2005 Seattle Sounders Press Release Archive

Sounders Unveil 2005 Schedule
Posted 1/13/2005
(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders today announced their 2005 United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division schedule. Featuring a single table format in 2005, each USL First Division opponent visits Seattle in a schedule highlighted by eight Saturday evening home matches.

The 2005 season kicks off on April 30, 2005 against the Portland Timbers at Qwest Field.

The Sounders play two televised matches against Northwest rivals on the newly named Fox Soccer Channel. The first televised match is July 8th in Seattle against the Portland Timbers; the second is July 29th in Vancouver against the Whitecaps.

The Sounders will compete in the newly constructed USL First Division, formerly the A-League. The Sounders play each opponent at least twice, once home, and once away. Remaining matches are scheduled with geographic rivals.

Scheduling notes:

# The Sounders play their first five matches of the 2005 season at home inside Qwest Field.

# The Sounders visit the defending A-League Champion Montreal Impact on July 3rd – last year the Sounders traveled to Montreal for the A-League Championship match and were defeated 2-0.

# A visit to Puerto Rico to face the Islanders highlights the Sounders longest road trip of the year in early September.

# Montreal visits Seattle on September 9th for the regular season home finale.

# Northwest rivals, the Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers, roll into Seattle four times during the 2005 season. Vancouver faces Seattle on May 7th and June 25th while Portland pays a visit on opening night, April 30th, and July 8th.

U.S. Open Cup

In 2005, all USL First Division teams will automatically qualify for the U.S. Open Cup in 2005. Four USL First Division teams will enter the tournament in each of two consecutive rounds. Based on 2004 regular season results, Seattle, Charleston, Minnesota and Virgina Beach, will enter in the Second Round of the tournament on June 29th while Atlanta, Portland, Richmond and Rochester will receive byes into the Third Round, joining four Major League Soccer teams and eight Round Two winners on July 13th.

Playoffs

Per the restructuring guidelines, the USL First Division will have a six-team playoff field in 2005 with the #1 and #2 overall seeds receiving Round One byes. All playoff rounds, excluding the Championship Match on October 1st, will be two-legged aggregate score series.

2005 marks the third season the Sounders will call Qwest Field home. The Sounders played the inaugural event at Qwest Field, then Seahawks Stadium on July 28, 2002 against the Vancouver Whitecaps before nearly 26,000 people.

2005 season tickets are still available, starting as low as $140. Please contact the Sounders at (206) 622-3415 or order online at www.seattlesounders.net.

For details regarding the Sounders 2005 USL First Division schedule please visit www.seattlesounders.net.



2005 Schedule

April 30, Portland Timbers, 7 pm


May 7, Vancouver Whitecaps, 7 pm

May 14, Charleston Battery, 7 pm

May 21, Atlanta Silverbacks, 7 pm

May 25, Virginia Beach Mariners, 7 pm


June 3, @ Richmond Kickers, 4 pm

June 4, @ Virginia Beach Mariners, 4:30 pm

June 17, Rochester Raging Rhinos, 7 pm

June 25, Vancouver Whitecaps, 7 pm

June 26, @ Vancouver Whitecaps, 7 pm


July 2, @ Minnesota Thunder, 5 pm

July 3, @ Montreal Impact, 4 pm

July 8, Portland Timbers, 8 pm (Fox Soccer Channel)

July 10, @ Minnesota Thunder, 4:05 pm

July 15, @Rochester Raging Rhinos, 4:35 pm

July 16, @ Toronto Lynx, 4:30 pm

July 23, Minnesota Thunder, 7 pm

July 27, Toronto Lynx, 7 pm

July 29, @ Vancouver Whitecaps, 8 pm (Fox Soccer Channel)


August 6, Minnesota Thunder, 7 pm

August 7, @Portland Timbers, 3 pm

August 13, Richmond Kickers, 7 pm

August 20, @Portland Timbers, 7 pm

August 26, Puerto Rico Islanders, 7 pm


September 2, @ Charleston Battery, 4:30 pm

September 4, @ Atlanta Silverbacks, 3:30 pm

September 6, @ Puerto Rico Islanders, 5:30 pm

September 9, Montreal Impact, 7 pm 

SEATTLE SOUNDERS DRAFT TWO LOCAL UNIVERSITY PROSPECTS IN UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES 1ST DIVISION COLLEGE DRAFT 
Posted 1/19/2005
(Seattle, WA) – The Seattle Sounders selected two Seattle area university prospects in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) 1st Division college draft held via conference call from the league's headquarters in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday.

Seattle selected Brett Wiesner of the University of Washington in the 1st round and Jeremiah Doyle (pictured) of Seattle University in the 2nd round.

Wiesner, a 5-11, 150 lb. forward was a four-year starter at the University of Washington. Appearing in 66 games he tallied 15 goals and added five assists during his tenure. Named to multiple All-Pac-10 Teams, Wiesner brings a fiery presence to the Sounders offensive attack.

Jeremiah Doyle, a recent graduate of Seattle University, was a dominating 6-5 presence in net for the Redhawks. The Vancouver, Washington native started 84 games in his college career and helped Seattle University win the 2004 NCAA Division II men’s soccer national title. He posted an overall record of 53-23-9 while registering 27 shutouts in route to a 1.01 goals against average.

USL First Division clubs have until February 1, 2005 to conduct compensation negotiations and sign the player to a USL First Division contract.

The Sounders 2005 season kicks off on April 30th when the Portland Timbers visit Qwest Field at 7 pm. Season tickets and ticket packages are now on sale by calling 206 622.3415 or by visiting www.seattlesounders.net. 

2005 US OPEN CUP FORMAT UNVEILED, SOUNDERS TO ENTER TOURNAMENT IN 2ND ROUND
Posted 2/3/2005
(SEATTLE, WA) - The Seattle Sounders will enter the 2005 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in the 2nd round of play on June 29th. All eight U.S. based United Soccer Leagues First Division teams will participate in the Open Cup, entering the tournament based on 2004 regular season league results.
After several years of success, the Sounders failed to qualify for the 2004 Open Cup, getting knocked out of the tournament by the Portland Timbers.
The 2003 tournament saw the Sounders advance to the quarterfinals before being defeated by the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer. Earlier that year in Open Cup play, the Sounders defeated Landon Donovan, Brian Ching and the San Jose Earthquakes, 1-0, in a dramatic match at Husky Soccer Field.
A total of 42 teams – 26 professional and 16 amateur – will compete in the 2005 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as it kicks off in June. After 40 teams participated in the prestigious tournament in 2004, two expansion Major League Soccer teams have been added to the fray in 2005, bringing the total number of teams to its highest level since MLS began participating in the event in 1996.
The U.S. Open Cup, which is recognized as U.S. Soccer’s National Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer.
The addition of the two expansion Division I teams has led to the creation of a qualifying round prior to the first round. In the qualifying round, four amateur teams will face off as two of the United States Adult Soccer Association’s regional second-place qualifiers will face two second-place teams from the Premier Development League of the United Soccer Leagues. The qualifying round will be determined by a random draw after teams are paired geographically.
Qualifying is slated to be completed by May 30, with the pairings announcement expected on June 1. The defending champion Kansas City Wizards enter the tournament on Aug. 3 in the fourth round. The semifinals will be played Sept. 14, with the final being played on Sept. 28.
After the Qualifying Round on June 8, the first round will be played on June 15 with the remaining 12 qualifiers from the USASA and PDL, as well as two USL Second Division teams joining the qualifying winners. The winners of those games advance to the second round to face four teams from the USL Second Division and four from the USL First Division. In the third round, the four remaining USL First Division teams join the fray along with four MLS teams. The final eight MLS teams join in the fourth round.
Within the U.S. Open Cup framework, teams compete in one of the following four categories: professional outdoor Division I (Major League Soccer), Division II (USL First Division) or Division III (USL Second Division); or Amateur Division (USL Premier Development League & U.S. Adult Soccer Association).
The U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament, with drawn games being decided by two 15-minute overtime halves. If neither team scores during the two overtime halves, the winner is decided on penalty kicks. The team that advances the furthest from each level except Division I earns a $10,000 cash prize. The runner-up takes home $50,000, while the champion collects $100,000. The winner also will have the team’s name engraved on the historic Dewar Cup, the oldest trophy in American team sports that is housed in the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, N.Y.

TWO SOUNDERS HEADING TO MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER TRAINING CAMPS
Posted 2/8/2005
(Seattle, WA) – Two Seattle Sounders, midfielder Leighton O’Brien and defender Danny Jackson (pictured), were invited to Major League Soccer (MLS) training camps, it was announced today. O’Brien is currently training with Real Salt Lake (recent MLS expansion club) and Jackson joins the Kansas City Wizards this weekend.

“Both Leighton and Danny are exceptional talents, I’m not surprised MLS took notice of them and invited them to train with their teams,” said Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer.

O’Brien, a Sounder in 2001-2002, spent the last two seasons with Swedish club, Boden. In 2002, the Sounders captain was named A-League Most Valuable Player, leading the Sounders to the 3rd best record in league history at 23-4-1. The Tacoma native was originally drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS.

Real Salt Lake head coach John Ellinger requested O’Brien join their training sessions in Bradenton, FL.

Born in Leeds, England, Jackson has been a stalwart on the Sounders defense over the past two seasons. Coming to the Sounders from the Colorado Rapids of MLS, Jackson was voted to All-League teams in the past two years and was named the Sounders Defensive Player of the Year in 2003.

Both O’Brien and Jackson are under contract for the Sounders 2005 season.

The Sounders 2005 season kicks-off on April 30th when the Portland Timbers visit Seattle. For information on season tickets or ticket packages call 206 622.3415 or visit www.seattlesounders.net. 

SOUNDERS SUPPORTERS GROUP TO HOLD FIRST ANNUAL WINTER SOCCER PARTY ON FEBRUARY 19TH
Posted 2/11/2005
(Seattle, WA) - The Emerald City Supporters, a Seattle Sounders fan driven supporters club, today announced the 1st Annual Winter Soccer Party, to be held at Kells Irish Restaurant on February 19th at 6:30 pm.

Join hosts, the Emerald City Supporters, Kells and the Sounders for food, game highlight tapes, giveaways and the chance to meet Sounders players and coaches.

For more information on the Emerald City Supporters visit www.soundercentral.com and for directions to Kells Pub visit www.kellsirish.com/seattle/index.php or call 206.728.1916.

Stay up to date on the latest Sounders news at www.seattlesounders.net 

SOUNDERS ANNOUNCE 2005 PRE-SEASON EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
Posted 2/18/2005
(Seattle, WA)- The Seattle Sounders today announced their pre-season U.S. Bank exhibition schedule beginning in early April at Pop Keeney Field in Bothell. The pre-season schedule will take the Sounders all over the Northwest, including Canada.

The 2005 pre-season kicks off April 2nd against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Pop Keeney Field in Bothell at 7 pm. The match is hosted by the Northshore Youth Soccer Association; for directions and ticket information visit www.northshoresoccer.org.

The remaining pre-season schedule includes two games against USL 1st Division rivals, the Portland Timbers and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

On April 9th the Sounders travel to Portland, Oregon for a match against the Timbers starting at 7 pm at PGE Park. For more game information visit www.portlandtimbers.com

The Sounders will be in Chilliwack, B.C. on April 16th to play against the Vancouver Whitecaps, game begins at 7 pm. For more match information visit www.whitecapssoccer.com

The following day, on April 17th the Sounders will travel to Mt. Vernon, WA to take on the Washington State U-23 Selects at Mt. Vernon High School. Kick off is at 5 pm. This event is hosted by the Washington State Soccer Association, visit www.wssa.org for more information.

On April 23rd the Sounders will play at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila. The opponent for the 7 pm kick off is still to be determined. For continuing information on this game visit www.seattlesounders.net

The final pre-season game, on April 24th will be held at French Field in Kent, WA at 5 pm. The Sounders will play the Liga Hispana All- Stars. For more information visit the game-day host, Kent Youth Soccer Association’s website at www.kysa.org

The Sounders 2005 regular season begins April 30th against the Portland Timbers at Qwest Field, match begins at 7 pm.

For more information on ticket prices and directions visit the respective host’s website or the Sounders at www.seattlesounders.net or call 206.622.3415. 

SEATTLE SOUNDERS TO HOST ENGLISH CLUB SUNDERLAND ON JULY 20 AT QWEST FIELD
Posted 2/21/2005
(Seattle, Wash.) – The Seattle Sounders Professional Soccer Club will play English League Championship Club, Sunderland AFC, in an exhibition match on July 20th at Qwest Field, it was announced today. The match kicks off at 7 pm (PT).

Sunderland AFC is currently in third position in the English League Championship, Coca-Cola 1st Division. The top three finishers in the division are promoted to the English Premier League (EPL) which features internationally recognized franchises such as, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.

The Sounder connection to Sunderland dates back 25 years to defender Shawn Elliott. Elliott played for the Sounders in 1980 on a trip over from Sunderland. He made over 350 international appearances and 11 goals in his European career. He was the anchor of Sunderland’s defense that was undefeated at home in 1979-80. Elliott signed with the Sounders in January of 1979 and made 23 appearances with the team.

Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer: “We certainly look forward to playing Sunderland. It will be a great test for our guys and it will also give the people of Seattle a great chance to experience top quality English soccer.”

Sunderland Manager Mick McCarthy (pictured): "We traveled to the USA for pre-season last year and it was great preparation for the season. The warm weather is perfect for training and the different environment is good for everyone.

“We’re really looking forward to visiting the three clubs and I’m sure they’ll give us a good work out in preparation for the new season.”

Tickets for the match cost $12 for general admission or $17 for reserved seating. Individual tickets go on sale to the public March 15th through Ticketmaster – (206) 628.0888.

Current Sounder season ticket holders have until March 15th to purchase their existing seats for the Sunderland match.

Group tickets (15 or more) may be purchased by calling the Sounders box office – 206 622.3415 extension 122. Fans purchasing a group of 15 or more tickets for the Sunderland match will receive the equivalent number of tickets, free of charge, for the next Sounders match on July 27th against the Toronto Lynx.

In addition to regular seating, a limited number of $50 VIP tickets will be available (on-sale March 15th). The VIP ticket will include a reserved seat to the match, (season ticket holders who purchase VIP tickets will be seated in their current seats) a 30 minute meet and greet with Sunderland players and managers prior to game-time, on-field credentials to watch warm-ups, and a soccer souvenir.

Special ticket offers beginning February 21, 2005: Sunderland ticket included in purchase or renewal of Sounder season ticket (general admission or reserved...Four season tickets = four Sunderland tickets.

Purchase or renew a minimum of two flex packs (general admission or reserved) and receive one Sunderland ticket free of charge – Two flex packages = one Sunderland ticket.

In addition to the match in Seattle, Sunderland AFC will play two other pre-season matches in Vancouver, B.C., against the Vancouver Whitecaps, and in Portland, OR against the Timbers.

For more information about the Sunderland match or about the Sounders 2005 season which opens on April 30th, visit www.seattlesounders.net or call (206) 622-3415. 

FORMER UW DEFENSIVE STANDOUT RE-SIGNS FOR 2nd SEASON WITH THE SOUNDERS
Posted 2/23/2005
(Seattle, WA) - The Seattle Sounders announced today the re-signing of midfielder/ defender Billy Sleeth. The 6-0, 170 pound Sleeth returns to the Sounders after registering two goals and two assists in 2004.

Prior to joining the Sounders, Sleeth was a member of the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer (MLS). Sleeth’s 2003 Season was cut short when he suffered a broken foot in pre-season play. Never fully recovering, Sleeth was plagued by reoccurring foot injuries, eventually causing him to miss the entire 2003 season.

Originally drafted as the 10th overall pick by the Chicago Fire (MLS) in the 2002 MLS Draft, Sleeth saw time in 13 games, starting seven and registering one assist.

The 2001 season saw Sleeth with the former Seattle Sounders Select (United Soccer Leagues-Premier Development League) team that upset Dallas Burn (MLS) in the 2001 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Sleeth ended the year with three goals and one assist for the 15-5-0 Selects.

A four year starter at the University of Washington, Sleeth earned All-Pac 10 honors his junior year. The tenacious defender secured a strong defense throughout his Husky career.

Head coach Brian Schmetzer on Billy Sleeth’s return to the Sounders, “Billy fits in well with all the guys, he is hardworking both in practice and in matches. He is an excellent skill player with outstanding technical ability and on top of that, he’s an incredible athlete. He also has a bit of an edge which suits my style of play. We look forward to having him back this year, healthy and ready to go.”

Already in Seattle, Sleeth joins the rest of the Sounders in early April as training camp begins. The Sounders season opener is April 30th at Qwest Field. The match kicks off at 7 pm (PT) against the Portland Timbers.

For more information call (206) 622.3415 or visit www.seattlesounders.net

Seattle Sounder’s Leighton O’Brien Signs with Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer: Exhibition Match Scheduled May 11th Between Seattle and RSL
Posted 3/29/2005
(Seattle, WA)- Today the Seattle Sounders announced midfielder Leighton O’Brien signed with Major League Soccer’s (MLS) 2005 expansion team, Real Salt Lake (RSL). O’Brien, the 2002 A-League Most Valuable Player was under contract for one more year (2005) with the Sounders.

As part of the compensation for O’Brien, the agreement between the two teams includes RSL traveling to Seattle on May 11th to play an exhibition match at Qwest Field at 7pm (PT).

The 29-year old was in his last year of a three-year deal with the Sounders before signing with RSL. In 27 games played, O’Brien netted 13 goals and 11 assists during the 2002 season. He competed in three matches for Seattle in 2003 before he was loaned to Boden BK, a second-division team in Sweden, for two seasons where he played along side current RSL defender Brian Dunseth during the 2004 season.

O’Brien missed most of the 2004 season with Boden due to a nagging groin injury and went to RSL’s camp still feeling the effects. He is now healthy and ready to contribute to RSL’s inaugural season, starting April 2nd.

The Tacoma, Washington native, an eight-year pro, agreed to a one-year deal with Real. O’Brien returns to MLS after a short stint with San Jose in 1999.

Real selected another local talent, 16-year-old Nik Besagno in the first round of the 2005 MLS SuperDraft. Besagno grew up in Maple Valley and played at Kennedy High School. Clint Mathis and Eddie Pope, both members of the U.S. National Team, will be coming to Seattle along with Leighton O’Brien and Real in May for the exhibition match.

"Leighton has been an impact player at multiple levels; we think he is poised to play a significant role in Real Salt Lake's midfield in 2005 and beyond. We are excited to have him back in MLS." Real Salt Lake’s General Manager, Steve Pastorino on Leighton’s signing with the first year MLS team.

"Real Salt Lake is excited to come to Seattle in May to take on one of the most storied names in American soccer - the Sounders. It will represent our first game against a United Soccer Leagues 1st Division opponent, and we look forward to a spirited battle."

O’Brien has been in RSL for training camp since February 1st. 

Seattle Sounder Update/ Exhibition Match Saturday
Posted 3/30/2005
(Seattle, WA) – The Seattle Sounders will begin preparations for the 2005 season with the opening of training camp on Friday, April 1st at Starfire Sports Complex.

Training sessions begin at 10 a.m. and conclude daily at 12 noon, Monday through Friday. Sounders players and coaching staff will be available to the media immediately following each training session.

The Sounders, who finished 2004 as the Western Conference Champions at 13-11-4, will have the majority of last season’s lineup in camp, with several local and out-of-state palyers contending for the few remaining roster spots.

The Sounders hosted open tryouts last weekend (March 19th and 20th). A total of 90 men from around the country and over seas participated in the two day, six hour tryout session.

The process consisted of two full size games. Four players from the pool were invited to participate in invitational tryouts. Invitational tryouts begin March 28th.

Head Coach Brian Schmetzer said “I am impressed with the overall quality of this weekends tryouts. The talent level was higher then the last two years. We had guys come in from the Netherlands, England and all over the country including two African players. The diversity of the group speaks volumes for our organization and our team.”

This week’s invitational tryouts are for previous Major League Soccer players, college players from around the country and local talent. More than 20 people are expected to attend.

Exhibition Match Schedule:

April 2nd @ Pop Keeney vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs – 7pm

April 9th @ PGE Park vs. Portland Timbers – 7pm

April 16th @ Chilliwack, B.C. vs. Vancouver Whitecaps – 7pm

April 17th @ Mount Vernon High School vs. WSSA U23 – 5pm

April 24th @ French Field, Kent vs. Liga Hispana – 5pm

The Sounders begin regular season play on April 30th against the Portland Timbers at 7pm at Qwest Field. For a complete 2005 schedule, ticket information and continuous roster updates visit www.seattlesounders.net or call 206.622.3415. 

SOUNDERS COMPLETE DAY ONE OF TRAINING CAMP AT STARFIRE SPORTS COMPLEX
Posted 4/2/2005
(Seattle, WA) - The Seattle Sounders concluded their first day of training camp Friday in preparation for the 2005 campaign, with 27 players participating in the opening training session of the season.

Head coach Brian Schmetzer said “today was supposed to be a light day, but the tempo and spirit was high because players really missed the competitiveness of the game.”

RETURNING PLAYERS

Head Coach Brian Schmetzer on Danny Jackson, “Danny was officially named team captain today, the first day of camp. He is a natural leader, respected by all the players and unanimously voted captain by the coaches to lead the team in 2005.”

Schmetzer on goalkeeper Preston Burpo, “Preston was flying around the goal like a 21 year old fresh out of college. He looks extremely sharp considering it was the first day of official training.”

Coach Schmetzer on rookie C.J. Klaas, “C.J. is a highly decorated rookie, demonstrating soccer skills and understanding that he is a rookie. He has gladly accepted the responsibilities of “rookie chores” including picking up equipment. C.J. comes to the Sounders after an impressive University of Washington career and we look for great things from him.”

DON'T I KNOW YOU?

Several players arrived at camp today who were invited to train with the Sounders first team. Three invitee’s arrive from open tryouts held two weeks ago and three players were invited from college week, including Franklin Chacon from Costa Rica, Jacob Besagno of Seattle University and Brett Weisner from University of Washington.

Head coach Brian Schmetzer on Franklin Chacon, “Frank traveled from Costa Rica to participate in tryouts for the Sounders. He did extremely well down the left side and has potential to play left midfield.”

Schmetzer on Jacob Besagno, “Jacob is the older brother of Nic Besagno, who was the Major League Soccer’s number one draft choice in 2005. He is a recent Seattle University graduate and had continued to impress.”

Coach Schmetzer on Brett Weisner, “Brett was the number one draft choice from the University of Washington in 2005. He has been showing form that made him a regular on the Under–17 National Team.”

EXHIBITION MATCH TOMORROW, APRIL 2nd

The roster for tomorrow’s game features several 2005 Sounder contract players as well as invitee from open tryouts and college week.

# Jordan Inoye – Seattle University

# Jacob Besagno – Seattle University

# Jeremy Milsten – Western Washington

# Skylar Nelson – Creighton

# Danny Jackson – Sounders/ UNC

# Zach Scott – Sounders/ Gonzaga

# Luc Harrington – UC Riverside

# Brent Whitfield – CSU Riverside

# Kevin Sakuda – Sounders/ Duke

# CL Klaas – UW

# Jose Abarca – El Paso

# Elliot Fauske – Seattle University

# Brett Weisner – UW

# Edwin Ruiz – Hartwick

# Ryan Hopp – Western Washington

# Preston Burpo - Sounders

BOTHELL, WA – Following just their second day of training camp, the Seattle Sounders hosted the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Pop Keeney Stadium Saturday night in an exhibition match in front of well over 2,000 fans.

Being the first exhibition match of the season, the Sounders took the opportunity to field mostly young players looking for roster spots. In fact, the only roster players starting for the Sounders were midfielders Andrew Gregor, Kevin Sakuda and C.J. Klaas. Gonzaga took the game to the Sounders and came out with a 2-1 victory.

During the first 15 minutes, both teams had difficultly controlling the ball on the fast, wet turf at Pop Keeney Stadium. As the game progressed, however, the Bulldogs began to assert themselves and work the midfield with some smart combination play. Gonzaga midfielder John Palladino was particularly effective in distributing the ball and putting the young Seattle defense under pressure. The Bulldogs were rewarded for the efforts with a goal at the 14-minute mark.

Gonzaga moved the ball quickly through the midfield before Palladino played a great ball through to forward Luke Miller inside the 18-yard box. Miller hit a hard, low shot that Sounder goalkeeper James Ward stopped with a great reaction save. The rebound bounced out to Gonzaga midfielder Ben Sawyer whose left-footed shot came off the crossbar and was accidentally pushed into the open goal by Sounders defender Skylar Nelson.

The goal brought the game to life, but Seattle was unable to create any significant scoring chances in the first half as the Gonzaga defense had little problem with all the long balls being sent their way. The Bulldogs controlled most of the play through the midfield and were a constant threat to the Sounders defense.

Taking a shock 1-0 deficit into halftime, Seattle regrouped in the second half and found the equalizer in the 55th minute.

Forward Ryan Hopp brought down a superb long ball from Skylar Nelson between two Gonzaga defenders and calmly settled at the edge of the 18 before ripping a low drive past goalkeeper Vito Higgins into the far corner.

Ten minutes later, the Sounders thought they had taken the lead but Jordan Inoye was ruled offside after tapping a Luc Harrington free kick into the Gonzaga goal.

Seattle had another great chance in the 77th when Harrington headed a corner kick past the goalkeeper Higgins but the ball was headed off the line by Gonzaga defender Scott Campbell.

With both teams trading scoring chances, Gonzaga took the lead in the 79th when substitute Steve Owens rifled a close-range shot on goal that Ward saved, but the ball bounced over the far post to a completely unmarked Ben Sawyer who one-timed his shot into the open goal.

For the remaining 10 minutes, the Sounders applied constant pressure searching for the tying goal, but the Bulldogs withstood the pressure to preserve a well-earned victory over the inexperienced Sounder side.

Seattle Sounders Fall to Portland Timbers 2-1 in Preseason Match Up: Sounders Travel to Vancouver on Saturday for Third Exhibition Match of 2005
Posted 4/10/2005
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Seattle Sounders fell to the Portland Timbers 2-1 in the second preseason exhibition match for Seattle before 3,262 fans Saturday night at PGE park.
The preseason friendly marked the second exhibition match of the season for the Sounders, who travel to Chilliwack, BC to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, April 16th at 7pm.
Scott Jenkins (pictured) scored an unassisted goal for the Sounders while Scot Thompson and Luc Harrington tallied for Portland.

Thompson put the Timbers on the board first, capitalizing on a corner kick from Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar in the 23rd minute. Alcaraz-Cuellar teed up the corner from the right side and found a waiting Thompson, who headed the well-placed ball past Seattle goalkeeper James Ward for the 1-0 advantage.

The Sounders equalized in the second half when Scott Jenkins launched a free kick from just outside the box into the back of the net. The kick was awarded to the Sounders after Portland goalkeeper Sam Reynolds drew a red card ejection for handling the ball outside of the penalty area.

Joe Beytebiere, a trialist Portland training camp, nearly put the Timbers back on top in the ensuing minutes, but missed his attempt high over the
crossbar.

It turned out to be another trial player, Harrington, who struck for the game winner, taking a touch from Ben DeSanno and flipping it over the head of the
Seattle 'keeper to secure the 2-1 decision. Seattle's Shawn Percell almost tallied early on in the 10th minute of play, letting loose on a shot from 10 yards out that ricocheted downward off the cross bar, nearly over the goal line.

SCORING SUMMARY: Thompson, 23' (Alcaraz-Cuellar); Jenkins, 62' (UA); Harrington,
78' (DeSanno).
PENALTY SUMMARY: SEA Edwards, YC (72'); POR Reynolds, RC (72').
LINEUPS:

SEATTLE: Ward GK, Sakuda D (Edwards 45'), Nelson D, Scott D (Klass 45'),

Jenkins D, Whitfield M (Bellall 65'), Hudson M (Brown 57'), Tomlinson M (Fauske

39'), Purcell M, Wiesner F, Hopp F;

PORTLAND: J. Saunders GK (Reynolds 45', J.

Saunders 59'), Morrison D, Wilkinson D, Thompson D, Alcaraz-Cuellar M, S.

Saunders M, Poltl M (Miranda 45'), Higgins M (Arzate 45'), Benedetti M, Afash F

(DeSanno 65'), Beytebiere F (Harrington 65'). 

University of Washington Standout and 2004 Sounders Midfielder Ben Somoza has Re-Signed with the Sounders
Posted 4/14/2005
(Seattle, WA)- The Seattle Sounders today announced they have reached an agreement with midfielder Ben Somoza.

As a 2004 Sounder, Somoza played in 13 regular season games and all play off games, recording two goals and two assists.

Somoza joined the Sounders midway through the 2003 season. Playing in five games and recording two shots.

As a Husky, Somoza led his team in points with 17 in his senior season with five goals and seven assists. In his final two collegiate seasons he scored a combined 11 goals.

Somoza was named to the All Pac-10 team in both his junior and senior seasons.

After graduation, Somoza was drafted in the second round of the 2002 A-League Draft by the Portland Timbers.

Head Coach Brian Schmetzer on Somoza's re-signing, “we’re happy to have Benny’s contract negotiation behind us and have him join his teammates in camp.”

Injuries Sideline Sounders Early in 2005: Danny Jackson and Craig Tomlinson out for the Season
Posted 4/15/2005
(Seattle, WA)- The Seattle Sounders today announced that both veterans Danny Jackson and Craig Tomlinson(pictured) have suffered ACL injuries and will be sidelined for the 2005 season.

Jackson, 25, learned Tuesday morning during exploratory surgery that the ACL on his right knee was completely torn. Team doctor Steven Bramwell then performed reconstructive surgery, which could sideline Jackson for the entire season.

The two-year starter and 2005 team captain also suffered a second-degree MCL sprain when he was injured in an April 2nd practice.

"This preseason is definitely more disappointing, because of the injuries we've had," Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said. "You have to accept injuries as part of what we do, but it's still disappointing. To have someone of Danny Jackson's caliber as both a person and a player, it puts big-time strife on your season from the start."

The Sounders received news Tuesday of another injured players, when an MRI showed that veteran forward Craig Tomlinson also suffered a torn ACL in Saturday's exhibition loss to the Portland Timbers and will be out for the season as well.

Tomlinson, a fan favorite because of his quickness and agility, is scheduled for reconstructive surgery on his left knee on April 22. It will be his third surgery — he had surgeries in 2000 and 2001 to repair meniscus tears.

Other Sounders Notes:

Forward Welton Melo, who led the team with 12 goals in 2004, recently resolved work visa clearance issues and is due to join the team Tuesday.

Forward Roger Levesque, who registered nine goals and six assists in 2004, should join the team before its April 30 season opener at home after being on loan for a third season from the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer. 

Seattle Sounders Defeated by Vancouver Whitecaps 1-0
Posted 4/17/2005
(Chilliwack, BC) – The Seattle Sounders faced off against I-5 rivals the Vancouver Whitecaps in Chilliwack, BC in front of over 2,000 fans on a rainy Saturday night. The Sounders fell 1-0 to an experienced Whitecaps team.

The Sounders will host the Washington State Soccer Association (WSSA) Under-23 Men’s team tomorrow (April 17th) at Mt. Vernon High School at 5pm.

Striker Carlo Corazzin netted the game's only goal in the 16th minute. The Cap's pre-season record finishes at a perfect 4-0-0.

Goalkeepers Mike Franks and Josh Wicks shared the shutout, playing a half each. They had little to do though as the Whitecaps did a good job limiting Seattle 's scoring chances. 

SOUNDERS CRUISE TO 4-1 VICTORY AGAINST WSSA U-23s
Posted 4/18/2005
(MOUNT VERNON, WA) – The Seattle Sounders traveled to Mt. Vernon High School for an exhibition match Sunday evening against the Washington State Soccer Association (WSSA) U-23 team and put on a great show for the local fans, punctuated by three second half goals, on their way to their first victory of the preseason.

Several members of the Sounders suited up for the short-handed U-23 squad, including Ryan Hopp, Skylar Nelson and Jacob Besagno, but the Sounders nonetheless dominated as they outshot the WSSA team 17-7.

The Sounders played a patient first half – moving the ball around calmly as they looked for the seams in the WSSA defense. Seattle’s tactics led to several decent chances, but never tested WSSA goalkeeper Jimmy Ward until the 30th minute, when he sprawled to knock away a shot by Sounders forward Shawn Percell from 18 yards out. Though Seattle dominated possession in the first half, the WSSA team held firm defensively to keep the game scoreless.

Though the U-23 squad spent much of the first half chasing Seattle, their defensive determination paid off when they capitalized on a Sounders defensive miscue in the 41st minute. Midfielder Kevin Sakuda (pictured) misplayed a back pass to his goalkeeper, which sent WSSA forward Ryan Hopp in alone on goal. Hopp coolly slotted his shot past ‘keeper Aron Hyde and into the far corner to put the U-23 team ahead 1-0.

The Sounders responded less than three minutes later when Percell made a strong run into the box with the ball and was brought down by WSSA defender Jacob Besagno. Andrew Gregor buried the resulting penalty kick to tie the game at 1-1.

Ten minutes into the second half, Seattle broke the stalemate with a nicely worked goal. Sakuda sent in a nice cross, which was headed across goal by Percell. The ball quickly came back across and fell to midfielder Anthony Hudson, who laid it off for Elliott Fauske to stroke the ball in from 15 yards for a 2-1 Sounders lead.

The Sounders appeared to have the game in hand until a questionable decision by referee Jeff Hosking gave the WSSA team a chance to equalize. WSSA midfielder El-Hadji Sow made an excellent individual effort to get past two Sounders with the ball before going down in the box without any noticeable contact, and a penalty kick was awarded. Sow stepped up to take the penalty kick but was turned away by a superb save from Hyde, who dove low to his left to preserve the lead.

Seattle dominated the remainder of the match – demonstrated by two fine goals from midfielders Ben Somoza and C.J. Klaas. Somoza scored when he carried the ball unchallenged to the top of the 18-yard box before ripping a left-footed drive inside the far post for a 3-1 lead at the 88th minute.

Two minutes later, midfielder Billy Sleeth knocked down a ball for Klaas who hammered a half volley past Ward to ice the game.

The Sounders’ next exhibition match is Sunday, April 24, at French Field in Kent at 5 p.m. against La Liga Hispana.

LINEUPS

SOUNDERS: Aron Hyde, Kevin Sakuda (C.J. Klaas – 59), Dwayne Demmins, Ryan Edwards (Taylor Graham – 45), Scott Jenkins (Zach Scott – 45), Elliott Fauske, Chad Brown (Billy Sleeth – 45), Anthony Hudson, Andrew Gregor (Ben Somoza – 45), Brett Weisner, Shawn Percell.

WSSA U-23s: Jimmy Ward, Jacob Besagno, Skylar Nelson, George Singh, Tim Tilbury (Juan Failardo – 31), Jakob Kayser, Ross Vaillancourt (El-Hadji Sow – 45), Casey Armstrong (Grant Sterlay – 45), Gavin Hobbs (Jesse Whellock – 31), Dayo Oyetuga (Jay Voss – 31), Ryan Hopp. 

SOUNDERS TO PLAY U20 NATIONAL TEAM, APRIL 25, 7PM, HUSKY SOCCER FIELD - TICKETS SELLING QUICKLY
Posted 4/18/2005
(Seattle, WA) - The Seattle Sounders play an exhibition match, Monday, April 25th at Husky Soccer Field against the United States Under 20 Men’s National Team featuring Freddy Adu (pictured), Eddie Gaven and Danny Szetela. Kick off is set for 7pm (PT).

The U20’s are in Holland until April 20th on a three game tour before heading to Seattle to take on the Sounders. In June, the Under- 20’s will travel back to Holland to compete in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. The Seattle Match will help the Under-20's prepare for their challenging group play in Holland.

Currently, Adu, Gaven and Szetela are not on the roster for the Holland matches. US Soccer lists them as 'scheduled to appear in Seattle'.

Tickets for this match are selling quickly - get yours today by calling 206.622.3415. Due to the seating restrictions at Husky Soccer Field, the Sounders will only be offering two ticket prices; a limited number of tickets in a $25 premium area and general admission tickets for $15.

Freddy Adu, Major League Soccer (MLS) standout, was one of two D.C. United players to see time in every match during the 2004 campaign. Comfortable in either the forward or attacking midfield role, Adu became the youngest player ever to appear in a Major League Soccer match on April 3, 2004 and became the youngest player ever to score a goal in League play on April 17, 2004.

He was also named a commissioner's pick to the 2004 Sierra Mist All-Star Game and continued to improve throughout the year, tallying a total of five goals and three assists.

Adu was selected by D.C United as the first overall pick of the 2004 MLS SuperDraft on January 16, 2004. United acquired the first draft pick by trading future considerations to the Dallas Burn.

Eddie Gaven, current Metrostar midfielder tallied seven goals and seven assists in the 2004 season.

In 2003 Gaven shattered MetroStars records throughout his first campaign with the "Red and Black." He became the youngest player in MetroStars history and second youngest in league history at 16. He made his debut on 6/14/03 vs. Chicago. Becoming the youngest player in team history and second youngest in MLS history.

A member of the U.S. U-20, U-23 and the Full National Teams during the 2003 calendar year, Gaven was also called into play at 17 years of age. He became the youngest player ever to appear on a U.S. Olympic Qualifying Team, passing fellow New Jersey native and former MetroStars Claudio Reyna. He played every minute for the U.S. U-17 squad at the FIFA U-17 World Championship Finland 2003, helping the team to a Quarterfinal berth in the prestigious tournament.

Danny Szetela is currently a midfielder for the Columbus Crew. In 2005 he has played in two games.

As a member of the Under- 20's, Szetela has played in 10 matches (third most of any player), starting in nine games. He has snagged four caps for the U-20s this year.

Szetela is the second-youngest player behind 14-year-old Freddy Adu named to the Under-17 CONCACAF qualifying roster and FIFA Under-17 World Championship roster. He started in all four of the USA's matches in the World Championship, helping the U.S. to a fifth-place finish. He scored six goals and dished out 12 assists in 2003

Ely Allen, University of Washington Standout and former youth player under Sounder's Head Coach Brian Schmetzer is also in the Under-20 National Team Pool.

Head Coach Brian Schmetzer on the Under- 20’s coming to Seattle; “The Sounder players are excited to play the Under-20 National Team because it gives them the opportunity to measure up to the best players the United Sates can produce. For the players on the Sounders who have their eyes set on going to the MLS, this is a great chance for them to see MLS quality soccer because most of the Players on the Under -20's team are either currently in MLS or will be there soon.”

“Sigi Schmid (Under- 20 Men’s National Team Coach) has been very good to the Sounders organization and someone who has helped give us scouting reports on various players. We appreciate the chance to match up in front of a great Seattle crowd and play a quality soccer game in preparation for the Sounders regular season.” 

SOUNDERS DEFEAT SEATTLE PACIFIC 2-0 IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT SCRIMMAGE
Posted 4/21/2005
(Seattle, WA) - The Seattle Sounders battled the Seattle Pacific University Falcons in a preseason scrimmage on Wednesday night, coming away with a 2-0 win on goals from training camp trialists Brent Whitfield and Elliott Fauske.

Sounders forward Welton Melo arrived in Seattle yesterday after a 5,000 mile flight from Brazil and a cross country flight from New York. Jet-lagged yet happy to see warm weather, Welton is welcomed to Seattle by head coach Brian Schmetzer (picture courtesy of Soundercentral.com).

Seattle line-up -

James Ward (Chris George 45'); Skylar Nelson (Ryan Edwards 45'), Jacob Besagno (Taylor Graham 45'), Zach Scott (Scott Jenkins 45'); Chad Brown (CJ Klaas 45'), Kevin Sakuda, Ben Somoza, Anthony Hudson (Andrew Gregor 45'), Elliott Fauske (Franklin Chacon 45'); Shawn Percell (Brent Whitfield 45'), Brett Wiesner.

Goals:

47' SEA - Whitfield

90' SEA - Fauske (Chacon)

Seattle: James Ward (Chris George 45'); Skylar Nelson (Ryan Edwards 45'), Jacob Besagno (Taylor Graham 45'), Zach Scott (Scott Jenkins 45'); Chad Brown (CJ Klaas 45'), Kevin Sakuda, Ben Somoza, Anthony Hudson (Andrew Gregor 45'), Elliott Fauske (Franklin Chacon 45'); Shawn Percell (Brent Whitfield 45'), Brett Wiesner. Fauske re-entered for someone late in the second half.

Goals:

47' SEA - Whitfield

90' SEA - Fauske (Chacon)

47' Brent Whitfield started the second half and showed his great speed by breaking from the halfway line and netting a low shot from 15 yards out.

90' Elliott Fauske from Franklin Chacon. Costa Rican Franklin Chacon placed a lovely ball on the foot of Elliott Fauske, who finished with a technical shot that just crept past the keeper.

Several Sounders, including Andrew Gregor and Brent Whitfield, took shots that clanged off the post.

Sounders Final Exhibition Match Yields 3-1 Victory Over Liga Hispana
Posted 4/25/2005
KENT, Wa. – The Seattle Sounders played the Liga Hispana All-Stars (pictured) in their final exhibition match of the season Sunday night at Kent Meridian High School’s French Field. Midfielder Gabriel Sturm scored two goals to lead the Sounders to a 3-1 victory.

The Liga Hispana All-Stars came out strong in the first 15 minutes and challenged the Sounders when they scored a goal in the first minutes of the match, but the Sounders showed their class for the remainder of the match as they out shot the All-Stars 21-4.

The All-Stars wore white, U.S. Bank-sponsored t-shirts without numbers, making it difficult to identify the players for the purposes of this story. Nonetheless, the All-Stars were clearly not intimidated in taking on a professional team as it took just six minutes for them to put the ball in the back of net.

Smart combination play on the left side of the field resulted in a player being sent through with a clean shot on goal, and he made no mistake as he struck a well-placed shot in full stride past a diving Jacob Banas to put a shocked Sounders side down 1-0.

The All-Stars kept up their poised play after the goal as they patiently searched for the next hole in the Seattle defense, but at that point the Sounders had already asserted themselves in the midfield, which lead to the equalizing goal in the 22nd minute.

Chad Brown found himself with space to shoot 10 yards from goal, but his shot deflected off a defender and bounced though to Sturm, who easily tapped the ball in at the near post to even the score at 1-1.

Five minutes later, Sturm struck again as he got on the end of Welton Melo’s deflected shot to knock the ball past a helpless Lisandro Alonas for a 2-1 Sounders lead.

In the second half, the Sounders dominated possession as they pressed to increase their lead, but the Hispanic All-Stars did well initially to hold the score at 2-1 through the hour mark. They even got off a dangerous scoring chance in the 62nd as Banas had to be alert to tip an 18-yard blast over the bar.

In the 71st, the Liga Hispana defense finally cracked under the pressure as substitute Franklin Chacon fired the Sounders to a 3-1 lead. Defender Zach Scott headed a C.J. Klaas free kick on goal. The shot was parried by substitute goalkeeper Marcelo Fernandez, but fell to Chacon who volleyed in the rebound from point blank range.

The Sounders play a friendly tomorrow night at Husky Soccer Stadium in Seattle as they host the U-20 U.S. Men’s National Team at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Husky Soccer Field box office at 5:30 p.m., or by contacting the Seattle Sounders at (206) 622-3415.

LINEUPS

SOUNDERS: Jacob Banas, Ryan Edwards (Zach Scott – 46), Jacob Besagno, Skylar Nelson, Scott Jenkins (Kevin Sakuda – 46), Ben Somoza (Brent Whitfield – 54), Chad Brown (C.J. Klaas – 46), Andrew Gregor (Brett Wiesner – 46), Gabriel Sturm, Welton Melo (Franklin Chacon – 46), Joshua Hansen.

Unused substitutes: James Ward.

LA LIGA HISPANA ALL-STARS: Lisandro Alonas (Marcelo Fernandez – 46), Roberto Fasardu, Carlos Tavalin, Kevin Posadas, Eduardo Milan, Pedro Milan, Levi Zacapu, Ernesto Bueno, Manuel Ruiz, Willy Cardenas, Guadalupe Perez.

Substitutes: Jose Torres, Oscar Guzman, Gustavo Gomez, Miguel Rodriguez, Everando Cisneros, Filimeno Molina, Julio Reyes. 

SOUNDERS FALL TO UNITED STATES U-20 MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM 4-1
Posted 4/25/2005
SEATTLE – The Seattle Sounders fell 4-1 to the United States Under-20 Men’s National Team on Monday night in a preseason friendly at the University of Washington’s Husky Soccer Field. The Sounders were out shot 16-6 against a well-tuned soccer machine comprised of some of the best young players in the country.

A standing-room-only crowd of 2,112 saw high caliber soccer on display from both sides, but the U.S. youngsters, featuring several young stars from Major League Soccer, showed skill beyond their years and gave Seattle a stiff test as they prepare for the start of the regular season.

Right from the start, the U-20s left no doubt in anyone’s mind regarding their quality as they moved the ball up and down the field with poise and skill, but it was the Sounders that opened the scoring in the 28th minute when midfielder Brent Whitfield (pictured) stole the ball 20 yards out and broke in alone before slotting the ball past U-20 goalkeeper Andrew Kartunen for a 1-0 lead.

It didn’t take long for the U-20s to respond as two minutes later midfielder Danny Szetela stole the ball 25 yards out and immediately sent a blistering shot on goal that had Seattle goalkeeper James Ward beaten but just missed the far, top corner.

In the 32nd, the U-20s got on the board in impressive fashion as midfielder Benny Feilhaber settled the ball and was left unchallenged. With no other options immediately available, Feilhaber stepped up and uncorked a 30-yard blast past a stunned Ward to equalize the match.

The U-20s kept up the pressure as two minutes later forward Chad Barrett took the ball around the far corner before ripping a low drive that pinged off the near post. Will John was there to away the rebound from point blank save but was denied by a great diving save by Ward.

Six minutes into the second half, the U-20s took the lead as Barrett made a weaving run with the ball along the right side before dropping a beautiful through pass behind the defense for Will John. John took the ball in stride and rounded a stranded Jacob Banas before slotting a left-footed shot into the open goal.

The Sounders had a chance to respond two minutes later when C.J. Klaas sent in a free kick from 20 yards out that a leaping Scott Jenkins volleyed on goal but U-20 goalkeeper Justin Hughes made a diving save to preserve the lead.

The U-20s extended their lead in the 66th as Barrett stole the ball on a defensive miscue between Gabriel Sturm and Jenkins and raced in along the edge of the penalty area before rounding a sprawling Banas and hitting a low cross to a completely unmarked Szetela who knocked the ball into the open goal from point blank range.

The Sounders had no answer for the well-organized defense of the U-20s, and the youngsters capped the scoring in the 84th when midfielder Tim Ward made a great solo effort down the far side. Ward charged in on goal, shrugged off a challenge from Sturm before shooting past Banas for a commanding 4-1 lead.

The Sounders open the regular season Saturday, April 30 at 7 p.m. as they host the Portland Timbers at Qwest Field. For ticket information, visit www.seattlesounders.net.

LINEUPS

SOUNDERS: James Ward (Jacob Banas – 46), Scott Jenkins, C.J. Klaas, Brent Whitfield, Billy Sleeth (Jacob Besagno – 73), Gabriel Sturm, Andrew Gregor (Ben Somoza – 15), Kevin Sakuda (Brett Wiesner – 70), Zach Scott, Franklin Chacon (Chad Brown – 46), Welton Melo (Joshua Hansen – 63).

U.S. U-20 MNT: Andrew Kartunen (Justin Hughes – 46), Hunter Freeman, Marvell Wynne (Brad Evans – 59), Patrick Ianni, Michael Bradley, Chad Barrett, Arturo Alvarez (Robbie Rogers – 59), Will John, Robby Rogers (Benny Feilhaber – 9), Tim Ward, Danny Szetela.

CAUTIONS

SOUNDERS: Scott (26)

U.S. U-20 MNT: Wynne (24), Alvarez (41).

GOAL SUMMARY

SOUNDERS: Whitfield (28).

U.S. U-20 MNT: Feilhaber (34), John (51), Szetela (66), Ward (84).

Attendance: 2,112 

SOUNDERS TEAM UP WITH COMCAST, OFFER 10 GAMES ON DEMAND DURING 2005 SEASON
Posted 4/26/2005
(Seattle, WA) – The Seattle Sounders and Comcast today announced that 10 Sounder home matches would be available through Comcast ON DEMAND beginning with the Sounders home opener against the Portland Timbers on April 30th.

The replays of the 2005 Sounders matches are offered at no additional charge over the cost of Comcast Digital Cable service, and will be available for viewing within 48 hours after completion of each game.

“We’re excited about our partnership with Comcast and about helping to provide quality local content to Comcast subscribers,” said Sounders assistant general manager Bart Wiley.

The 10 home matches are scheduled for April 30, May 11, May 25, June 25, July 20, July 27, August 6, August 13, August 26 and September 9.

“The addition of The Sounders to Comcast ON DEMAND reinforces Comcast’s commitment to increase the value of its products and services by providing customers with more programming choices and more control over those choices than ever before,” said Tom Pierce, VP of Marketing and Sales for Comcast.

ON DEMAND offers Comcast Digital Cable customers the ability to choose from movies, music, sports, news, instructional and entertainment programming and more. In addition, viewers can rewind, fast-forward and pause programs, and can store movie selections for at least 24 hours from the time of ordering, so they can watch those selections whenever and however often they like. An interactive, on-screen programming guide makes selecting from the library of ON DEMAND content quick and easy.

The Sounders kick off the 2005 season on April 30th at 7pm inside Qwest Field when they face the Portland Timbers. The 2005 home schedule features 14 regular season home matches, and two exhibition games on May 11 (Real Salt Lake) and July 20 (Sunderland AFC, recently promoted to the English Premier League), respectively.

For more information on the Comcast visit www.comcast.net.

For more information on the Seattle Sounders call 206 622.3415 or visit www.seattlesounders.net.

SOUNDERS FALL 2-1 TO TIMBERS IN FRONT OF 6,351 AT HOME OPENER - Sounders outshoot Timbers 16-4, can't find equalizer
Posted 4/30/2005
SEATTLE – Byron Alvarez had a goal and an assist as the Portland Timbers counterattacked their way to victory over the Seattle Sounders Saturday night at Qwest Field in the Sounders’ home opener. A crowd of 6,351 fans witnessed a fierce battle between the two northwest rivals as they laid down the gauntlet for the 2005 season in a fast-paced, intense match that featured six cautions and an ejection between the two sides.

Portland asked several questions of the Seattle defense inside the game’s first 30 minutes but never tested Seattle goalkeeper Robbie Fulton, who played this match on loan from Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes. While Fulton had a relatively uneventful first half, his counterpart, Josh Saunders, was much busier as Seattle peppered him with eight shots. Saunders was equal to the task, however, as he denied the Sounders with several timely saves.

The first significant scoring threat came from the Sounders in the fifth minute. Defender Ryan Edwards sped down the left side and hit a driving cross to an unmarked Welton Melo ten yards from the front of the goal. Welton took a touch before smacking a half volley on frame, but it was straight at Saunders, who did well to parry the shot away before his defense cleared it to safety.

Saunders had to be sharp again in the 31st when the ball fell to Sounders team captain Scott Jenkins following a break on goal. Jenkins cracked a one-time shot from a hard angle just six yards out, but Saunders got over well to cover the post and knock the shot away. Six minutes later, Sounders defender Billy Sleeth took on Portland defender Aaron Heinzen one-on-one inside the 18-yard box before ripping a low shot between Heinzen’s legs that Saunders scooped up despite being screened on the play.

Seattle got off one final quality scoring chance before the end of the half when midfielder C.J. Klaas sent a 40-yard free kick to defender Taylor Graham, who directed a thumping header at Saunders, but the ‘keeper was well positioned to make the save.

Seattle got a great start to the second half, as forward Roger Levesque and midfielder Brent Whitfield were both foiled during a goalmouth scramble, but were able to win a corner kick, which subsequently rebounded out to a waiting Klaas, who ran up and drilled a fierce shot on goal, but it deflected off a defender for another corner kick.

After being on their heels for most of the match, the Timbers broke the deadlock with just their second shot on goal off a well-worked counterattack in the 51st minute. Midfielder Aaran Lines dropped a nice ball behind the Seattle defense that sent forward Byron Alvarez charging on goal. With three Seattle defenders nipping at his heels, Alvarez hit a well-struck, left-footed shot in full stride past a diving Fulton and into the far corner of the goal.

Just three minutes later, Portland got put their third shot on goal past Fulton for a 2-0 lead – again off the counterattack. This time Alvarez was the provider as he sent midfielder Tom Poltl through on goal with a nicely weighted lob pass. Poltl quickly unleashed an unstoppable left-footed shot past Fulton into the top corner of the goal to double the Portland lead.

Suddenly down 2-0 and in dire need of a goal, a shell-shocked Seattle side took the game to Portland and put the Timbers defense under constant pressure for the remainder of the match.

In the 56th, Whitfield charged into the 18-yard box and drew in the Portland defense before laying the ball out for Klaas, whose one-time drive from the top of the box screamed just wide of the top corner.

Six minutes later, Whitfield broke into the box again but lost possession. The ball came out to Scott Jenkins at the left side of the penalty box. His quick cross found Welton alone at the far post, but Welton pushed his header agonizingly wide of the Portland goal.

Though the Sounders continued to press, they always had to be aware of the Timbers’ dangerous counterattack, which reared its head in the 65th minute when Alvarez and Lines linked up again. Lines got off a good cross under pressure to Alvarez, who had time to settle and shoot just ten yards from goal, but his left-footed effort was weak and Fulton saved easily.

Veteran forward Welton Melo finally got Seattle got on the scoreboard in the 73rd minute with the first Sounders goal of the new 2005 season. Klaas took the ball hard down the right side and crossed to the Brazilian, who was completely unmarked and had a wealth of time and space to charge in alone on goal and knock a perfectly placed shot past a helpless Saunders to cut the Portland lead in half. The large, opening night crowd roared its approval.

Three minutes later, the Sounders saw an excellent chance to equalize go by the wayside when Taylor Graham rose superbly to meet a Jenkins corner kick ten yards from goal, but he was unable to make solid contact as it glanced off his head and bounced just wide of the far post.

With time running out and the Sounders’ patience wearing thin, a frustrated Chad Brown was shown his second yellow card for a reckless challenge and was ejected in stoppage time. Despite dominating long periods of the match and creating numerous quality scoring chances, the Sounders were forced to settle for a loss to their archrivals in the first match of the 2005 campaign.

The Sounders' next game is at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7 at Qwest Field against the Vancouver Whitecaps. For ticket information call (206) 622-3415 or visit www.seattlesounders.net.

GAME REPORT

Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers

Qwest Field

Seattle, Wash.

April 30, 2005

Weather: Sunny, warm, 60s.

Attendance: 6,351

SCORING SUMMARY

Seattle Sounders 0 1 1

Portland Timbers 0 2 2

POR – Byron Alvarez (Aaran Lines), 51st minute.

POR – Tom Poltl (Alvarez), 54.

SEA – Welton Melo (C.J. Klaas), 73.

LINEUPS

SEA: Robbie Fulton, Zach Scott, Ryan Edwards (Brett Wiesner – 86), Billy Sleeth, Taylor Graham, Kevin Sakuda (Chad Brown – 80), C.J. Klaas, Scott Jenkins, Brent Whitfield (Ben Somoza – 75), Roger Levesque, Welton Melo.

POR: Josh Saunders, Edwin Miranda, Gavin Wilkinson (Lee Morrison – 80), Scot Thompson, Aaron Heinzen, Brian Winters, Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar (Jarrod Weis – 86), Shaun Higgins (Scott Benedetti – 85), Tom Poltl, Byron Alvarez, Aaran Lines.

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

SEA – Billy Sleeth (caution), 6th minute.

SEA – Ryan Edwards (caution), 20.

POR – Shaun Higgins (caution), 24.

SEA – Zach Scott (caution), 52.

SEA – Chad Brown (caution), 84.

POR – Byron Alvarez (caution), 89.

SEA – Brown (ejection), 90. 

SOUNDERS AND WHITECAPS PLAY TO SCORELESS DRAW IN SECOND CASCADIA CUP MATCH
Posted 5/8/2005
SEATTLE – Seattle goalkeeper Preston Burpo recorded a shutout in his first start of the season, but the Sounders had to settle for a draw as they failed to get on the scoreboard themselves Saturday night in front of 2,495 fans at Qwest Field. Burpo kept the Sounders in the match with a couple of crucial saves, but the ‘keeper at the other end, Mike Franks, kept a clean sheet as well to keep Seattle winless so far for the 2005 season.

The match marked the second in the Cascadia Cup series for the Sounders, which awards a cup to the three traditional rivals in the Pacific Northwest – Seattle, Portland and Vancouver – for the best regular season record against each other.

An uneventful first half saw precious few goal scoring chances for both sides as the majority of play was clogged up in the midfield. Each team had a number of opportunities from free kicks, but neither squad was able to put a single shot on frame.

Vancouver tried several times to spring forwards Alfredo Valente and Jason Jordan with through balls and lobs over the top, but Burpo and his defense shut down any scoring threats against them.

On the other end, the Sounders had little success in creating anything in the midfield and were forced to fall back on sending long balls to targets Welton Melo, Roger Levesque and speedy midfielder Brent Whitfield. Unfortunately, this tactic didn’t produce any meaningful results as the Vancouver goalkeeper Franks had very little to do in the first half.

Seattle’s best chance of the first half came in the 31st minute following a foul on Whitfield on the right side of the Vancouver penalty area. C.J. Klaas sent a hard free kick across goal to the far post, where defender Taylor Graham did well to get above the crowd, his booming header was driven just wide from six yards out.

Vancouver came back with their best chance 10 minutes later when defender Geordie Lyall powered in a dangerous cross deep down the right side to an open Jordan 10 yards from the goalmouth, but his header was straight at Burpo.

In stark contrast to the first, the second half was a much more exciting affair as both sides opened things up in an effort to find the elusive first goal of the match.

The Sounders set the tone for the second half in the 53rd minute when Klaas took a square pass from Billy Sleeth 30 yards out, beat his defender and broke into the penalty area before centering in front of the goal, but the play was broken up and cleared out.

The Whitecaps returned the favor in the 59th. Jordan chased down a long ball, carried all the way to the end line under pressure and cut the ball back for a streaking Dave Morris who tried to poke the ball past Burpo but the Seattle ‘keeper got down well to smother the shot.

Jordan was the danger man again in the 67th when Morris found him with a searing long ball that split the Seattle defense. Jordan beat Zach Scott to the ball and charged in on goal before hitting a hard shot that Burpo knocked away with a superb reaction save to keep Vancouver off the scoreboard.

Seattle tested Burpo’s counterpart five minutes later. Kevin Sakuda led a break through the midfield. His through ball to Whitfield was broken up, but the ball popped out to a completely unmarked Welton, who had the time and space to run up and crack a one-time drive on goal that forced Franks into his best save of the game.

Seattle continued to apply the pressure and got their best chance to score just two minutes later. Welton received the ball down the left and went hard to goal. Klaas made a great run down the middle, and Welton found him with a low centering pass, but Klaas’ redirection attempt from five yards out was deflected out by a Vancouver defender.

The Whitecaps hit back in the 89th when substitute and Yakima native Jake Sagare took the ball down the left side and crossed to substitute forward Ali Said, who got behind Scott but side-footed his one-time attempt over Burpo’s goal.

The Sounders had one final chance to take the three points by winning a free kick 10 yards from the right side of the penalty area in the game’s dying seconds. Klaas drove in a nice ball, which Graham got to but headed well wide of Franks’ goal.

The Sounders’ next game is Wednesday, May 11 at 7 p.m. as they host Major League Soccer expansion team Real Salt Lake in an exhibition match at Qwest Field. The match features Maple Valley, Wash., native and MLS number one draft pick Nik Besagno. For ticket information, call (206) 622.3415 or visit www.seattlesounders.net.

GAME REPORT

Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

Qwest Field

Seattle, Wash.

May 7, 2005

Weather: Sunny, warm, 60s.

Attendance: 2,495

SCORING SUMMARY

Seattle Sounders 0 0 0

Vancouver Whitecaps 0 0 0

LINEUPS

SEA: Preston Burpo, Billy Sleeth (Gabe Sturm – 69), Taylor Graham, Ryan Edwards, Zach Scott, Brent Whitfield (Ben Somoza – 74), Kevin Sakuda, C.J. Klaas, Scott Jenkins, Roger Levesque, Welton Melo.

Unused substitutes: James Ward, Jake Besagno, Josh Hansen, Brett Wiesner, Franklin Chacon.

Head coach: Brian Schmetzer

VAN: Mike Franks, Geordie Lyall, Liam De Silva, Kevin Harmse (Chris Franks – 71), Nick Dasovic, Jeff Clarke, Steve Klein, Martin Nash (Jake Sagare – 82), Steve Kindel (Joe Gjertsen – 74), Alfredo Valente (Dave Morris – 55), Jason Jordan ( Ali Said – 76).

Unused substitutes: Serge Djekanovic, Tino Cucca.

Head coach: Bob Lilley

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

SEA – Jenkins, 7 (caution)

SEA – Klaas, 52 (caution)

VAN – C. Franks, 84 (caution) 

SEATTLE’S BESAGNO OUTSHINES LITTLE BROTHER TO LIFT SOUNDERS OVER RSL
Posted 5/12/2005
SEATTLE – Sounders rookie Jake Besagno made his professional debut a memorable one when he scored the game winner with his first touch on the ball within seconds of coming into the match as a second half substitute, and Preston Burpo made several crucial saves to give Seattle a 1-0 victory over Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake in an exhibition match Wednesday night at Qwest Field.

The match marked the return of former Sounder and 2002 A-League MVP Leighton O’Brien, as he suited up against his former team for the first time. The match also featured the 2005 MLS number one draft pick and Maple Valley, Wash., native Nik Besagno, who is Jake Besagno’s younger brother.

A well-played first half saw no goals but no shortage of chances for both teams, the best and majority of which fell to the Sounders, who dominated the later stages of the half.

Roger Levesque and Welton Melo were active up front for Seattle, and midfielder Brent Whitfield gave them good support down the right side, as the three offense-minded players were responsible for all of Seattle best scoring opportunities.

On RSL’s side, MLS veterans Dipsy Selolwane and Chris Brown, and youngster Jordan Cila were the danger men and at the forefront of the attack.

Both teams spent the first 25 minutes working the midfield and feeling each other out. The Sounders won three corner kicks in that span but were unable to threaten RSL goalkeeper Jay Nolly. Starting with the 28th minute, however, Seattle enjoyed a five-minute period in which they attacked the RSL goal from all sides and produced several quality scoring chances.

In the 29th, Whitfield was played into the penalty area along the right side and centered to Welton, who carried in around his defender before leaving the ball for a wide-open Whitfield, who cracked a fierce, one-time drive right at the ‘keeper, but Nolly stood his ground well to knock the shot away.

Two minutes later, midfielder C.J. Klaas got behind the RSL defense and charged in alone on goal. Nolly came out to the edge of his area and broke up the play, but collided with defender Matt Behnke in the process. Levesque followed up on the loose ball with the open goal gaping in front of him, but drilled the rebound right into the fallen pile of Nolly and Behnke, and the ball bounced harmlessly away.

In the 32nd, midfielder Kevin Sakuda carried into the left side of the penalty area and drew in the RSL defense before slotting a neat through ball that was just a touch too far for Welton, who was right on the doorstep, and Nolly scooped up the ball easily.

RSL struck back four minutes later through Chris Brown, who chased a long ball down the right side and carried to the end line before cutting a nice ball back for Cila, but Brown’s effort was wasted as Cila's shot from the top of the penalty area sailed well over the bar.

In the 39th, Brown threatened again when his cross from the right side found Selolwane with his back to goal at the top of Burpo’s six-yard box. Selolwane turned to shoot but was tightly marked by defender Zach Scott, and the ball was promptly cleared out.

The second half saw the professional debuts of the Besagno brothers – Nik for RSL and Jake for Seattle. Both would have vastly different impacts on the game, however. Nik Besagno came in at the start of the half, and 10 minutes later was shown a yellow card for a hard foul on Sounders defender Ryan Edwards, whereas his older brother Jake, who came in at the 66th minute, scored the lone goal just seconds after entering the match.

Before the goal, however, Seattle and RSL traded two quality scoring chances that could have easily gone in. In the 52nd, Klaas sent in a well-struck corner kick that defender Taylor Graham headed right at Nolly, who held his ground to make the save before his defense cleared the ball out.

Ten minutes later, Selolwane took a pass from midfielder Kevin Nowak deep into the Seattle penalty area and made enough room for himself to unleash a rasping drive 10 yards from goal, but Burpo was well-position to parry the shot to safety.

The game’s only goal came four minutes later off a Klaas free kick from 30 yards out. Besagno had just come into the game for Edwards, and positioned himself at the far post. Klaas sent in a great ball that skimmed over the defense to an unmarked Besagno, who tapped the ball in with his knee from point-blank range past a stranded Nolly for a deserved 1-0 Sounders lead.

RSL pressed hard for the equalizer, and in the 70th had their best chance of the game when O’Brien’s 30 yard free kick from the left side was volleyed across goal by Novak to forward Jamie Watson at the top of the six-yard box. His one-time effort looked destined for the back of the net, but Burpo got down superbly to keep the ball out and RSL off the score sheet.

Substitute Brett Wiesner had a great chance to double Seattle’s lead eight minutes later when he broke in alone on goal. Wiesner attempted to chip Nolly as he came out to cover the angle, but Nolly reacted well to get a hand to the ball and knock it away.

In the game’s final minutes, RSL had two golden opportunities to tie the game. In the 89th, Nik Besagno almost stole the spotlight from his older brother when he got on the end of an O’Brien free kick and redirected it on goal – a hard drive that Burpo somehow smothered with a great reaction save.

Then in stoppage time, Selolwane weaved his way through the midfield before splitting the Seattle defense with a great through ball that sent Watson in alone on goal. RSL’s final chance to equalize went begging, however, as Watson fired his shot from just inside the 18 yard box well over Burpo’s goal.

Seattle’s next game is Saturday, May 14 at Qwest Field as they host the Charleston Battery at 7 p.m. For ticket information, call (206) 622-3415 or visit www.seattlesounders.net.

GAME REPORT

Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake

Qwest Field

Seattle, Wash.

May 11, 2005

Weather: Cloudy, 50s.

Attendance: 1,279

SCORING SUMMARY

Seattle Sounders 0 1 1

Real Salt Lake 0 0 0

LINEUPS

SEA: Preston Burpo, Ryan Edwards (Jake Besagno – 66), Taylor Graham, Zach Scott, Kevin Sakuda, Brent Whitfield (Ben Somoza – 61), C.J. Klaas, Scott Jenkins (Josh Hansen – 77), Roger Levesque (Brett Wiesner – 75), Welton Melo (Franklin Chacon – 68).

Unused substitutes: James Ward.

Head coach: Brian Schmetzer.

RSL: Jay Nolly, Seth Trembly, Matt Behncke, Brian Dunseth (Mike Lookingland – 46), Sergio Flores, Evan Whitfield (Luke Kreamalmayer – 46), Ken Cutler (Nik Besagno – 46), Leighton O’Brien, Chris Brown (Kevin Novak – 46), Dipsy Selolwane, Jordan Cila (Jamie Watson – 46).

Unused substitutes: Noah Palmer, Jason Kreis.

Head coach: John Ellinger.

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

SEA – Taylor Graham, 69 (caution); Josh Hansen, 88 (caution); Brett Wiesner, 90 (caution).

RSL – Evan Whitfield, 45 (caution); Nik Besagno, 50 (caution); Matt Behncke, 87 (caution).

WHITFIELD'S GOAL GIVES SOUNDERS FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON OVER BATTERY
Posted 5/15/2005
SEATTLE – Rookie midfielder Brent Whitfield (pictured) scored his first professional goal and goalkeeper Preston Burpo kept the clean sheet as the Seattle Sounders got their first win of the 2005 regular season by beating the Charleston Battery 1-0 Saturday night at Qwest Field.

Whitfield kept the Charleston defense on its heels the entire time he was on the field and was rewarded with a hard fought goal in the 67th minute that propelled Seattle to a much-needed win in the third of a six-game home stand. Burpo had made a desperate kick save four minutes earlier to keep Charleston off the score sheet.

Though the Battery spent most of the first half in their own end fending off a relentless Sounders attack, they were able to put Burpo to the test in just the second minute of play. Battery forward Usiel Vasquez got on the end of a deflected pass at the top of the 18-yard box and, despite being tightly marked, got off a screaming volley that Burpo alertly turned aside and then chased down the rebound.

The Sounders pounded the Battery goal for the remainder of the half and could have scored on numerous occasions if not for a brave performance by Charleston goalkeeper Chris Doyle, who made six saves in a busy opening 45 minutes.

Whitfield was Seattle’s most effective weapon in the first half, as his speed down the right side caused Charleston all sorts of problems. He forced Doyle into two acrobatic saves and was responsible for winning most of the seven first-half corner kicks for the Sounders.

In the 30th minute, Whitfield chased down a seemingly out-of-reach cross-field pass, raced toward goal and won a corner kick. C.J. Klaas’ perfectly bent the ensuing kick right to Taylor Graham 10 yards from at the far post. Graham stretched way back and popped a venomous header off the crossbar that bounced straight down and back to Doyle.

Less than a minute later, Klaas found Whitfield streaking down the right side with a brilliant crossing pass that put Whitfield one-on-one with Doyle. Doyle raced out to cut off the angle and smothered Whitfield’s shot, which was right at the diving ‘keeper.

In the 34th, Charleston almost capitalized off a Seattle mistake when defender Billy Sleeth unintentionally chested a ball over himself and right to Battery forward Greg Simmonds, who brought the ball down in stride and charged to the corner of the six-yard box before passing across goal to Vasquez, but Burpo got down quickly to break up the play.

Whitfield was at it again in the 38th minute when Kevin Sakuda found him all alone on the right side following a quick restart. Whitfield went straight at the defense and cut his defender inside before uncorking a right-footed drive that Doyle tipped over the bar with a leaping save.

One minute later, Roger Levesque played his strike partner Welton Melo through on goal, but Doyle charged out to the edge of the penalty area to knock Welton’s quick shot away with a diving save.

Seattle wasn’t nearly as dominant in the second half as Charleston came out of the locker room much more organized. It nearly paid off in the 63rd minute when Burpo came out to punch away a cross and collided with Simmonds. With Burpo completely out of position, the ball came out to Battery midfielder Kevin Jackson just inside the penalty area. Jackson fired in a quick shot toward the open goal, but Burpo recovered and made an excellent stabbing kick save.

The save would prove critical because four minutes later Whitfield put the Sounders ahead after being quiet for most of the second half. Klaas took the ball through midfield and put a beautiful ball over the top for a streaking Welton to run onto. Welton continued his run deep inside the penalty area and laid the ball off for a wide-open Gabe Sturm 10 yards from goal. Sturm misfired on his one-time attempt, however, but the ball squirted out to Whitfield, whose initial point-blank shot was saved by Doyle. Doyle couldn’t hang on to the rebound though, and Whitfield hammered the loose ball into the top of the net to give Seattle the lead.

The Sounders had a great chance to increase their lead when Levesque found himself alone 10-yards from the front of the goal, but he took too much time in getting off his left-footed shot, which was blocked by Battery defender Alan Woods.

Substitute forward Franklin Chacon then put on an impressive display of individual skill on the far touch line when he cut through three Battery defenders before being brought down from behind in the penalty area, but the referee allowed play to continue, forcing Seattle to be content with the 1-0 victory.

Seattle’s next game is Saturday, May 21 at Qwest Field as they host the Atlanta Silverbacks at 7 p.m. For ticket information, call (206) 622-3415 or visit www.seattlesounders.net.

GAME REPORT

Seattle Sounders vs. Charleston Battery

Qwest Field

Seattle, Wash.

May 14, 2005

Weather: Partly cloudy, 60s.

Attendance: 2,007

SCORING SUMMARY

Seattle Sounders 0 1 0

Charleston Battery 0 0 0

LINEUPS

SEA: Preston Burpo, Billy Sleeth (Gabe Sturm – 63), Ryan Edwards, Zach Scott, Kevin Sakuda, Taylor Graham, Brent Whitfield (Ben Somoza – 67), C.J. Klaas, Scott Jenkins, Roger Levesque (Brett Wiesner – 90), Welton Melo (Franklin Chacon – 79).

Unused substitutes: James Ward, Jake Besagno, Josh Hansen.

Head coach: Brian Schmetzer.

CHA: Chris Doyle, Jason Kutney (Ben Hollingsworth – 51), Tim Karalevis, Alan Woods, Ted Chronopoulos, Andres Perez (Josh Smith – 55), Justin Evans, Kevin Jackson (Alon Lubezky – 72), Lazo Alavanja, Greg Simmonds, Usiel Vazquez (Boyzz Khumalo – 55).

Unused substitutes: Mike Behonik, Gabe Bernstein, Chris Goos.

Head coach: Mike Anhaeuser.

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

SEA – Sakuda, 56 (caution).

CHA – Simmonds, 14 (caution); Kutney, 16 (caution).

SILVERBACKS HOLD SOUNDERS TO SCORELESS DRAW
Posted 5/22/2005
SEATTLE – The Seattle Sounders played a dominating second half but could not find the back of the net Saturday night as they played the visiting Atlanta Silverbacks to a 0-0 draw in front of 1,381 rain-soaked fans at Qwest Field. Preston Burpo was rarely put to the test in the match, but he was there when called upon and has still yet to give up a goal this season.

After a wet and uneventful first half, the Sounders took control of the game at the 70-minute mark and pounded the Atlanta goal until the final whistle, but goalkeeper Christian Fegler made a couple of crucial saves to win a valuable point on the road for the Silverbacks.

Former Major League Soccer All-Star Alex Pineda Chacon and USL First Division leading goal scorer Fabian Dawkins led the Atlanta attack in the first half. They tested the Seattle defense on several occasions with some smart combination work, but Burpo only had to make one save despite four shots on goal by Dawkins.

Rookie C.J. Klaas was in total command of the Seattle attack as his distribution in the midfield, kicks from set pieces and all-around fearless play were at the center of the Sounders’ best goal scoring opportunities in the opening 45 minutes.

The Silverbacks had their first significant threat on goal in the 18th minute when defender Fred Degande played Dawkins through the Seattle defense on the right side. Dawkins broke into the penalty area and fired a low, right-footed shot across goal that would have gone just wide, but Burpo took no chances as he dove to tip the drive out for a corner kick.

The Sounders hit back with a chance of their own in the 24th when Welton won possession for Klaas in the midfield. Klaas showed no hesitation as he charged through the Atlanta defense to the top of the penalty area, where he ripped a low drive that Fegler tipped away with a diving save at the far post. The resulting corner kick by Klaas was driven straight to the head of defender Ryan Edwards, who sent a stinging header on goal that Fegler palmed away with another alert save.

Three minutes later, Welton and Klaas played a give and go at the top of the Atlanta penalty arch that set Welton up with a shot on goal, but his left-footed shot skipped just wide of the far post.

Though the rain finally came to an end when the second half got under way, some sloppy play early on by Seattle in their own end almost cost them a goal.

In the 58th minute, Burpo came out to the edge of his penalty area to throw the ball out to the midfield, but the ball slipped out of his hands as he ended up throwing it straight at the ground. Fortunately for Burpo, he was able to cover up the loose ball, but the play resulted in Atlanta getting an indirect kick just inside the penalty area. The Sounders could breathe a sigh of relief when the resulting kick went straight into the wall and ricocheted out to midfield.

Two minutes later, Atlanta had their best scoring chance of the game. Defender Taylor Graham came under pressure and played an indecisive ball back to his ‘keeper, but Edwards came to his rescue and played the ball out for a corner before Dawkins could pounce on the loose ball.

The subsequent corner kick was taken short and quickly played out to defender Joe Afful at the top of the penalty arch, where he unleashed a powerful left-footed drive that left Burpo no chance but crashed off the crossbar, and the game remained scoreless.

Atlanta would never threaten the Seattle goal after that chance went by the wayside, as the Sounders took all of the run of play from that point on. Though Seattle’s constant pressure for the remaining half hour kept the Silverbacks on their heels and Fegler busy trying to keep the ball out of his goal, the Sounders could not get the goal they needed to win the game.

In the 70th, Welton took off on a run through the center of the Atlanta defense and was dragged down from behind by Afful 35 yards from goal. Klaas stepped up to the resulting free kick and hit a bullet that flew under the Silverbacks wall and right on goal, but Fegler was well positioned to scoop the ball up.

Four minutes later, substitute Franklin Chacon beat the offside trap and chased down a long ball from Edwards. He carried all the way to the edge of the six-yard box before cutting the ball back to Klaas, who had Fegler at his mercy, but the pass was slightly behind him, and the best Klaas could do was a desperate stab that flew harmlessly to the far touch line.

Then in the 77th, forward Roger Levesque found enough room to uncork a 35-yard dipping drive that surprised Fegler, who might have been beaten, but the shot skimmed just wide of the far post.

Ten minutes later, Chacon and Welton played a nice give and go deep inside the Atlanta penalty area that sent Welton in on goal. Welton got off a hard shot, but Fegler had the angle and parried the ball away out for a corner.

Fegler then made his best save of the game two minutes later when a Seattle break through the midfield led to Levesque’s low, left-footed drive from the top of the arch that seemed destined for the inside of the far post, but Fegler got down superbly to make a sprawling save with an outstretched left hand.

Seattle’s next game is Wednesday, May 25 at Qwest Field as they host the Virginia Beach Mariners at 7 p.m. For ticket information, call (206) 622-3415 or visit www.seattlesounders.net.

GAME REPORT

Seattle Sounders vs. Atlanta Silverbacks

Qwest Field

Seattle, Wash.

May 21, 2005

Weather: Rain, 50s.

Attendance: 1,381

SCORING SUMMARY

Seattle Sounders 0 0 0

Atlanta Silverbacks 0 0 0

LINEUPS

SEA: Preston Burpo, Taylor Graham, Ryan Edwards, Zach Scott, Kevin Sakuda (Brett Wiesner – 88), C.J. Klaas, Brent Whitfield (Franklin Chacon – 72), Scott Jenkins (Ben Somoza – 66), Billy Sleeth, Roger Levesque, Welton Melo.

Unused substitutes: James Ward, Gabe Sturm, Jake Besagno, Josh Hansen.

Head coach: Brian Schmetzer.

ATL: Christian Fegler, Fred Degande, Joe Afful, Landy Mattison, David Hayes, Antonio De La Torre, Sergio Iniguez (Greg Chevalier – 78), Andres Murriogui (Kris Stone – 58) (Tony McManus – 85), Alex Pineda Chacon (Gary Brooks – 71), Fabian Dawkins, Rodrigo Rios (Adilson Delima – 84).

Unused substitutes: Joe Barton, Ron Plute.

Head coach: David Vaudreuil.

GOAL SUMMARY

None.

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

SEA – Zach Scott, 65 (caution).

ATL – Joe Affult, 69 (caution).

LEVESQUE GOAL IN STOPPAGE TIME LIFTS SEATTLE TO 1-0 WIN
Posted 5/26/2005
SEATTLE – Roger Levesque scored his first goal of the season in stoppage time and gave rookie Gabe Sturm his first assist as a professional in the process as the Seattle Sounders overcame the Virginia Beach Mariners 1-0 Wednesday night at Qwest Field. The important victory not only ended a goal-scoring drought for the Sounders, but also closed out a six-game home stand on a winning note before taking off on a two-game road trip.

Preston Burpo wasn’t very busy as his defense put in a typically strong effort, but he nonetheless extended his shutout streak to four games in four played as he has yet to give up a goal this season.

In just their second visit to Seattle ever, the Mariners put in a valiant effort and almost held on for the scoreless draw – an especially brave effort after being reduced to 10 men in the 74th minute, when veteran defender Steve Shak was shown a red card for a reckless challenge from behind on Sounders midfielder C.J. Klaas.

The first half went as most of this young season has so far for the Sounders. Seattle played well defensively and had the better of the scoring chances but unfortunately could not put the ball in the back of the net.

The Sounders had their first quality scoring chance in the 26th minute when C.J. Klaas and Taylor Graham renewed the rapport they’ve formed this season on set pieces when they connected on a corner kick. Klaas drove in a sizzling corner to which Graham rose superbly and drilled on goal, past the stranded goalkeeper Matthew Nelson, but defender Kevin Knott was on the line to head the ball out.

Two minutes later, Levesque took the ball into the offensive third, beat his man and crossed for an unmarked Ben Somoza at the edge of the penalty area. Somoza cracked a first-time drive with his right foot that sent Nelson flying but sailed just wide of the of the near post.

Just before the end of the half, Klaas hooked up with Graham again to produce another great scoring opportunity. Seattle won a corner kick when a Kevin Sakuda blast from 20 yards out was deflected over the end line by a Mariners defender. Klaas then sent in a nicely driven ball for Graham, who leapt through unchallenged to put his header on goal, but Nelson stood his ground well to bat the ball away.

Virginia Beach came out of the locker room and spent the next 15 minutes buzzing around the Seattle goal. The Mariners nearly took the lead in the 54th minute when a series of pinpoint passes that started well behind the halfway line ended with a spectacular diving header by forward Warren Ukah inside the six-yard box that was somehow put into the side netting with Burpo out of position.

After being frustrated for most of the second half, Seattle began to assert themselves on the visitors when substitute Franklin Chacon came on for Somoza in the 63rd minute. Chacon’s speed down the left flank put some energy back in the Sounders’ step as the game began to turn in Seattle’s favor.

The Sounders got another boost when Shak was ejected in the 74th minute after a crunching tackle from behind on Klaas, who went down in a heap. Even with the man advantage, however, Seattle could not turn their chances into goals.

In the game’s final 10 minutes, Klaas blazed a one-time shot at the edge of the penalty area over the bar, and Graham once again had a chance at goal from a Klaas free kick but header over from six yards out.

In what seemed to be the last chance Seattle would have, forward Welton Melo won the ball at the top of the 18 and worked his way into the box before putting up a tantalizing ball for an unmarked Gabe Sturm directly in front of the Mariners’ goal, but Sturm somehow pushed his header wide, much to the relief of the visitors, who must have thought they would escape Seattle with a point.

Then in stoppage time, Sturm atoned for his missed chance when he lofted a beautiful ball from midfield to Levesque, who was running through the center of the Mariners defense. Levesque twisted around in midstride to redirect the ball over Nelson, who had come off his line, and the ball settled into the ball of the net – finally giving the Sounders their second goal of the season and, more importantly, their second win.

Seattle’s next game is Friday, June 3 at 4 p.m. as they travel to the University of Richmond Stadium in Richmond, Va., to play the Richmond Kickers in the first of a two-game road trip. The Sounders next play at home Saturday, June 21, as they host the Rochester Raging Rhinos at 7 p.m. at Qwest Field. For ticket information, call (206) 622-3415 or visit www.seattlesounders.net.

GAME REPORT

Seattle Sounders vs. Virginia Beach Mariners

Qwest Field

Seattle, Wash.

May 25, 2005

Weather: Sunny, 80s.

Attendance: 1,402

SCORING SUMMARY

Seattle Sounders 0 1 1

Virginia Beach Mariners 0 0 0

LINEUPS

SEA: Preston Burpo, Billy Sleeth, Taylor Graham, Ryan Edwards, Zach Scott, Ben Somoza (Franklin Chacon – 63), Kevin Sakuda (Gabe Sturm – 80), Scott Jenkins (Brent Whitfield – 46), C.J. Klaas, Roger Levesque, Welton Melo.

Unused substitutes: James Ward, Jake Besagno, Josh Hansen, Brett Wiesner.

Head coach: Brian Schmetzer.

VIR: Matt Nelson, Steve Danbusky, Kevin Knott, Joe Monelli, Justin Thompson (Ptah Myers – 82), Darren Caskey, Tim O’Neill, Jakob Fenger (Hamisi Amani-Dove – 69), Steve Shak, Teafore Bennett (Kevon Harris – 77) (John Barry Musum – 90), Warren Ukah (David Castellanos – 54).

Unused substitutes: Dan Benton, Josh Nolz.

Head coach: Shawn McDonald

GOAL SUMMARY

SEA – Levesque, 90 (Sturm).

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

VIR – Ukah, 15 (caution).

SEA – Zach Scott, 58 (caution).

VIR – Morelli, 65 (caution).

VIR – Steve Shak, 74 (ejection).

Sounders Sign University of Washington and Former Vancouver Whitecaps Midfielder Jake Sagare
Posted 5/31/2005
SEATTLE- The Seattle Sounders announce today the signing of Jake Sagare (pictured), former Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder and University of Washington standout.

Sagare, 25, has played the last two months with Seattle’s rival club, the Vancouver Whitecaps. Previous to the time spent in Vancouver, he was with the other I-5 rival club, the Portland Timbers for three years.

Drafted by Portland in the third round (53rd overall) of the 2002 college draft, the 5'11", 165-pounder, amassed five goals and nine assists in 52 caps for the Timbers.

Sagare, who has dual citizenship with England and the United States, had two stints in Europe during his tenure in Portland. Prior to the 2003 season, Sagare spent time with Grimsby Town FC of the English First Division before returning to the Timbers midseason. Sagare also played for Halifax Town of the English Nationwide Conference following the 2003 United Soccer Leagues (USL) season.

A native of Yakima, Washington, Sagare played three seasons with the Yakima Reds (1998-2000) in the Premier Development League (PDL) and one with the Seattle Sounders Select (2001). He registered one assist in his first two seasons but broke out in 2000 with 12 goals and four assists as he led the Reds to the PDL semifinals. He notched three goals and two assists in 2001.

He also played his collegiate soccer in his home state at the University of Washington where he majored in communications. He was twice named to the All-Pac-10 Academic Second Team.

Sagare will travel with the Sounders this weekend when they face the Richmond Kickers (June 3rd) and the Virginia Beach Mariners (June 4th). Listen to all road games on Sounders radio KKNW- 1150AM.

SEATTLE KICKS DOWN RICHMOND:Sounders Upend League Leading Kickers
Posted 6/4/2005
RICHMOND, Va. - C.J. Klaas set up both goals and Preston Burpo registered another shutout as the Seattle Sounders defeated the Richmond Kickers, 2-0, Friday at the University of Richmond Stadium.

For their first road game of the 2005 season the Sounders (3-1-2) decided to press the issue against the league’s top team. In the 16th minute C.J. Klaas sent a free kick off the top of the cross bar from 25 yards. Kevin Sakuda’s right footed liner from 17 yards was knocked down, and then cradled by Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale in the 29th minute.

Then, in stoppage time in the first half Billy Sleeth sent a header wide of the left post from 12 yards up. Meanwhile Sounders ‘keeper Burpo continued to keep a clean sheet. He came up with big stops against the Kickers in the 31st minute, diving out off his line to stop an attempted cross from 8-yards.

Richmond (8-2-1) ended the first half with just nine players on the field thanks to some late injuries to two of their players. Those two players returned for the start of the second half and with it came a much more physical Kickers squad. But that physical play led to two yellow cards against midfielder Tim Brown and that led to the automatic red card ejection in 54th minute.

Playing up a man the Sounders went back on the offensive. In the 77th minute they cashed in off a corner kick. C.J. Klaas lined the ball out of the left corner towards the top of the six-yard box. Defender Ryan Edwards moved in on the ball and went up in the air and headed it past Pascale for his first goal of the season.

Seattle did not let up. As Richmond pushed forward looking for the equalizer, Welton stole the ball on the Sounder side of midfield. He dribbled up to midfield then pushed it down the left side for Klaas. Klaas took the ball inside the 18-yard box, drawing two defenders with him. He then crossed back to Welton who used his right foot to flick the cross from Klaas out of the air and past Pascale in the 81st minute.

Burpo ended the game with four saves and now has gone 450 minutes to start the season without allowing an opponent to score.

Seattle continues their first road trip of the season with a stop in Virginia Beach Saturday to face the Virginia Beach Mariners. The Sounders defeated the Mariners, 1-0, in a game at Qwest Field on May 25th. For more information visit www.seattlesounders.net.

GAME REPORT

Seattle Sounders vs. Richmond Kickers

University of Richmond Stadium

Richmond, VA

June 3, 2005

Attendance: 2411

SCORING SUMMARY

Seattle Sounders 0 2 2

Richmond Kickers 0 0 0

LINEUPS

SEA: Preston Burpo, Billy Sleeth, Taylor Graham, Ryan Edwards, Zach Scott (Scott Jenkins – 73), Jake Sagare (Brent Whitfield – 60), Ben Somoza (Franklin Chacon – 76), Kevin Sakuda, C.J. Klaas, Roger Levesque, Welton Melo.

Head coach: Brian Schmetzer.

RIC: Ronnie Pascale, Matt Bobo, Kevin Knight (Matt Pauls-82), Matt O’Toole(Kevin Jeffrey-61), Peter Luzak, Tim Brown, Richie Williams (Jeff Hare-82), Mike Burke, Chris Carrieri (McColm Cephas-80), Matthew Delicate, Sascha Gorres.

Head Coach: Leigh Cowlishaw

GOAL SUMMARY

SEA – Ryan Edwards (CJ Klaas – 77)

SEA – Welton Melo (CJ Klaas – 81)

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

RIC: Tim Brown, 52 (caution)

RIC: Tim Brown, 54 (two yellow card ejection)

RIC: Richie Williams, 56 (caution)

SEA: Ryan Edwards, 63 (caution)

SEATTLE SWEEPS THROUGH VIRGINIA:Sounders Sail by Mariners for Third Straight Win
Posted 6/4/2005
Virginia Beach, Va.- Roger Levesque scored two second half goals and the Seattle Sounders swept both games of their first road trip of the season by defeating the Virginia Beach Mariners, 2-1, before 1,061 Saturday at the Virginia Beach Sports Complex. The win comes less than 24-hours after the Sounders defeated the Richmond Kickers.

It was a very defensive first 45 minutes with most of the play in the middle third of the field. The Mariners did get an early scoring opportunity when John Barry Nusum pushed a ball just wide of the left post from 18-yards up in the 4th minute.

The Sounders best first half scoring opportunity came in the final minutes. Jake Sagare sent a cross into the 18-yard box off the left side. The ball one hopped to Scott Jenkins who tried to turn into the ball at the top right of the 6-yard box but he could not make contact on the attempted header.

Recharged at halftime the Sounders (4-1-2) worked quickly to score the game’s first goal. Kevin Sakuda ran down a loose ball at the mid circle and slipped it ahead to C.J. Klaas. Klaas sprinted forward through the Mariner midfield and pushed the ball ahead to Levesque who split the last two Virginia Beach defenders, drawing out goalkeeper Matt Nelson. Levesque then slid the ball past Nelson at the left post for the 1-0 lead in the 47th minute.

Seattle’s lead became shaky when Klaas was issued a straight red card ejection in the 58th minute after retaliating for a hard foul against him by the Mariners Darren Caskey. For his efforts Caskey earned a yellow card but the altercation left the Sounders down a man for the rest of the match.

With Virginia Beach (1-8-4) pushing forward they left their back end vulnerable and Seattle capitalized by using the speed of their outside midfielders. Brent Whitfield chased a ball deep down the right side into Mariner territory, racing by two Virginia Beach defenders in the process. He sent the ball back to Ben Somoza who right footed the ball across the field to Franklin Chacon. Chacon juked inside a defender and slipped the ball ahead to Levesque. Levesque’s initial shot from 12 yards was knocked down by Mariner ‘keeper Nelson but he could not control the rebound and Levesque followed up his own shot with his second goal of the game in the 73rd minute.

Virginia Beach finally ended Preston Burpo’s shutout streak when Warren Ukah pounced on a bouncing ball at the left post and scored in stopppage time. Fortunately the goal came with under a minute left in the match and the Sounders were able to run out the remaining seconds.

Tonight’s match was a first for two rookie Sounders. James Ward saw action in the last three minutes of the match, recording his first minutes as a professional. In addition, Franklin Chacon recorded his first assisted of the season. Chacon earned his first point as a professional.

On another note, Preston Burpo went 540 minutes without a goal scored against him.

CJ Klaas recorded his third assist of the weekend and Roger Levesque recorded his third goal of the two game road trip.

The Sounders are idle for the next two weeks. They return to action June 21st when they host the Rochester Raging Rhinos at Qwest Field, 7pm. For tickets call 206.622.3415 or visit www.seattlesounders.net.

GAME REPORT

Seattle Sounders vs. Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Soccer Complex

Virginia Beach, VA

June 4, 2005

Attendance: 1,061

SCORING SUMMARY

Seattle Sounders 0 2 2

Virginia Beach 0 1 1

LINEUPS

SEA: Preston Burpo, Billy Sleeth, Taylor Graham, Ryan Edwards, Scott Jenkins, Jake Segare (Franklin Chacon – 67), Ben Somoza (James Ward – 87), Kevin Sakuda, C.J. Klaas, Roger Levesque, Welton Melo (Brent Whitfield – 53).

Head coach: Brian Schmetzer

VB: David Castellanos (Warren Ukah – 70), Stephen Danbusky, Matthew Nelson, Darren Caskey, Steve Shak, Joseph Morelli (Justin Thompson – 78), Kevin Knott, Ptah Myers (Josh Nolz – 56), Jakob Fenger-Larsen ( Hamisi Amani-Dove – 75)

Head Coach: Shawn McDonald

GOAL SUMMARY

SEA – Roger Levesque (CJ Klaas, Kevin Sakuda )

SEA – Levesque (Franklin Chacon)

VB - Warren Ukah (Josh Nolz-90)

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

SEA: CJ Klaas, 58 (ejection)

VB: Darren Caskey, 58 (caution)

Sounders 3-0 over local Bosnian Side

June 17, 2005

TUKWILA- The Seattle Sounders played host to the All Nations Cup Champions, Bosnia tonight at the Starfire Sports Complex. Three different Sounders scored to capture the exhibition match victory 3-0.

In the first minute of the match forward Brent Whitfield found himself was wide open just inside the 18-yard box, his strong unchallenged shot hit the post and deflected into the Bosnian defense.

In the fourth minute a strong cross from outside midfielder CJ Klaas found the head of rookie forward Josh Hansen, the shot was just wide of the net.

Mirza Memic of the Bosnian team challenged Sounders goalkeeper Preston Burpo in the 17th minute after breaking through the defense, but the shot was just wide of the goal.

In the 38th minute the Sounder found the back of the net on a through pass from forward Brett Wiesner to midfield veteran Scott Jenkins for the 1-0 lead.

In the 57th minute rookie Franklin Chacon struck a shot from 15 yards out which was blocked by the Bosnian goalkeeper. The rebound landed at the feet of defender Jake Besagno who slammed the ball into the back of the Bosnian net to make the score 2-0 Sounders.

In the final minute of the game CJ Klaas scored and unassisted goal to give the Sounders the 3-0 victory over the All Nations Cup Champions, Bosnia.

Cautions:

Roger Levesque- Yellow Card, ‘26

Welton Melo – Yellow Card, ‘87

SEA Lineup: Preston Burpo (James Ward ’46), Taylor Graham (Ryan Edwards ’46), Scott Jenkins (Jake Sagare ’46), Jake Basagno, Gabe Sturm, CJ Klaas, Josh Hansen, Roger Levesque (Ben Somoza ’46), Brett Wiesner, Brent Whitfield (Welton Melo ’73), Franklin Chacon.

SOUNDERS TAME RHINOS 1-0 OFF STURM’S FIRST CAREER GOAL
Posted 6/22/2005
SEATTLE – Rookie Gabe Sturm scored his first goal as a Sounder late in the second half to give the Seattle Sounders a 1-0 victory over the Rochester Raging Rhinos Wednesday night at Qwest Field. Goalkeeper Preston Burpo secured his sixth shutout of the season with the win, which pushed Seattle’s record to 5-1-2 on the season.

An uneventful first saw precious few scoring chances for either squad, but Seattle almost got on the board just seconds after kickoff when Ben Somoza played Franklin Chacon down the right side. Chacon raced all the way to the end line before cutting the ball back to meet Jake Sagare’s run down the middle. With Rochester goalkeeper Scott Vallow out of position, Sagare seemingly had an easy tap-in goal, but two Rochester defenders converged on him at the last possible moment to break up the play.

Seattle and Rochester struggled to find their offense for the rest of the half, but the Raging Rhinos did have a goal disallowed in the 27th minute when John Ball found Mauro Carabajal inside the penalty area with a beautiful through pass. Carabajal calmly brushed off Burpo’s challenge before blasting a shot into the top corner, but the linesman had ruled his run to be offside.

The action in the second half would prove to be more interesting almost right from the opening whistle as both squads were reduced to 10 men following off-setting red cards in the 51th minute. Billy Sleeth and Billy Sedgewick got tangled up and went to ground on the left-side edge of the Seattle penalty area. Following an altercation between the two players, and eventually the two teams, the referee pulled out the red card and reduced the teams to 10 a side.

The game immediately changed following the ejections as both teams took advantage of the extra space on the field to open up their attacks. For the remainder of the game, there were numerous scoring chances on both ends, with Sounders defender Taylor Graham and the Rhinos forward Carabajal both going close twice with headers in front of goal.

The lone goal of the game came in the 86th minute and was the product of four pinpoint passes that ended with Sturm tapping in from close range. Roger Levesque controlled the ball at the top of the penalty area off a throw-in and touched a quick pass into the area for Weisner. Weisner quickly turned and slotted a perfectly weighted ball through to Whitfield, who one-timed his pass across goal in front of Sturm’s run – and the rookie made no mistake in putting the ball into the back of the open goal.

Rochester pressed for the equalizer in stoppage time, but wasn’t able to muster any shots at Burpo, and Seattle held on well to take the three points.

Seattle’s next game is Saturday, June 25 at Qwest Field as they host the Vancouver Whitecaps at 7 p.m. For ticket information, call (206) 622-3415 or visit www.seattlesounders.net.

GAME REPORT

Seattle Sounders vs. Rochester Raging Rhinos

Qwest Field

Seattle, Wash.

June 21, 2005

Weather: Partly cloudy, 60s.

Attendance: 1,799

SCORING SUMMARY

Seattle Sounders 0 1 1

Rochester Raging Rhinos 0 0 0

LINEUPS

SEA: Preston Burpo, Taylor Graham, Ryan Edwards, Billy Sl