Director.  “This measure brings us one step closer to ensuring safe drinking water for Washington’s children.”

With mounting evidence that lead affects children’s health even at very low levels, this year Environment Washington and WashPIRG launched their “Get the Lead Out” campaign to end lead contamination in schools’ drinking water.  The groups issued a research report, mobilized grassroots support statewide, and worked with state legislators to make the case for requiring the removal of lead-based infrastructure and for requiring action whenever lead in schools’ water exceeds 1 part per billion, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

A broad coalition of organizations, including RE-Sources, Toxic-Free Future, Center for Environmental Law and Policy, Earth Ministry, Spokane Riverkeeper, OneAmerica, WA Environmental Council, Citizens for a Healthy Bay, WA Physicians for Social Responsibility, The Lands Council, Future Wise, Zero Waste Washington, Sierra Club Washington, and Progresso-Latino Community Fund, came together to support the provision.

“School water should not be a cause of lower IQ and learning disabilities,” said State Representative Gerry Pollet, who championed the budget provision.  “This is particularly important for lower income students whose homes may also have elevated lead.  I am pleased with the progress we have made and will keep working to ensure students are safe and healthy.”

Lead is a powerful neurotoxin and children are particularly susceptible.  Even low levels of lead exposure can lead to irreversible damage.  According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, low levels of lead can result in behavioral and learning deficiency, lower IQ, hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems, and anemia.

Unfortunately, lead contamination in Washington Schools is a very real problem.  Two of the state’s three largest school districts – Seattle and Tacoma – have found lead in the water at some of their schools.  A KUOW story from 2016 highlighted lead in 34 state water systems, including 5 schools.

Given the high toxicity of lead to children, the most health-protective policy is simply to “get the lead out” of our schools and pre-schools. This involves proactively removing lead-bearing parts from schools’ drinking water systems — from service lines to faucets and fixtures — and installing filters certified to remove lead at every tap used for drinking or cooking.

“Parents all over Washington State are rightfully concerned and will be glad to hear that the state is taking steps to reduce the amount of lead in school drinking water.  Yet, we can’t rest until we have eliminated lead infrastructure from schools and adopted a 1 part per billion standard for lead statewide,” concluded Speight.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Celebrates The Hometowns Of Mick Jenkins, St. Beauty And More With The Return Of Neighborhood Flavor

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Block party and docu-series to celebrate the unique culture of neighborhoods across the count.
 Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey “Neighborhood Flavor” returns  to celebrate the neighborhoods that helped shape the culture of music today. In collaboration with Complex Networks, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey is staying true to its roots of hometown pride by paying tribute to the sights and sounds of the communities that helped groom some of today’s most prominent and rising stars

Neighborhood Flavor will explore five hometowns through mini documentaries focusing on popular cultural centers in Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Oakland and Houston. The series will shed a light on communities such as Chicago’s Burnside, New York’s Bushwick and East Atlanta Village.  Starring top music artists Mick Jenkins, Statik Selektah, St. Beauty, E-40 and LeToya Luckett, the docu-series will highlight the culture, people and places that played a part in who they are today.

“Growing up on the South Side of Chicago made me the man I am today,” says hip-hop artist, Mick Jenkins. “Neighborhood Flavor allows me to celebrate where I’m from and shine a positive light on my neighborhood for the world to see.”

The summer-long program will culminate with block parties, inclusive of live music performances, food and vendors specific to the culture of the neighborhood, as well as signature Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey cocktails. Guests will experience Jack Daniel’s hometown of Lynchburg, Tennessee, where every drop of the Tennessee Whiskey is made, with a virtual trip to the distillery and more.

“Mr. Jack Daniel was very invested in his hometown of Lynchburg, Tennessee,” says Casey Nelson, Brand Director, Jack Daniel’s Flavor Portfolio. “With Neighborhood Flavor, we are honoring his legacy by celebrating neighborhoods that are special to our friends, and bringing a little bit of our home to each of these cities.”

The Neighborhood Flavor block party series will kick off in New York and travel to Atlanta, Oakland, Houston and Chicago this summer. Please visit www.JackHoneyNF.com for more information on the featured artists and neighborhoods or to RSVP for an event near you. Must be at least 21 years of age to access content and attend events.

About Jack Daniel’s:
 Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select, and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails.

Fly Straight. Drink Responsibly. 

JACK DANIEL’S TENNESSEE HONEY is a trademark of JACK DANIEL PROPERTIES INC. ©2017. Jack Daniel’s.  Whiskey Specialty, 35% ALC./VOL.(70 proof). Produced and Bottled by JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, Lynchburg, TENNESSEE, U.S.A.

65 Law Enforcement Line-of-Duty Deaths in First Half of 201

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Traffic-related incidents are leading cause of officer fatalities, increasing 24 percent

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund issued a new report with preliminary data through June 30, 2017, revealing that 65 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty in 2017—a thirty percent increase over the same period last year (50).

Of these 65 officers, 26 were killed in traffic-related incidents, 23 were killed by gunfire and 16 died due to other causes such as job-related illnesses

Key Facts

  • Traffic-related fatalities were the leading cause of law enforcement deaths for the first half of this year, with 26 fatalities in 2017, compared to 21 over the same period in 2016—an increase of 24 percent. Notably, 10 of the incidents were single-vehicle crashes, where an officer crashed without making impact with another vehicle. This represents an alarming 233 percent increase from the first half of last year (3). Additional circumstances are included in the 2017 Mid-Year Law Enforcement Officer Fatalities Report.
  • Firearms-related fatalities (23) rose slightly from the 21 during the same period in 2016. Domestic-related incidents continue to be the leading cause of officers being shot and killed in the line of duty, with five in the first half of this year so far. Three officers were killed in ambush-style attacks as of June 30. Of the 23 firearm-related fatalities, six were shot and killed in May, the most of any other month.
  • Sixteen officers died of other causes as of June 30 that include job-related illnesses, drownings and illnesses related to rescue and recovery efforts after 9/11.
  • Georgia and New York lead the country in officer fatalities with five officers lost in the line of duty for the first half of 2017. California, Florida and Texas each have had four officers killed, while three were killed in Louisiana as of June 30.
  • The National Law Enforcement Museum at the Motorola Solutions Foundation Building, a project of the Memorial Fund, is currently under construction in Washington, DC. The Museum will help strengthen the bond shared by law enforcement and the communities they serve. The Museum currently hosts free programming and workshops designed to educate the public about law enforcement policies and tactics. When the Museum opens in the fall of 2018, it will tackle tough issues our country faces with open dialog amongst law enforcement, civic leaders and citizens of this country.

Supporting Quote:

“When our law enforcement officers put their badges on at the start of their shifts, they do so with the intention of protecting the citizens of their communities and this country,” declared NLEOMF President and CEO Craig W. Floyd. “They risk their lives each day and it is outrageous that 65 officers have died in the line of duty in the first half of this year. Officers have been targeted for the job that they do, shot and killed or hit with vehicles. I ask all of our citizens to do their part to protect our law enforcement heroes, as they continue to protect us.”

A copy of the full report, “2017 Mid-Year Law Enforcement Officer Fatalities Report,” is available at www.LawMemorial.org/FatalitiesReport.

 

Cristian Roldan brace powers Seattle Sounders FC to 3-0 win over San Jose

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Given their top four players were out due to suspension ( Nicolas Lodeiro), National team duty ( Clint Dempsey, Jordan Morris) and injuries ( Osvaldo Alonso), the Sunday night match between the Seattle Sounders FC (8-7-6) versus the  San Jose Earthquakes (7-9-5) had all the makings of a trap game.  Two second half goals by Cristian Roldan helped the Sounders overcome another lethargic start as the Rave Green used a focused and intentional second effort on their way to the 3-0 victory.

When the halftime whistle blew and the two teams walked off the field for the break, the score was 0-0 and the stat sheet showed the Sounders with zero shots on goal.  San Jose had just two shots on goal. While the Sounders defense improved from last games sleep walking slumber, that is they were alert and sharp right from the beginning, the offense had another late start.

Sounder players celebrate Roldan’s goal. (SoundersFC)

Rather than repeat last games feat of scoring four goals in 27 minutes, the Sounders offense was much more surgical and purposefully. The Rave Green scored three goals in eleven minutes and quickly dispatched the San Jose Earthquakes and put the game out reach with a quickness. Cristian Roldan scored in the 54th and 56th minute to record his goal scoring tally to three goals in two games

Kelvin Leerdam made it 3-0when his right footed shot found the back of the San Jose goal for his first goal as a Sounder.

 

The  Sounders have won thier last three MLS  games and  are now  just four points behind Western Conference  leaders FC Dallas

Joevin Jones picked up his ninth assist of the season and is one behind leaders  Michael Barrios ( FC Dallas), Victor Vazque ( Toronto) and Alex ( Houston) who all have ten for the season.

Clint Dempsey ties USMNT record for most goals scored

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Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey. ( Sounders FC)

Sounders FC forward Clint Dempsey tied the U.S. Men’s National Team all-time scoring record on Saturday evening, recording his 57th career international goal in a 2-0 win over Costa Rica in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Semifinals.

Dempsey tied Landon Donovan who previously held sole position of the top spot on the USMNT’s all-time goal list. Bruce Arena’s squad now faces the winner of tomorrow’s match between Mexico and Jamaica in the tournament’s final on July 26 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara (6:30 p.m. PT / FS1, Univision, UDN).
Dempsey entered Saturday nights Semi-Final match  as a substitute in the 66th minute with the match still scoreless, then proceeded to have a direct a hand in both USMNT goals late in the second half. In the 72nd minute, he received a ball near midfield, dribbled through a number of Costa Rica defenders before finding Jozy Altidore behind the defense for the match’s eventual game-winner. With the USMNT leading 1-0 10 minutes later, Dempsey scored directly from a free kick 25 yards out, sending a low shot through the wall inside the near post to match Donovan’s USMNT scoring record with 57 international goals.

Dempsey, 34, has 136 career international caps since making his senior USMNT debut in 2004, and in 2014 became the first American player to score in three consecutive FIFA World Cups. The Nacogdoches native is tied with Will Bruin for Sounders FC’s team lead with seven goals in 16 appearances this season, while his 41 tallies for Seattle are six behind Fredy Montero for the all-time club record.
After winning Group B with seven points (2-0-1), the U.S. Men’s National Team has advanced past El Salvador and Costa Rica in the Knockout Stage, and now faces the winner of tomorrow’s Mexico-Jamaica match. The 2017 Gold Cup Final is set for Wednesday, July 26 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara (6:30 p.m. PT / FS1, Univision, UDN).

Seattle Sounders FC score four second half goals beat DC United 4-3

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Brad Evans celebrates his goal. ( SoundersFC)

The Seattle Sounders (7-7-6)became the first team in MLS  history to overcome a 3-0 deficit in regulation time Wednesday night and sent 42, 714 fans home with one of those, “I can’t believe what I saw memories”, as they beat D. C. United (5-3-12), 4-3 after scoring four second half goals in a span of 28 minutes.

The Sounders back line was lethargic and sleep walked the first 62 minutes of the game. The sleep walking routine saw the visitors take a 1-0 lead after just eight minutes of play. Deshorn Brown was left wide open in front of debutant goal keeper  Tyler Miller who was filling for injured Stefan Frei who was suffering from a hip flexor. Ian Harkes made it 2-0 in the  27 minute and you could hear a pin drop in CenturyLink  Field as fans playerss and coaches were asking questions of each other.

The question and answer session turned into a downright inquest when Llyod Sam’s right footed shot made it  3-0 after 62 minutes. The three spot deficit inexplicably woke up the Sounders from their sleep walking session and the Rave Green began its historic comeback.

Joevin Jones found Wil Bruin in the D.C United goal box and the prolific scorer found the back of the net to cut the deficit to 3-1 and give Sounder nation some hope. Jones had his second assist of the game when Brad Evans headed the Trinidad and Tobago defenders cross to make it 3-2 and hope turned into wishful thinking. Gustav Svenson tied the game at 3-3 all wishful thinking turned into  reason to believe for Sounder Nation.  Cristian Roldan put the Sounder ahead at 4-3 and turned CenturyLink into a block party that saw the Green Clad fans high fiving and slapping each other on the back!

Cristian Roldan celebrates his game winning goal. ( Sounders FC)

 

The Sounders did receive one scare in the  88th minute when Nicols Lodeiro received a Red car for violent conduct in the 88th minute for kicking D.C. midfielder  Marcelo Sarvas. The Sounders were able to hang on to the lead win despite finishing the game with ten players.

 

The Sounders have a short turn around as they will be back on the pitch Sunday night( 7:30 P.M. ) to host the San Jose Earthquakes.