Full Gallery Here. Seattle Pitch Match Report Here. (Ron's report includes rosters!)

January 21, 2005

No sooner is Mr. Leighton O'Brien back among us than 'good things' already start happening. Born out of an idea he and wife Lamanda discussed while driving up I-5, the quickly put-together charity match held January 21st at Starfire was an immediate success that might just have started a tradition of giving. 

Starfire Soccer Complex Indoor Arenas.

I arrived at Starfire to find that the indoor soccer arenas had been completed since my last visit. Wandering with camera in hand I snapped some pics of the new place. Very noticible were banners everywhere touting the new "Manchester United Soccer Schools." On my way out I held the door open for a guy who was bringing cases of water inside. When he said "thank you" I realized it was...Andrew Gregor! Andrew decided he'd rather not have his picture taken. Only later, when pal Leighton and gang were on the field, would Andrew pose for a shot (see gallery).

Chad Brown (left) and Leighton O' Brien. At right, Jimmy Gabriel holds his playing boots.

Other players started coming in and I realized this must be the place they are using to get ready. I took a few more pics, and again visited with Leighton. It is clear that the other guys really look up to him. That might be part of why on such short notice he was able to field MORE than enough guys for two full squads. Players from several decades of Sounders soccer, as well as Tacoma Stars and FC Seattle Storm were rounded up for the event.

At about 6:45 no one had shown up yet to take money for the charity and there were already a few fans in the stadium. When the PA system clicked in it was a good sign. Then the stadium was cleared so everyone could go back out and donate their $5.

Manchester United signs everywhere. At right, players have a good time.

Fans kept streaming in well into the match, and we estimated that the final crowd was over 500. It was a great atmosphere. Some people were there specifically for Special Olympics, others knew Sounder players. Some were fans looking for a winter fix.

While quality of play is not something one usually cares about at good-hearted events such as this, I must say we saw some good soccer. The very first hard kick of the match was an on-goal shot that hit the cross bar. Many shots were on target and the goalkeepers were kept busy. The old guys can still hoof it, and the younger ones were stretched a bit to compete. Still, they shortened each half to 40 minutes so as not to overdo a good thing.