Carlo Ancelotti hailed captain John Terry as the "symbol" of his team after seeing his new club Chelsea win their first outing under his command in a 2-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders.
Chelsea started their tour of the United States with a competitive friendly over Major League Soccer's newest team in front of 65,289 fans at Qwest Field and ahead of next week's pre-season tournament against AC Milan, Inter Milan and Club America.
England captain Terry, the subject of intense transfer speculation following a bid from Manchester City, retained the skipper's armband as Ancelotti sent out his first side since taking over from Guus Hiddink at the end of last season.
First-half goals from teenage debutant Daniel Sturridge and Frank Lampard were enough to see off a Seattle side led by Freddie Ljungberg in their inaugural MLS season.