Before 40,000 screaming fans, Jordan Morris took CenturyLink Field as a starter for the Seattle Sounders FC Sunday to kick off his rookie season.

The former Mercer Island standout came close to scoring in the home opener against Sporting Kansas City, though Morris saw his goal-box attempt in the ninth minute sail high over the crossbar. A goal from Nuno Andre Coelho in the 73rd minute lifted Kansas City over Seattle 1-0.

Mercer Island High School boys soccer coach Colin Rigby said a contingent of 150 Islanders turned out to cheer on Morris. The high school, Mercer Island FC and Eastside FC all collaborated in a community effort to support the Sounders rookie.

“I think the soccer community on Mercer Island really absorbed the role they were having in supporting Jordan on his first day,” Rigby said. “We had former players coming to town from California and guys who played with him in high school come with us to the game. Parents who have been out of the high school program for a long time were coming out to support him. I think everybody really played an integral part in showing our support.”

Rigby said overall, he thought Morris looked “quite comfortable” in his debut and said Morris made the plays and runs he normally makes on the pitch. But seeing the homegrown talent on the big stage certainly provided quite the boost to his old soccer programs in various ways.

“The motivation it gives to our kids and our players is fantastic,” he said. “From his perspective, it’s a dream come true and I know he was excited and happy. I thought he played well.”