Trialists...and Errors

Northshore Youth Soccer Club sign welcomes fans into Bothell.

Sounders trialists stretch out before the match. Sitting on the "3"

in 30 is Brett Wiesner, Seattle's #1 draft choice at forward.

Sounders drop preseason opener to Zags, 2-1

On almost all levels---mission accomplished. Shame about the match, though.

It was a cold, rainy evening in Bothell on April 2 as the 2005 Seattle Sounders took to the pitch (in this case, lined carpet via Astroturf) for the first match of the preseason. A crowd estimated at around 2,800 filled much of the covered grandstand at Pop Keeney Stadium and made a successful fundraiser for the Northshore Youth Soccer Club. Bothell Mayor Patrick Ewing (not that one) addressed the crowd before the match encouraging all involved to make it an annual event. The Sounders had ticket-sellers on hand promoting the 2005 campaign. Supporters hung banners, rang cowbells, kept the chants nice.

The match was decided by poor defensive work from the Sounders trialists. An own goal gave Gonzaga a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute. It was nice work and a clinically beautiful shot by Ryan Hopp that pulled Seattle even in the early second half (51st minute). More defensive slumber lead to a nice go-ahead goal by the Zags at around 79 minutes. The Sounders rallied the rest of the way but couldn't equalize.

Here's Ron Stickney's match report at the Seattle Pitch. The Sounders also recapped the match in a press release. Their release erred on the actual attendance, which those on hand agreed was far beyond the low estimate the club gave.

Sounders supporters had cameras clicking at the opener, and more photos of the night's events can be seen in the new 2005 Fan-Submitted Photo Gallery.

 Kudos to Northshore Soccer on producing a fine program and a fun evening. The Sounders sent players to local pizza parlor Sparta's after the match where they were greeted with scores of kids seeking autographs.

Nearly 2,800 fans showed up for the preseason opener in Bothell.

Sounders trialists were mobbed by autograph seekers after the match.