Born 1974 Sounders Legend: Jhon Kennedy Hurtado helps lay the foundation for the club's future success

The Seattle Sounders will honor former player Jhon Kennedy Hurtado as part of the 50th anniversary celebration prior to Wednesday night's home game against the San Jose Earthquakes (7:30 p.m. PT; watch with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS).

Hurtado was part of the core group of players who set the tone for Seattle's success in Major League Soccer.

“When we started our (first) season in 2009, most of the people who believed in us then could now say, 'Okay, (the Sounders) can go to any stadium and play and win and win the championship,'” Hurtado said.

The center back joined the franchise on loan from Deportivo Cali before officially signing with the Sounders in 2010. He spent five seasons with the club, where he immediately made a name for himself in the league and the Seattle sports community.

“It was one of the best experiences of my career,” Hurtado said.

The Colombian international started his time with the club in style, finishing the inaugural season as an MLS All-Star and a finalist for MLS Defender of the Year. He also helped the team to postseason play and the Open Cup title that same year.

Hurtado's deep impact on the team continued throughout his time with the organization, securing two more Open Cups in 2010 and 2011. He concluded his five-year tenure with 108 regular season appearances, 103 starts and 9,123 minutes played.

The center back played for Chivas USA and Chicago Fire in 2014, but his connection to the Sounders, their fans and the city of Seattle was something neither team could match.

“Since we played our first game against the New York (Red Bulls), the emotion in the city and the emotion of the fans have always contributed to the club,” said Hurtado. “Once a Sounder, always a Sounder.”