Seattle Sounders

2006 Press Release Archive

SOUNDERS UNVEIL 2006 SCHEDULE – 28-GAME, “DEFEND IT” CAMPAIGN FEATURES NINE SATURDAY EVENING HOME MATCHES
Posted 12/14/2005

(Seattle) - The 2005 United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division Champion Seattle Sounders today announced their 2006 schedule. Featuring a single table format again in 2006, each USL First Division opponent visits Seattle in a schedule highlighted by nine Saturday evening home matches.

The 2006 season kicks off on the road in Minnesota on April 23, 2006. The Sounders home opener is against the Minnesota Thunder on Saturday, May 13th at Qwest Field, 7pm kick off.

The Sounders will “DEFEND IT” in the second year of the single table USL First Division as they play each opponent at least twice, once home, and once away. Remaining matches are scheduled with geographic rivals.

Scheduling notes:
# The Sounders play four home games in the month of May.
# USL First Division newcomer, Miami FC, visits Seattle on July 1st (Seattle visits Miami on June 18th)
# A visit to Montreal, Rochester and Toronto highlights the Sounders longest road trip of the year in late July.
# Atlanta 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 2006 season. Vancouver faces Seattle on May 27th and August 20th while Portland pays a visit on June 2nd and July 22nd.

Playoffs:The USL First Division will have a six-team playoff field in 2006 with the #1 and #2 overall seeds receiving Round One byes. All playoff rounds, excluding the Championship Match on September 30th, will be two-legged aggregate score series.

2006 marks the fourth 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.

Early Bird Extension: In conjunction with the release of the 2006 schedule, the Sounders have extended the early bird ticket specials through December 21st. Season tickets start as low as $126. Please contact the Sounders at (206) 622-3415 or order online at www.seattlesounders.net.

For details regarding the Sounders 2006 USL First Division schedule please visit www.seattlesounders.net.

2006 Schedule (all game times are Pacific Standard Time)

# Sunday,April 23- @ Minnesota Thunder,3:05 pm

# Saturday,May 13- Minnesota Thunder,7:00 pm
# Wednesday, May 17-Rochester Raging Rhinos,7:00 pm
# Saturday, May 20-Toronto Lynx,7:00 pm
# Friday, May 26-@ Vancouver Whitecaps,7:00 pm
# Saturday, May 27-Vancouver Whitecaps,7:00 pm

# Friday, June 2-Portland Timbers,7:00 pm
# Saturday, June 3-@ Portland Timbers,7:00 pm
# Thursday, June 8-@ Charleston Battery,4:30 pm
# Saturday, June 10-@ Atlanta Silverbacks,4:30 pm
# Friday, June 16-@ Puerto Rico Islanders,5:00 pm
# Sunday, June 18-@ Miami FC, TBD
# Thursday, June 22-@ Virginia Beach Mariners,4:30 pm
# Saturday, June 24-@ Minnesota Thunder,4:05 pm
# Wednesday, June 28-Puerto Rico Islanders,7:00 pm

# Saturday, July 1-Miami FC,7:00 pm
# Saturday, July 15-Montreal Impact,7:00 pm
# Friday, July 21-@ Portland Timbers,8:00 pm
# Saturday, July 22-Portland Timbers,7:00 pm
# Wednesday, July 26-@ Montreal Impact,4:30 pm
# Friday, July 28-@ Rochester Raging Rhinos,5:00 pm
# Sunday, July 30-@ Toronto Lynx,3:00 pm

# Saturday, August 12-Virginia Beach Mariners,7:00 pm
# Sunday, August 20-Vancouver Whitecaps,5:00 pm
# Friday, August 25-Minnesota Thunder,7:00 pm

# Saturday, September 2-Charleston Battery,7:00 pm
# Friday, September 8-@ Vancouver Whitecaps,7:00 pm
# Saturday, September 9-Atlanta Silverbacks,7:00 pm

# First Round Playoffs dates – September 15, 17
# Second Round Playoff dates – September 22, 24
# Championship – September 30

JASON FARRELL RETURNS TO SOUNDERS AS ASSISTANT COACH
Posted 2/10/2006

(Seattle, WA) - Former Seattle Sounder midfielder Jason Farrell returns to the club for the 2006 season serving as an assistant coach for the United Soccer Leagues 2005 Champions, it was announced today.

"Jason led by example as a player, it´s a quality everyone respected and it will make him a great asset to our team from a coaching perspective," said Sounder head coach Brian Schmetzer.

A Seattle native, Farrell´s career includes back-to-back A-League Championships with the Sounders in 1994 and 1995, a 1994 A-League All-Star selection and four years with the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS).

Farrell commented, "I have always had the utmost respect for Brian Schmetzer, Adrian Hanauer and the entire Sounders organization. To be a part of this year´s staff and to be able to work with quality people is a wonderful opportunity. I am excited to be able to help this team defend their championship and can't wait to get to work."

Farrell logged more than 12,000 minutes as a Sounder and is second in games played with 153. He accumulated 66 goals and 30 assists in his seven years with the Sounders. The 2004 season, (his most recent as a Sounder) saw Farrell score two goals and add two assists during regular season play. During the Sounders Championship run that same year, Farrell scored one goal in leading the team from his center midfield position.

Initially drafted in the second round (13th overall) of the 1997 MLS supplemental draft by the Crew, Farrell notched 11 goals, 17 assists (98 games) while logging over 6,000 minutes from 1997-2000.

A graduate of Shorecrest High School, Farrell played collegiate soccer at Seattle Pacific University where he won Athlete of the Year in 1991 and 1992.

As a youth player, Farrell came up through the Seattle Youth Soccer Association (SYSA) and currently coaches two youth teams with Emerald City FC. 

SOUNDERS MAKE IT OFFICIAL; SIGN FORWARD ROGER LEVESQUE FOR 2006 SEASON
Posted 2/15/2006

(Seattle, WA) – The Seattle Sounders today announced the re-signing of forward Roger Levesque, the club’s 2005 scoring leader with 10 goals and three assists, and a key component in the Sounders 2005 Championship.

“I’m thrilled to have Roger back,” said Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer. “His work rate is incredible, and he really developed into a game-changing goal scorer for us last year with four goals in post-season play. We look for great things from him as we defend our title.”

Levesque (LA-VECK) returns to the Sounders for his 3rd full season having notched 23 goals and eight assists during his tenure with the Seattle side.

“I like the Sounder organization and the guys I play with,” said Levesque, who will join the Sounders in early April to begin training camp. “I’m looking forward to the 2006 season and defending our league championship.”

Playing with the Sounders for an entire season in 2004, Levesque, on loan from the former San Jose Earthquakes, helped the Sounders to the Championship game. He scored eight goals and four assists in 2,467 regular season minutes in 2004.

In 2003, he joined Sounders on loan from the Earthquakes on August 7 and played in six regular season games, scoring two goals and notching one assist to help Seattle to the playoffs. In the playoffs, he started three of four matches and scored the team's only goal in the quarterfinal playoff series against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Levesque is a graduate of Stanford University and a Cardinal soccer standout. Levesque played in 76 games at Stanford, ninth-best in school history. He recorded 30 career assists and finished sixth in all-time points with 88. Also, he finished sixth all-time at Stanford with 29 goals. In 2002, he was a Third Team All-American by NSCAA/Adidas, First Team NSCAA/Adidas All-Far West, and First Team All-Pac-10 selection and named to the All-Tournament Team at the NCAA College Cup.

In 2001, Levesque earned NSCAA Second Team All American, Pac-10 Player of the Year, Second Team All-Academic Pac-10 Team, Voted the Stanford Pac-10 Conference Male Athlete of the Year and led the team and Pac-10 in the following categories: goals scored (14), points (37), and assists (9). In 2000, he played in all 22 matches and earned All-Conference Honorable Mention accolades such as being selected to the Pac-10 All-Academic Second Team.

Levesque and his Sounders teammates begin the 2006 campaign on April 23rd in Minnesota. 

Burpo, Whitfield Sign With MLS's Chivas USA; Chivas USA Heads To Seattle For Exhibition Match
Posted 3/17/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders announced today, goalkeeper Preston Burpo and midfielder Brent Whitfield signed with Chivas USA of Major League Soccer (MLS) for the 2006 season. Burpo, the 2005 USL First Division Championship Game MVP and 2nd Team All-League selection earns his first opportunity with MLS after nine seasons with the Sounders.

“I'm excited about the opportunity to play in the MLS with Chivas USA,” said Burpo. “The club is moving in a positive direction after their first year in the league. They brought in a new coach, Bob Bradley and new players, Ante Razov, Jesse Marsh, Claudio Suarez, to turn things around.”

“I've had a fantastic nine years with the Sounders,” added Burpo. “The players, the management, the coaches, the fans, the friends I made and the city itself were first class. I wish the Sounders the best of luck in 2006.”

As part of the compensation for Burpo and Whitfield, the agreement between the two clubs includes a Chivas USA vs. Sounders exhibition match at Qwest Field on Sunday May 7th at 6pm. Tickets are available exclusively to season ticket holders through March 24th by contacting the Sounders office at (206) 622-3415.

Tickets go on sale to the public starting March 27th; prices for the May 7th match are $12 general admission and $17 for reserved seats. Groups of 15 or more people receive discounted ticket prices. Fans can purchase tickets by contacting the Sounders at (206) 622-3415 or online at www.seattlesounders.net.

"Chivas USA looks forward to playing its first-ever game in Seattle, against a highly competitive club at a first-class venue,” said Whit Haskel, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Chivas USA.

“With the addition of two championship-winning Sounders players in Preston Burpo and Brent Whitfield to our roster for the 2006 season, this has all the makings of a great match. We encourage Chivas fans from across the Pacific Northwest to come out and support their team."

Burpo currently holds several all-time Sounders goalkeeper statistics including, games played (143), minutes played (12,846) and shutouts (38). The Maryland-native is one of a handful of USL goalkeepers to record more than 500 career saves (631) and has a career goals against average (GAA) of 1.19. Solid play in the net by Burpo helped the Sounders reach the league championship match in two consecutive seasons, and capture a championship in 2005.

Consistently one of the top goalkeepers in the league, Burpo was ranked in the top four of several categories in 2005 - first in saves (124), second in GAA (0.851), second in shutouts (12), third in regular season wins (11), and fourth in goals allowed (23).

A first-year Sounder in 2005, Whitfield was the club’s second leading scorer connecting on six goals and three assists in 25 games. Instrumental during the 2005 playoff run, Whitfield scored a goal in Montreal to break the series tie and allowed the Sounders to play for the club’s third league championship.

The Sounders vs. Chivas USA match on May 7th wraps up Cinco de Mayo weekend festivities sponsored by the Washington State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WSHCC). With a handful of World Cup players, Chivas USA’s 2006 roster features four Mexican National team members - Francisco Palencia, Claudio Suarez, Juan Pablo Garcia and legend Ramon Ramirez. Chivas USA midfielder Ezra Hendrickson is the captain of the St. Vincent & Grenadines National team.

The Sounders kick off their USL First Division regular season schedule on April 23rd in Minnesota against the Thunder, and play their first regular season home match on May 13th against the Thunder at Qwest Field at 7pm.

SOUNDERS COMPLETE DYNAMIC DUO UP FRONT, RE-SIGN FORWARD GALINDO
Posted 3/31/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders announced today the return of Forward Maikel Galindo, the Cuban native signed a two-year contract keeping him in Seattle through 2007. Defecting from Cuba while with the Cuban National team during last year’s Gold Cup in Seattle, the speedy goal scorer reunites with Forward Roger Levesque creating a dangerous frontline for opposing defenses in 2006.

"We are thrilled to have Maikel back in a Sounder jersey for the next two years," said Sounders General Manager Adrian Hanauer. "Maikel is truly a world class player, and will help us defend our 2005 USL Championship."

Joining the Sounders late in the 2005 season, Galindo played in five matches including the playoffs, tallying 396 minutes. His lone goal of the season tied the championship game at 1-1 forcing penalty kicks, and helped the Sounders become the 2005 USL First Division Champions.

From Villa Clara, Cuba, Galindo traveled to Seattle last summer with the Cuban National Team for the 2005 Gold Cup. After a match, Galindo left the team’s hotel and boarded a Seattle area bus. He asked the bus driver to call the Cuban team liaison who helped Galindo contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service office, ultimately allowing him to stay in the U.S.

During Gold Cup play, Galindo scored one of Cuba’s three total goals. Galindo scored Cuba’s only goal in a 4-1 loss to the United States, as the Cuban National Team went winless during the tournament.

Galindo joins Coach Schmetzer, Levesque and Midfielders Andrew Gregor and Leighton O’Brien as the Sounders prepare to defend their 2005 USL First Division Title. The 2006 season begins April 23rd in Minnesota; the Sounders’ Home Opener is May 13th against the Minnesota Thunder at 7pm at Qwest Field. Tickets are available online at www.seattlesounders.net. 

SOUNDERS ADD MORE SPEED TO ROSTER, SIGN CREW MIDFIELDER JAMAL SUTTON
Posted 4/1/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders announced today the signing of speedy attacking Midfielder Jamal Sutton. After two seasons with Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Columbus Crew, Sutton adds another quick scoring threat to the Sounder offense which already includes forwards Maykel Galindo and Roger Levesque.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“I’ve heard great things about Seattle and the Sounders,” said Sutton. “Coach Schmetzer likes hard working people, and I’m ready to help do what it takes to win another championship here in Seattle.”

The Wichita, Kansas native was drafted by the Crew in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft, and made his MLS debut in the Crew’s 2004 season opener as a sub. Sutton played 330 minutes, starting three of the eight games he played in 2005, scoring one goal and adding one assist.

Sutton finished his collegiate career at Southwestern Missouri State (SMS) among the top scorers in the school’s history. His 70 points place him third on the all-time points list, and his 26 college career goals are the fourth best in SMS history. Sutton was named to the NSCAA/Adidas All-Midwest third team and All-MVC second team in both his junior and senior seasons. As a sophomore, Sutton was an All-MVC selection recording 11 goals and a team high 24 points that season.

In 2001, Sutton played for the USL’s Premier Development League Wichita Jets between his sophomore and junior seasons at SMS.

Sutton joins Head Coach Brian Schmetzer and his new Sounder teammates as they prepare to defend their 2005 USL First Division Championship. Pre-season preparation begins in early April for the season opener in Minnesota on April 23rd against the Thunder. 

SOUNDERS OPEN EXHIBITION SEASON WITH 4-0 WIN OVER DASHEN
Posted 4/3/2006

(Tukwila, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders opened their 2006 Exhibition Schedule with a 4-0 victory over the Ethiopian Greater Seattle Soccer League Club, Dashen at Tukwila’s Starfire Sports Complex. With a roster of invited college and available professional players, the Sounders controled the tempo of the first half, settling into a 3-0 lead at the break. Sounder Forward Craig Tomlinson capped the victory with a goal of his own in the final minutes.

Highlighting the Sounders victory was a two-goal performance by Forward Ebu Cham, and a one goal, one assist performance by Forward Alex Churskey. The Sounders dominated possession of the ball most of the match and was able to hold Dashen scorless with great defensive plays towards the end.

Sounders Forward Ebu Cham scored the game’s first two goals in the 12th and 33rd minute of play. On Cham’s first goal, Forward Alex Churskey played the ball to Midfielder Josh Hansen at the top of the box. Hansen slipped through and released a shot; Dashen keeper Sadettin Alkan made a diving stop but deflected the ball back into play. With an open net, Cham sealed the goal with a light touch.

Cham scored his second goal of the half, with shifty footwork inside, weaving through the goalkeeper and a defender. Chasing down a long pass, Cham received the ball near the top of the box, and outran the Dashen defender toward the endline. Seemingly out of room, Cham turned the ball inside and worked the ball around the goalkeeper and the defender and placed the ball just inside the far post.

In the 37th minute, Dashen made a run as Beheal Habte pushed the ball up field; Dereje Meskel slipped through the Sounders back line and rifled a low left footed shot, a slideing kick save by Nolan Hanson kept the Sounders shutout alive.

The Sounders took a three goal lead when Churskey scored in the 44th minute. Churskey’s Seattle University teammate Santa-Maria Riviera played Churskey a ball from midfield. On his second touch, Churskey blasted a low line drive into the back of the net. Riviera was credited with the assist.

Dashen applied offensive pressure early in the second half forcing Sounders keeper Hanson to make two key saves. Sounder Defenders Ryan Purtell, Cam Weaver, Pat Doran and Zach Peoples made great defensive plays in the second half to fight off a late surge by Dashen.

In the 85th minute of the match the Sounders nearly scored their fourth goal of the contest. From deep in the Dashen corner, Sounders Midfielder Alex Woods sent a free kick to the back post where Ryan Purtell anxiously waited to head the ball. Quick reactions by the Dashen goalkeeper kept the ball out of the back of the net as the ball danced near the goal-line.

Late Sounder sub, Craig Tomlinson eventually scored the Sounders’ fourth goal of the game in the in the closing minutes on a ball played by Churskey. The speedy Tomlinson received the ball, slipped by his defender and forced a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. A quick stutter step had the keeper moving, and Tomlinson delivered a shot to the far post. Churskey was awarded the assist.

The Sounders killed the remaining minute left in the match to capture a 4-0 victory in the club’s first official exhibition match of the 2006 season. The Sounders face USL First Division rival the Vancouver Whitecaps in their next exhibition match on April 14th in Chilliwack, B.C. Kick off is scheduled for 7pm.

Sounders Lineup: Nolan Hanson, Pat Doran, Cam Weaver, Zach Peoples, Ryan Purtell, Tyler Renaghan (Aaron Heinzen, 45), Ryan Valdez (Alex Woods, 65), Santa Maria Riviera (Geoffrey Poole, 65), Josh Hansen (Elliot Fauske, 45), Ebu Cham (Craig Tomlinson, 59), Alex Churskey

Scoring Summary: Cham, 12; Cham (2), 33; Churskey (Rivera), 44; Tomlinson (Churskey), 90

Shots: Sounders - 25 Dashen - 4

Saves: Sounders - 7 Dashen - 12

Fouls: Sounders - 11 Dashen - 6

Scrimmage Recap: On Saturday, April 1st, featuring a roster of invited college and professional players, the Seattle Sounders defeated Seattle Pacific University 3-1 at Interbay Stadium in Seattle, Wash. Seattle University’s Cam Weaver scored the Sounders’ first goal as the first half came to a close at 1-1. Scoring for the Sounders in the second half was Seattle University Forward Alex Churskey, son of former NASL Sounders Goalkeeper Tony Churskey; and Sounder midfielder Josh Hansen. Sounders’ First Round Draft pick, Goalkeeper Chris Eylander started in goal. 

SOUNDERS GO INTERNATIONAL - WELCOME COCA-COLA LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP CLUB CARDIFF CITY TO SEATTLE
Posted 4/3/2006

(Seattle, WA) – The Seattle Sounders will host Coca-Cola League Championship Club, Cardiff City, on July 18th at Qwest Field, it was announced today. Kick-off is set for 7:00 pm.

After battling Sunderland (who gained promotion to the English Premier League (EPL) after finishing on the top of Coca-Cola League Championship table) last summer, the Sounders look to continue to the tradition of welcoming international sides to Seattle.

Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer: “We certainly look forward to playing Cardiff City. Last year we tangled with Sunderland in a hard fought match. This year we look forward to facing a Welsh side that is battling for promotion to the English Premier League.”

Cardiff City FC, from Cardiff, Wales, is one of six Welsh sides that play in the English football league system, rather than the Welsh system. Founded in 1899, the Bluebirds have a rich soccer history which includes 22 Welsh Cups and one Football Association (FA) Cup. The Bluebirds became the only team to have taken the FA Cup out of England with their victory over Arsenal in 1927.

Currently in eighth place, Cardiff City is eight points behind sixth place Preston, in England’s Championship League with 16 wins, 11 draws and 14 losses for 59 points. The top two clubs qualify for a place in the English Premiership for the subsequent season, while team’s three to six go into a playoff to determine the last spot.

Cardiff City’s roster is highlighted by 19-year-old striker Cameron Jerome from Huddersfield, England. Jerome, a member of England Under-21s, is currently tied for second in the league with 18 goals.

Tickets for the match cost $12 for general admission or $17 for reserved seating. Individual tickets go on sale to the public April 5th through Ticketmaster – (206) 628.0888 or www.ticketmaster.com. Current Sounder season ticket holders have until April 4th at 5pm to purchase their existing seats for the Cardiff match.

Group tickets (15 or more) may be purchased by calling the Sounders box office - 206.622.3415 extension 117 or 122. Fans purchasing a group of 15 or more tickets, PRIOR TO JUNE 21st, will receive the equivalent number of tickets, free of charge, to the following Sounders match – restrictions apply - Wednesday, June 28 against the Puerto Rico Islanders – 7:00 pm

In addition to regular seating, a limited number of $50 VIP tickets will be available (on-sale April 5th only through the Sounders ticket office). 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 Cardiff players and managers prior to game-time, on-field credentials to watch warm-ups, and a soccer souvenir.

Special ticket offers beginning April 4th - purchase NEW Sounder season tickets (general admission or reserved) and receive the equivalent number of Cardiff tickets free of charge – four season tickets = four Cardiff tickets.

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

In addition to the match in Seattle, Cardiff will play several other exhibition matches in Vancouver, B.C., against the Vancouver Whitecaps. 

Sounders Open Training Camp - Prepare For 2006 Season
Posted 4/3/2006

(Tukwila, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders officially started their 2006 season today as roster players reported for training camp at Tukwila's Starfire Sports Complex. Head Coach Brian Schmetzer and his coaching staff look to fill vital spots on the roster as the team prepares for the 2006 season opener in Minnesota on April 23rd.

Just over two dozen players reported today; the Sounders pre-season training roster includes:

Jacob Besagno
Ebu Cham
Alex Chursky
Pat Doran
Chris Eylander
Maykel Galindo
Andrew Gregor
Josh Hanson
Aaron Heinzen
Danny Jackson
C.J. Klaas
Roger Levesque
Leighton O'Brien
Ryan Purtell
Santa Maria Riviera
Jake Sagare
Kevin Sakuda
Zach Scott
Ben Somoza
Jamal Sutton
Gabe Sturm
Craig Tomlinson
Cam Weaver
Alex Woods

The Sounders continue their pre-season preparation with an exhibition match scheduled on April 14th against the Vancouver Whitecaps in Chiliwack, B.C. The Sounders next local exhibition match is scheduled for April 29th against Seattle University at Pop Keeney Stadium in Bothell, Wash. Kickoff is 7pm.

SOUNDERS SIGN CAL DEFENDER NOAH MERL, START TO FILL IN BACKLINE
Posted 4/10/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders signed University of California graduate and former San Jose Earthquake reserve Noah Merl for the 2006 season, it was announced today. As a Bear, the 6-1 defender played in every match during his collegiate career and started 64 straight matches in his final three seasons, scoring three goals and adding three assists. With Merl, the Sounders begin to fill in the openings in their backline.

''I’m very excited to join the Sounders organization,'' said Merl. ''I've heard nothing but good things about the players, coaches and staff. I look forward to contributing to another successful season for the team in 2006.''

The Walnut Creek, Calif. native was drafted in the third round by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2005 Major League Soccer (MLS) Supplemental Draft, and played for the Earthquake Reserves during the 2005 season.

At Cal, Merl appeared in each of his collegiate matches earning all conference honors and all acacemic honors his last three seasons. In his junior and senior seasons, Merl was a Second Team All-Pac-10 selection and was also chosen for Pac-10 All-Academic Teams. Merl connected on three goals and recorded five assists in his career at Cal.

With Merl, the Sounders begin to fill in their depleted backline which saw five players from last season's USL First Division Championship team leave. Goalkeeper Preston Burpo and Defender Taylor Graham were signed to MLS rosters, while Defenders Scott Jenkins, Ryan Edwards and Billy Sleeth retired. The Sounders defense currently includes 2003 USL First Division First Teamer Danny Jackson, Zach Scott and now Merl.

Merl works out with his new teammates and Coach Brian Schmetzer as the team prepares to defend their 2005 USL First Division title starting with an away match on April 23rd against the Minnesota Thunder. The Sounders return home for the 2006 Home Opener on May 13th at Qwest Field against the Thunder, kickoff is 7pm. 

SOUNDERS SIGN UCSB STANDOUT, DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER NATE BOYDEN
Posted 4/10/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders announced today the signing of University of California Santa Barbara defensive Midfielder Nate Boyden. As a 2005 co-captain, Boyden led the Gauchos to a 13-5-3 record, and second round NCAA tournament birth. Boyden scored five goals and tallied five assists in his UCSB career.

''I’m excited and honored to be in Seattle, I’m very motivated for the upcoming season,'' said Boyden. ''I know that I’m starting my career with the best organization in the USL. That has been made evident early on by working with a very committed coaching staff, front office and personnel. I’m excited to make an impact and help the Sounders repeat as First Division Champs.''

The 6-1 midfielder was a two-time All Big West Conference selection for the Gauchos his junior and senior seasons. In 2004, Boyden led UCSB to the nation’s third best team goals against average 0.53, and scored one goal and added four assists. Spending a majority of his collegiate career marking opposing team’s leading scorers, Boyden was chosen for the All-Big West First-Team his senior year. Boyden graduated from UCSB in mid-March, just before training camp; majoring in psychology.

Attending Davis High School, the Davis, Calif. native was a two-time All Delta / Capital Athletic League and All-San Joaquin Section First-Team selection. In his prep career, Boyden led his team to two consecutive undefeated seasons, three consecutive sectional titles and an overall record of 80-2-1. 

SOUNDERS FIND NEW GOALKEEPER, MAHONEY ON LOAN FROM MLS CHICAGO
Posted 4/22/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders announced today the signing of new Goalkeeper David Mahoney, on loan from Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Chicago Fire. A Cornell University graduate, Mahoney stepped up in key games for the Fire in 2005, carrying the team into the post season. Mahoney leads the Sounders’ new look defense after seeing five defensive players from last season’s championship team depart to MLS rosters or retire this off-season.

''The Seattle Sounders have solved the goalkeeper puzzle for the 2006 season,'' said Sounders Head Coach, Brian Schmetzer. ''David Mahoney will be part of the squad this season and we are very pleased to have a player of his caliber. We have had a history of great goalkeepers in this club, and we hope to develop David to his potential.''

''I’m excited to be in Seattle, I’ve heard many good things about the city, its supporters and the organization,'' said new Seattle net minder, Mahoney. ''The Sounders are one of the best organizations in the league. I’m excited to help the team win some games and compete for another championship.''

Mahoney was an instrumental part of the Fire’s return to the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2005 starting three games at the end of the season after both starting keepers were injured. Mahoney posted a shutout for his first MLS career victory over the Kansas City Wizards on October 1st.

Mahoney played in 36 collegiate games between Brown and Cornell universities. In his freshman year at Brown, Mahoney helped the Bears win the Ivy League regular season title in 2001. Transferring to Cornell his junior year, Mahoney inherited the starting job and recorded four shutouts and a 1.54 GAA to earn All-Ivy League honorable mention. 

SOUNDERS COMPLETE ROSTER, RE-SIGN BESAGNO & FOUR COLLEGE STANDOUTS
Posted 4/22/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders filled out their 2006 USL First Division roster with the re-signing of Defender Jake Besagno and the signing of four college standouts, it was announced today. Defender Seyi Abolaji (Stanford), Goalkeeper Chris Eylander (Washington), and Seattle University Midfielders Cameron Weaver and Santa Maria Rivera join Besagno to complete Head Coach Brian Schmetzer’s 2006 squad.

Defender Jake Besagno returns for a second season with the Sounders. A 2004 NCAA Division II National Champion with Seattle University, Besagno played in every match his last three seasons as a Redhawk. As a sophomore, he helped the Redhawks post a mere 1.18 goals against average, and was named to the All-GNAC Second Team.

Defender Oluwaseyi (Seyi) Abolaji joins the Sounders for his first professional outdoor season. Fresh off of his first season with Major Indoor Soccer League’s (MISL) California Cougars, Abolaji scored two goals and added five assists in 22 matches for the Cougars. The 23 year-old, Nigerian native was a defensive stalwart at Stanford, starting all 17 matches for the Cardinal his senior season.

A standout goalkeeper at the University of Washington, the Sounders’ 2006 USL First Division College Draft pick, Chris Eylander joins the 2005 USL First Division Champion Sounders. Eylander finished his career among the best goalkeepers in Husky history. He is fourth all time in saves with 187; his 1.11 goals against average is fifth best, and Eylander holds the third most shutouts in Husky history with 18.

Midfielder Cameron Weaver brings championship experience to the Sounders this season, his first as a professional. A member of the 2004 Seattle University National Championship winning team, Weaver scored 17 goals and recorded seven assists in his two seasons with the Redhawks. Weaver transferred to Seattle University as a junior in 2004, when he won GNAC Newcomer of the Year honors. Weaver earned All-GNAC honors each season, including a First Team All-GNAC selection his senior year.

Former Seattle University Redhawk Defender / Midfielder Santa Maria Rivera begins his professional career with the Sounders. Voted the Most Outstanding Defensive Player at the 2004 NCAA Division II Final Four, Rivera had a career year in 2004 helping the team record the lowest team goals against average in the country (0.47) and take home the National Championship. Moving to midfield his senior season, Rivera recorded three assists in 19 matches earning All-GNAC honors for the second consecutive season.

SHORT-HANDED SOUNDERS DROP SEASON OPENER 4-0 IN MINNESOTA
Posted 4/23/2006

(St. Paul, Minn.) - - The defending USL First Division Champion Seattle Sounders, playing without four or five starters due to injury or suspension, opened their 2006 campaign with a 4-0 loss to the Thunder at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul, Minn.

Due to injuries and suspensions, the Sounders’ roster included a handful of new and young faces. Because of injuries the Sounders played without key veterans; Forward Maykel Galindo (hamstring), Midfielder Andrew Gregor (groin), Defender Danny Jackson (knee) and Defender Zach Scott (foot).

Seattle Midfielder C.J. Klaas was unavailable for Sunday’s match, serving a one game suspension for a red card ejection in the 2005 USL First Division Championship match in October, 2005.

The Thunder jumped out to an early lead, as Minnesota’s Melvin Tarley scored in the 14th minute. Just a minute later the Thunder scored again to take a commanding 2-0 lead early in the match.

In the second half the Thunder maintained their offensive pressure scoring again in the 74th and 86th minute.

The Sounders only took six shots in the match.

With a few weeks until their next USL First Division match, the Sounders (0-1-0, 0pts) host the Thunder (1-0-0, 3pts) in their 2006 Home Opener on May 13th at Qwest Field, 7pm. The Sounders are expecting Galindo, Jackson, Gregor and Scott to return for the club’s first home match.

Starting Lineups:
Seattle: Mahoney; Abolaji (Rivera 89), Sakuda, Merl (Tomlinson 63), Sturm (Besagno 78); Somoza, Boyden, O’Brien, Levesque (Sagare 75), Weaver, Sutton.

Minnesota: Warren; Kilickan (Kallman 83), Branan, B., Branan, D., Friedland; Wilson, Brisson, Gibson (Paye 24), Lara (Alvino 65); Tarley, Knox (Gordon 78)

Scoring Summary:
Minnesota: Tarley 14 (Knox)
Minnesota: Gibson 15
Minnesota: Alvino 74 (Knox)
Minnesota: Paye 86 (Alvino)

Game Statistics:
Seattle: Shots: 6, Fouls: 6, Offside: 0, Corners: 3
Minnesota: Shots: 7, Fouls: 10, Offside: 3, Corners: 1

Goalkeeper Statistics:
Mahoney (Seattle): Shots faced: 7, Saves: 1, Goals allowed: 4
Warren (Minnesota): Shots faced: 6, Saves: 1, Goals allowed: 0

Cautions:
SEA: Abolaji 67
MIN: Friedland 68
SEA: O’Brien 75

Attendance: 4,811 

Sounders Put Up Battle, Fall 1-0 To Chivas USA
Posted 5/8/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - On an overcast Sunday in Seattle the Chivas USA defeated the Seattle Sounders 1-0 in regulation. The friendly match and crowd of 5,633 at Qwest Field were both lucky to have the sun poke through to occasionally contrast the cold and windy weather. The game’s only goal was grabbed by former Sounder Brent Whitfield.

The first half was a hard fought back and forth battle that resulted in a big time goal for a former Sounder and Chivas USA just before the half-time whistle. Only five minutes in Chivas USA brought early pressure on Sounders keeper Chris Eylander when Chivas USA Captain Francisco Polencia was slipped in by teammate Ante Razov forcing Eylander off his line and into a sprawling save. The next real opportunity for either squad was not until Razov pushed an easy cutback wide from six yards out in the 24 minute. Eylander was finally beaten in the 43 minute when former Sounder Brent Whitfeld snapped a header toward the top shelf , just out of Eylander’s reach. The assist, a product of one of Chivas USA’s many quick counter-attacks, came off a cross from wide-midfielder Francisco Mendoza.

In the first half of his return to Qwest Field former Sounder’s goal keeper Preston Burpo displayed a confident attitude in his start for Chivas USA. The Sounders gave Burpo his first test as a visiting MLS opponent when midfeilder CJ Class sent a low cross toward forward Roger Levesque, Burpo came off his line and successfully intercepted the pass. In the second half Burpo aggressively left his line, to clear a deep through ball, and collided with Sounders forward Maykel Galindo. The result of the play left Burpo with a caution from center referee Jeff Hoskee and Galindo was forced to leave the field and head to the locker room with a broken nose. The only other player to receive a yellow card was Sounders captain Danny Jackson in the 86th.

The beginning of the second half saw more pressure on Sounders keeper and UW alumni Chris Eylander. In the 55 minute Eylander responded to this pressure when Chivas USA forward Polencia was through one on one and Eylander flew in to staunchly reject the great opportunity. Later in the 69 the Sounders dodged another bullet when Chivas substitute Carlos Borja put his volley just wide of the back post. This miss proved costly as the Sounders continued to press for the equalizer. The home side saw their best chance of the match in the 89th when forward Craig Tomlinson barely missed the farpost on his turn around shot. The shot appeared to have Burpo beat but it trickled just wide from six yards out.

Both teams made an abundance of substitutions.

Starting Line-Ups
Sounders- G Chris Eylander, D Ben Somoza, D Danny Jackson, D Zach Scott, D Seyi Abolaji (Nate Boyden, 74), M C.J. Klass (Maykel Galindo, 70), M Kevin Sakuda, M Andrew Gregor (Gabe Strum, 66), M Leighton O’Brien, F Roger Levesque, F Jamal Sutton (Cam Weaver, 57)

Chivas USA -
G Preston Burpo, D Tim Regan (Esteban Arias, 45), D Jason Hernandez, D Carlos Llamosa (Rodrigo Lopez, 66) , D Jon Bornstein, M Sasha Kljestan (Estuardo Sanchez, 66), M Brent Whitfield, M Francisco Mendoza, M Juan Pablo Garcia (Lawson Vaughn 45), F Ante Razov (Drew Helm, 58), F Francisco Palencia (Carlos Borja, 66) 

WEAVER STRIKES BACK, SOUNDERS FORCE 1-1 DRAW WITH THUNDER
Posted 5/13/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The defending USL Champion Seattle Sounders took the field against the Minnesota Thunder Saturday night with an air of confidence. The Sounders came out hoping to avenge their 4-0 loss to Minnesota in front of a packed and rowdy Qwest field crowd. The proud Seattle fans, 8966 strong, cheered on the lineups loudly as the championship banner was dropped in honor of the 2005 season. At the end of the game the Sounders would ultimately earn their first points of the season off a 1-1 draw.

Chris Eylander earned his first official league start in the net on the sunny Seattle evening, and Minnesota kept him busy early. Melvin Tarley’s shot was deflected away from the near post by Eylander in the 5th minute, and Eylander would notch two other key saves in the opening ten minutes. Tarley would see a few more of Minnesota’s best chances in the first half, but the majority were sent flying just over the cross bar.

Beside a few early corner kicks, the Sounders saw their first real goal scoring opportunity in the 23rd minute. The opportunity developed quickly after the ball trickled to Midfielder Leighton O’Brien at the corner of the18 yard box. O’Brien saw an opening and ripped a shot toward the near post forcing Minnesota goal keeper Joe Warren to deflect the dig back into play. The deflection was quickly cleared by Minnesota defenders.

The second half kicked off with the same intensity that both teams carried throughout the first half. The Sounders offense got to work early when Midfielder Kevin Sakuda sent his chance off the far post. The play developed as Roger Levesque collected a cross from O’Brien on the left side. Levesque took the ball down inside the 18 with his back to the goal, and then laid a pass back to the oncoming Sakuda. Sakuda took a touch out wide of the goal mouth and then shot low forcing the Minnesota keeper to luckily deflect the shot off the post.

The scoring finally got underway in the 75th minute when Minnesota’s Mike Wilson put a rocket past Eylander from 26 yards out. Eylander was left no chance when Wilson’s half volley rose all the way to the near post’s upper ninety.

However, the Sounder’s wasted no time to equalize off a Leighton O’Brien free kick in the 77th minute. Cam Weaver came off the bench to deflect O’Brien’s cross off of his head and into the back post. Weaver scored his first goal as a professional with his first touch in the game, earning Weaver rights to player of the game. Both teams would have a few more chances as the game finished with a flurry of counter attacks. But the game would remain knotted thanks to great saves in the closing minutes by Eylander and Warren.

Notes- Midfielder Leighton O’Brien injured his foot in the match. He will be re-evaluated on Monday.

Starting Lineups
Seattle Sounders-
GK Chris Eylander, D Danny Jackson, D Ben Somoza, D Seyi Abolaji (Cam Weaver, 77), D Zach Scott (Jake Besagno, 56), M Kevin Sakuda, M Andrew Gregor, M CJ Klass (Nate Boyden, 89), M Leighton O’Brien (Gabe Sturm, 80), F Roger Levesque, F Jamal Sutton (Craig Tomlinson, 65)

Minnesota Thunder-
GK Joe Warren, D Brett Branan, D Kevin Friedland, D Dustin Branan, D Zafer Kilickan, M Freddy Juarez, M Nate Winkel, M Mike Wilson, M Matt Schmidt, F Nate Knox (Aaron Paye, 75), F Melvin Tarley

Rochester Spears Sounders 2-1 With Extra Time Goal
Posted 5/18/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) – On a warm May evening, the Seattle Sounders fell to the Rochester Raging Rhinos 2-1. The Sounders were hoping to halt a Rhinos team that had been undefeated before their trip to QWEST field, and not allowed a goal all season. Both teams would battle hard for the win throughout the 90 minute cross-country showdown.

The first half of the match saw a sparing amount of goal scoring opportunities for both squads. However, CJ Klass led the Sounders attack from his right midfield position with a flurry of bending right footed crosses. Klass tried to pick his forwards out with accurately whipped crosses but the ball could just not locate another Sounder.

Rochester saw many of their attacks broken down by the staunch defending of the Sounder center-backs. Danny Jackson and Zach Scott anchored the defensive effort for the Sounders. When the Sounder’s keeper David Mahoney was caught outside of the goal mouth in the 36th minute, it was Jackson who corralled the ball away from the empty net, effectively thwarting Rochester’s best chance of the first half.

The Sounders dodged a bullet at the beginning of the second half when Rochester forward Matthew Delicate miss-fired his first chance of the half. The ball fell to a wide open Delicate six yards out, and he sent his volley flying just over an empty Seattle net.

The Sounders would not be so lucky when Delicate saw his second open net in the 70th minute. The play developed when the ball was knocked down in the box off a long Rochester throw. Mahoney came off his line to attempt an unsuccessful clearing punch and the ball deflected down to Delicate for the easy finish.

Despite never giving up a goal after taking the lead of a game this season, Rochester could not deny the Sounders and sub Cam Weaver. In similar form to last weekend against Minnesota Cam Weaver came off the bench with the equalizer on his head, literally. In the 75th minute, Weaver connected on a corner kick delivered to the back post by teammate Andrew Gregor. Weaver rose above his defender and slammed the ball into the top shelf for the equalizer.

Ultimately, Rochester would remain unbeaten in the season and continue their road trip on a positive note. Tacoma native Greg Howes would find the net for Rochester in the 90th minute resulting in a 2-1 Rhino victory. After a scramble in the Sounders box the ball dropped to Howes’s right foot and his strike remained true to form.

The Sounders play the winless Toronto Lynx in their next home match on Saturday, May 20th at Qwest Field, 7pm. Saturday night’s match is Military Appreciation Night. For game ticket information visit www.seattlesounders.net or call (206) 622-3415.

Starting Lineups
Seattle Sounders- GK David Mahoney, D Ben Somoza, D Danny Jackson, D Zach Scott (Jake Basagno, 79), D Seyi Abolaji, M Kevin Sakuda, M CJ Klass, M Andrew Gregor, M Gabe Sturm (Cam Weaver, 71), F Roger Levesque, F Jamal Sutton (Craig Tomlinson, 64)

Rochester Raging Rhinos- GK Scott Vallow, D Frank Sanfilippo, D Kenny Bertz, D Scott Palaguta, D Nate Craft (Jason Perry, 58), M Tenywa Bonseu (Ricky Lewis, 80), M Johnny Menyonger, M John Ball (Greg Howes, 45), M Juninho DaSilva, (Aran Lines, 45), F Charles Gbeke (Connally Edozien, 69), F Matthew Delicate 

Sutton, Tomlinson Deliver as Sounders Shutout Toronto 2-0
Posted 5/20/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) – The Seattle Sounders met the winless Toronto Lynx on Saturday, May 20th in front of 3,051 fans at Qwest Field. New Sounder Forward Jamal Sutton helped the Sounders secure a 2-0 victory for their first win of the season. An insurance goal in the 70th minute by Forward Craig Tomlinson handed the Lynx their fourth consecutive 2-0 loss of the season.

On Saturday night the Seattle Sounders got their offense firing early for the first time this season. Sounder Forward Jamal Sutton found the back of the net in the 3rd minute when the ball fortuitously fell to his feet inside the eighteen. After a quick turn to his left, Sutton slotted the ball into the goal with a crisp confidence. The finish was vital for the Sounders and also Jamal’s first Sounder goal.

After the quick start the Sounder’s enjoyed the majority of the first half possession. This possession allowed for the Sounder offence to maintain a constant pressure on the Toronto defense.

Sutton would have three more of the Sounder’s eight first half shots. In the 12th minute, Sutton broke free of the Toronto defense and appeared to be in one-on-one with the Lynx keeper. However, a Toronto defender caught Sutton and grabbed his jersey just before he shot. The grab sent Sutton to the ground and Sounder’s fans out of their seats looking for a penalty that would not be awarded.

Despite a number of opportunities in the first half, the Sounders would not find their next goal until the second half.

Both teams began the second half making a few line-up changes. Sounder’s super sub Cam Weaver entered the game in the 55th minute, and created a great scoring chance with his head yet again. In the 70th minute Cam nodded a corner down to Levesque, and Roger’s subsequent connection with the ball was saved off the line. Levesque was robbed by Toronto substitute Gordon Chin, who luckily found himself in the path of Roger’s point blank shot.

Toronto would not have a man on the line to deny Seattle substitute Craig Tomlinson in the 79th minute. The play developed when Cam Weaver flicked a Roger Levesque cross to the back post, leaving a practically empty net for Sounder forward Tomlinson to smash home his first goal in almost two years. Tomlinson’s last goal was on August 22, 2004 at home against the Puerto Rico Islanders. The insurance goal came as a relief to the Sounder side, solidifying the club its first victory of the season.

Sounder rookie keeper Chris Eylander recorded his first professional victory and shutout against the Lynx.

Next weekend the Sounder’s play a home and away series with northwest rival Vancouver. The Vancouver Whitecaps currently stand in second place and travel to Qwest field Saturday, May 27 to play a Sounders team they will meet in Vancouver the night before on May 26.

Starting Lineups
Seattle Sounders- GK Chris Eylander, D Danny Jackson, D Zach Scott, D Seyi Abolaji, M Kevin Sakuda, M Ben Somoza, M Andrew Gregor, M CJ Klass (Nate Boyden, 90), M Sturm Gabe (Cam Weaver, 55), F Roger Levesque, F Jamal Sutton (Craig Tomlinson, 61)

Toronto Lynx- GK Theo Zagar, D Rick Titus, D Arango Andres, D Tone Menezes, D Chris Williams, M David Di Placido, M Robbie Aristodemo (Niels Dekker, 67) M Marko Bedenikovic, M Joe Mattacchione (Gordon Chin, 45), F Jamie Dodds, F Jeremy Sheppard (Osni Neto, 45) 

Late Game Heroics By Weaver Lift Sounders To 2-2 Draw In Vancouver
Posted 5/27/2006

(Burnaby, B.C.) - - The Seattle Sounders clashed with Northwest rival, the Vancouver Whitecaps to a 2-2 draw at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, B.C. Late game heroics once again by Sounders’ rookie Forward Cam Weaver tied the match in the 73rd minute. Weaver finished the match with two goals, both goals tying the match at different stages of the match. Weaver’s goals are the first goals allowed by Vancouver at home this season. The Sounders and Whitecaps have battled to six consecutive draws spanning back to 2004.

The Whitecaps drew first blood in the 18th minute to take a 1-0 lead. The USL First Division’s leading scorer, and Tacoma, Wash. native Joey Gjertsen scored his fourth goal of the season. Gjertsen pushed the ball up field about 15 yards drifting to the top right corner of the box. On a low shot to the back post, Gjertsen’s shot snuck by Sounders keeper David Mahoney.

The Sounders answered back just four minutes later in the 23rd as the Sounders’ leading scorer Cam Weaver delivered yet another equalizer. Midfielder Gabe Sturm played the ball back to Gregor outside the box about 22 yards out. Gregor’s chip into the box set up Weaver for his third header of year just 10 yards off the goal line. Gregor was credited with the assist.

Gjertsen’s second goal of the match gave the Whitecaps a 2-1 lead in the 32nd minute. Gjertsen earned his second goal of the match sneaking by a Sounders defender and drawing out Mahoney. A quick move toward the endline left Mahoney guessing and Gjertsen created an open net shot. Gjertsen’s shot creaped along the goal line. In an attempt to clear the ball Sounder Defender Seyi Abolaji knocked the ball into the net. Official ruling has deflected shots off defenders being credited to the attacker.

Applying offensive pressure early in the second half, the Whitecaps’ Gjertsen nearly tallied a hat trick in the 52nd minute with a left-footed blast toward the far top corner. His shot sailed just inches over the crossbar.

In the 67th minute C.J. Klaas set up one of the best shot opportunities of the night for the Sounders. On a free kick about 25 yards out, Klaas curled a ball to the back post where Defender Zach Scott waited for the header. Klaas’ ball into the box was about a yard too long as Scott’s header hit the side of the net.

On a loose ball in the box, the Sounders were able to tie the match at 2-2 in the 73rd minute thanks to the work of Weaver. A header by Scott up field sent the ball bouncing into the box. Tightly marked by a Whitecap defender, Weaver chased down the ball, collected and skipped a 15 yard shot past Vancouver's Tony Caig who was coming out to play the ball.

Weaver’s second goal of the night is his fourth goal in five matches. Tonight is his second start of the season; his first was in the season opener on the road in Minnesota.

Mahoney preserved the draw in the 86th minute making a sprawling save to his right, knocking a shot by Vancouver’s Dave Morris out of play. Mahoney played well in the second half recording five saves throughout the match.

Spanning from the 2004 season, tonight’s match is the sixth consecutive draw between the Sounders and Whitecaps. Weaver’s two goals against the Whitecaps are the first goals scored on the Whitecaps at home in 2006, ending a four-game shutout streak.

Sounders second half substitute, Craig Tomlinson was issued a yellow card caution in the 55th minute, called while challenging a Whitecap player for the ball down the sideline.

Battling back to a 2-2 draw improves the Sounders season record to 1-2-2, 5pts. The Sounders host the Whitecaps in the tail end of the home and home series on Saturday, May 27th at Qwest Field. Kickoff is set for 7pm. 

Sounders Wash-out Whitecaps 1-0
Posted 5/27/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - In the tail end of a home and home series, the Seattle Sounders knocked off the undefeated Vancouver Whitecaps 1-0 at Qwest Field. An Andrew Gregor penalty kick in the 43rd minute captured the Sounders second win of the season. The Sounders’ rookie GK Chris Eylander recorded his second win and shutout in consecutive matches helping Seattle improve their record to 2-2-2, 8pts.

The first half of play was a defensive battle filled with multiple opportunities for both teams. Sounder Forward Jamal Sutton pressured the Whitecap defense with three shots. Sutton sailed a shot just over the crossbar in the 18th minute of play.

Sounder Forward Cam Weaver was tripped up by Vancouver keeper Tony Caig in the penalty box awarding the Sounders a penalty kick in the 43rd minute. Weaver took the ball diagonally across the box when Caig came off his line to challenge. Caig tripped up Weaver sending him to the turf. Sounder Midfielder Andrew Gregor nailed the penalty kick in the far left corner.

Vancouver pressured the Sounder defense, with four shots in the first half to the Sounders eight. Sounder GK Chris Eylander held strong in the back. In the 20th minute, Sounder Defender Ben Somoza was injured playing the ball back to a teammate. A closer look shows Somoza sprained his left ankle, x-rays will be taken early next week. Seyi Abolaji replaced Somoza in the lineup.

The battle continued in the second half with both teams applying strong offensive pressure. The Sounders had several key opportunities to put some distance on the Whitecaps. In the 55th minute, Sutton took the ball down the right side, sending it back to the top of the box where Weaver’s connection just missing the right corner of the goal.

Sounder Midfielder Andrew Gregor sent a free kick into the box in the 58th minute. Playing midfield, Roger Levesque got his head on the ball just missing the near post. Minutes later CJ Klaas sent a 30-yard blast that barely missing the right “upper-v.”

The Sounders dominated the match in the box tallying 19 shots to Vancouver’s nine. Forward Craig Tomlinson and Roger Levesque played strong offensively. Goalkeeper Chris Eylander shutout Vancouver, recording a win and shutout in each of his last two matches.

For the first time in four matches, Weaver was held without a point. He has scored four goals and one assist in the previous five matches.

The Sounders 1-0 victory is the first shutout win over Vancouver for the Sounders since May of 2002. The win evens Seattle’s record to 2-2-2, 8pts.

The Sounders face another home and home series next weekend when they face I-5 South rival, the Portland Timbers. The Sounders host Portland on Friday, June 2nd at Qwest Field. Kick off is scheduled for 7pm.

Starting Lineups- Seattle Sounders – GK Chris Eylander, D Jake Besagno, D Danny Jackson, D Zach Scott, D Ben Somoza (Seyi Abolaji), M CJ Klaas (Nate Boyden), M Andrew Gregor (Santa Maria Rivera), M Kevin Sakuda, M Roger Levesque, F Cam Weaver, F Jamal Sutton (Craig Tomlinson)

Vancouver Whitecaps- GK Tony Caig, D Steven Klein, D Steve Kindel (Geordie Lyall), D John Jones, D Anthony Noreiga (Tino Cucca), M Jeff Clarke, M Martin Nash, M Alfredo Valente (Jay Alberts), M Dave Morris, F Joey Gjertsen, F Sita-Taty Matondo (Dave Testo)

Eylander Cuts Down Timber Scoring, Sounders Finish With 0-0 Draw
Posted 6/2/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) – Friday night would bare witness to a hardcore back and forth battle between two rival northwest soccer clubs. And despite a plethora of opportunities for both teams, 29 total shots, the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers played to an exciting 0-0 draw.

The Sounders offense wasted no time to assault the Timber’s goal. The home town attackers were led by Weaver, Levesque, and Gregor who each had 3 first half shots.

Gregor would arguably create the best chance for the Sounders in minute number one. The ball was cleared to Gregor’s right foot at the top of the Timber’s eighteen. Gregor took a quick look to see Timber’s goalie Josh Saunders way off of his line. Gregor then proceeded to send a crafty fader off the crossbar that had a lucky Saunders reeling backward with little hope to make the save.

In the 35th minute Saunders would redeem his earlier poor positioning when he came off his line to stop Roger Levesque’s one-on-one. Roger broke free of the defense just past half and sped toward the Timber’s goal. Saunders hit the deck at the edge of the eighteen and picked the ball directly from Roger’s foot, before Roger could even attempt a shot on goal.

Saunders’s Sounder counter part, Chris Eylander, would make equally impressive saves all game on the dangerous Timber offense. Eylander robbed many Timber goal scorers but no save was more notable than his stop on former MLS player and current Timber star Midfielder Luke Kreamalmeyer.

The play developed off a short Portland corner. The ball was rolled back to Kreamalmeyer who looked up and sent a bender weaving through heavy traffic toward the back post. Amazingly, Eylander saw the shot and calmly back-pedaled to punch the bending ball just wide of the back post, this save left Kremalymeyer frustrated and goalless with his head in his hands.

Eylander would solidify his place as the man of the match in the 90th minute. Timber substitute Oral Bullen drove the sideline and cut back a low cross toward the oncoming Tom Poltl to create the goal scoring chance. Poltl made a connection with the swift cross forcing Elylander to lay-out and make an uncanny kick save to stop the ball from entering the net. With this final save Eylander secured his 3rd consecutive clean sheet.

The Sounders travel to Portland tomorrow June 3, to settle a home and home series with their bitter northwest rival the Timbers. Hopefully, the Sounders can snatch a road a win tomorrow to help kick off a 7 game road trip on a positive note. The next Sounder home game is June 28 at Qwest field, against the Puerto Rico Islanders.

Starting Lineups
Seattle Sounders – GK Chris Eylander, D Danny Jackson, D Jake Besagno, D Seyi Abolaji (Craig Tomlinson 84), M Kevin Sakuda, M Zach Scott, M Leighton O’Brien (Jamal Sutton 45), M C.J. Klass, M Andrew Gregor, F Roger Levesque, F Cam Weaver

Portland Timbers – GK Josh Saunders, D Scot Thompson, D Jacobi Goodfellow, D Michael Nsien (Josh Brown 43), D Michael Randolph, M Lee Morrison, M Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, M Luke Kreamalmeyer, M Mamba Chisoni, F Byron Alvarez (Tom Poltl 81), F Drew McAthy (Oral Bullen 87) 

Timbers Cut Down Sounders On The Road 3-1
Posted 6/3/2006

(Portland, Ore.) - - In the second match of a home and home series, the Seattle Sounders fell to the Portland Timbers 3-1 at PGE Park in Portland, Ore. In another intense match, both teams maintained a fast pace. The Timbers struck first in the 15th minute, but Sounder Defender Zach Scott scored his first goal of the season to tie the match. Seconds later the Timbers scored the go-ahead goal and held on for the 3-1 victory.

While Portland had a handful of breakaway opportunities early, the Sounders dominated possession in the match’s opening 15 minutes. In the 12th minute on the quick counter attack, Midfielder Andrew Gregor found Gabe Sturm sneaking through the Timber defense. On a quick one-touch, Sturm’s shot sliced wide of the net.

Once the game settled in, the Timbers took the lead in the 15th minute on a Alejandro Gutierrez shot 10 yards out. Timbers’ Defender Mike Randolph took the ball down the left sideline down into the left side of the box. Seemingly backed into a corner, Randolph faked the cross and found Gutierrez sliding through the box. With a quick pass inside, Gutierrez knocked down the pass and sent a right footed shot inside the far post for a 1-0 Timbers lead.

Gutierrez’s goal in the 15th minute ended a 285 minute shutout streak by Sounders keeper Chris Eylander. Eylander had recorded shutouts in this previous three starts. Tonight’s match was Eylander’s first professional match on the road, away from Qwest Field.

In the 22nd minute, the Timbers nearly took a 2-0 lead on a Luke Kreamalmeyer break away. Cutting down the angle, Eylander came way off his line for a sliding kick save only to deflect the ball just yards away. Kreamalmeyer floated the deflection just over the cross bar. Eylander recorded one save on the night.

The Sounders scored the 1-1 equalizer in the 32nd minute as Defender Seyi Abolaji sent in a long cross from the right side of the field to Zach Scott in the far top corner of the box. As the ball curled into the box, Scott met the ball 12 yards out on the left post with a header into the top right corner. The goal was Scott’s first of the season, Abolaji was credited for the assist.

Just one minute later the Timbers re-gained the lead on a four-on-two breakaway in the 33rd minute. A Sounder defender fell to the turf, allowing Portland Midfielder Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar to initiate the fast break. As the four Timber players neared the box, Alcaraz-Cuellar skipped the ball to a cutting Mamba Chisoni for the one touch goal and a 2-1 lead.

Eylander made an outstanding diving deflection in the 56th minute to keep the Sounders down by only one goal. Timbers forward Byron Alvarez passed the ball up field to Kreamalmeyer running down the right sideline. With Sounders defender Scott on his heals, Kreamalmeyer sent a low drive to the far post. Eylander charging the ball got just enough of Kreamalmeyer’s shot to deflect the ball just wide of the post.

The Sounders made a handful of substitutions in the second half bringing on Craig Tomlinson, Santa Maria Rivera and Jamal Sutton to provide speed on the offensive and defensive ends. Rivera provided excellent coverage on the defensive side while maintaining an offensive threat down the left side.

Rivera set up perhaps the Sounders best scoring opportunity of the second half in the 69th minute. The ball was played back to Rivera just outside the left side to the box; Rivera crossed the ball into the box to Tomlinson who had his back to the goal about nine yards out. Under pressure, Tomlinson couldn’t get a solid strike on the ball and his shot was wide.

The Timbers sealed the victory in the 87th minute on an Alcaraz-Cuellar header. Alvarez pushed the ball up field, fading toward the right corner. Just even with the box, Alvarez sent in a nicely placed ball to Alcaraz-Cuellar slicing through the box. With a header on the near post, the Timbers captured the 3-1 victory.

Much like the first match of the home and home series, five cautions were handed out - four going to Sounder players. Kevin Sakuda, Zach Scott, Andrew Gregor and Danny Jackson all received yellow card cautions.

The loss drops the Sounders record to 2-3-3, 9pts. The Sounders continue their streak of road matches with a trip through Charleston and Atlanta starting June 8th. The Sounders play their next match in Seattle on June 28th against the Puerto Rico Islanders at Qwest Field.

Starting Line Ups:
Seattle – GK Chris Eylander, D Seyi Abolaji, D Danny Jackson, D Jake Besagno, D Zach Scott (Santa Maria Rivera, 65), M Gabe Sturm (Craig Tomlinson, 61), M Kevin Sakuda (Nate Boyden, 88), M Andrew Gregor, M C.J. Klaas (Jamal Sutton, 76), F Roger Levesque, F Cam Weaver

Portland – GK Josh Saunders, D Scot Thompson, D Mike Randolph, D Josh Brown, D Jacobi Goodfellow, M Luke Kreamalmeyer, M Mamba Chisoni, M Lee Morrison, M Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, F Byron Alvarez, F Alejandro Gutierrez 

SOUNDERS BATTERED BY INJURIES, BLANKED 2-0 IN CHARLESTON
Posted 6/8/2006

(Charleston, SC) - - In their first match of a two-game road trip, the Seattle Sounders were shutout by the Charleston Battery 2-0 at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, SC. Both teams were evenly matched, but the Sounders weren’t able to capitalize on point-blank shot opportunities in the second half. With just 15 men available, the Sounders played with a slim roster as the team struggles with injuries.

Charleston put one on the board in the 17th minute as Forward Stephen Armstrong delivered a shot from the top left corner of the box. On a clearing pass, Armstrong played the ball his right, then with time and room fired a shot into the far upper corner giving the Battery the early 1-0 lead.

Despite limited numbers and long travel, Seattle maintained a physical level of play throughout the match. But it would cost the Sounders in the 85 minute as Defender Seyi Abolaji received his second yellow card caution of the evening and was sent off the field. Both Midfielder Nate Boyden and Forward Roger Levesque received cautions in the match.

With multiple scoring opportunities early and throughout the second half, the Sounders out shot the Battery 12-7 in the match but could not find the back of the net.

Midfielder C.J. Klaas had two great opportunities that were thwarted by Battery Goalkeeper, Dusty Hudock. In the 56th minute, Klaas took a shot from the right side about 15 yards out. The ball was sent into the box on a Gregor free kick. Jamal Sutton received the ball but his shot was deflected in the direction of Sounder Defender Noah Merl at the top of the box. Merl’s shot was deflected by a Charleston defender, and the ball trickled out to Klaas for the shot.

In the 67th minute Klaas split the defense chasing down a pass from midfield. Putting a step between himself and two Charleston defenders, Klaas forced a one-on-one with Hudock. Veering to the right, Klaas pulled Hudock off his line and attempted a low shot on the far post. Klaas’ momentum prevented him from getting a solid strike on the ball and his shot skipped into the hands of the diving keeper.

Late in the match the Sounders just missed another scoring opportunity as Gregor sent a free kick into the box. Levesque near the right post tried to out work his defender and in the process tapped the ball out to Defender Zach Scott. Scott, inside the top right corner of the six-yard box launched his shot over the crossbar.

The Battery took a 2-0 lead in the 79th minute of play as Forward Teba McKnight received a long pass and simply out ran his defender down the right side. With a toe poke past Sounder Keeper David Mahoney inside the far post, the Battery capped the 2-0 shutout handing the Sounders their second consecutive loss.

Mahoney made three great saves in the second half, squandering goal opportunities for the Battery.

Out with injuries, the Sounders were missing, Midfielder Ben Somoza, Leighton O’Brien, Defender Jake Besagno, Danny Jackson and Forward Maykel Galindo. With two cautions against Charleston, Abolaji reached the five caution mark and will serve a one match suspension on Sat. June 10th in Atlanta.

The loss drops the Sounders record to 2-4-3, 9pts, as they search for their first victory on the road. Seattle continues their road trip to Atlanta on Saturday, June 10th against the Silverbacks. Kickoff is set for 4:30pm PST. The Sounders have been shutout only one other time this season, a 0-4 loss to Minnesota on April 23rd on the road. 

SOUNDERS END ROAD TRIP WITH 3-1 LOSS TO SILVERBACKS
Posted 6/11/2006

(Atlanta, GA) - - The Seattle Sounders ended their two game road trip to the east coast with a 3-1 loss to the Atlanta Silverbacks at newly opened Re/Max Greater Atlanta Stadium. Down 2-0 late in the match, Sounder Midfielder Gabe Sturm connected with Forward Cam Weaver for Seattle’s lone goal.

With only 14 players on the game’s roster, the Sounders played without the services of Defender Seyi Abolaji. Earning two yellow card cautions in Thursday’s match in Charleston, Abolaji served a league imposed one match suspension for being sent off the field in the 85th minute.

Atlanta’s Jason McLaughlin finished the match with a five-point performance scoring the Silverbacks’ first two goals in the 10th and 61st minutes; and assisted the club’s final goal in the 88th.

The Sounders nearly scored the equalizer before the break, but a Silverback defender made a diving clear near the goal line to preserve a one-goal lead.

In the 71st minute the Sounders trimmed Atlanta’s lead down to one with a goal by rookie Forward Cam Weaver. Scoring his team-leading fifth goal of the season, Weaver moves into second among the league’s leading goal scorers. Assisting on Weaver’s goal, Midfielder Gabe Sturm recorded his first point of the season.

Making his sixth start on the year, Sounders’ rookie goalkeeper, Chris Eylander recorded six saves throughout the night, suffering just his second loss of the season.

The Silverbacks handed the Sounders (2-5-3, 9pts) their third straight road loss, the club’s longest losing skid of the season. The Sounders return home for a few days before departing on another road trip through Puerto Rico and Miami next weekend. The Sounders mustered just one goal on their current road trip, after being shutout 2-0 in Charleston on Thursday, July 8th.

Seattle Starters:
Chris Eylander; Nate Boyden; Noah Merl; Zach Scott; Gabe Sturm; Roger Levesque; Kevin Sakuda; C.J. Klaas; Andrew Gregor; Jamal Sutton; Cam Weaver. 

SOUNDERS LOSE FOURTH STRAIGHT, FALL 4-1 TO ISLANDERS
Posted 6/17/2006

(San Juan, PR) - - Playing their fourth consecutive match on the road, the Seattle Sounders fell 4-1 to the Puerto Rico Islanders at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium. The Islanders handed the Sounders their fourth straight road loss, and marks the second time this season the Sounders have allowed four goals. Scoring the lone goal for the Sounders was a penalty kick by Midfielder Andrew Gregor.

Down just 1-0 at half, the Sounders and Islanders rattled off three goals in five minutes early in the second half. The Islanders took a 3-0 lead on goals by Midfielder Kormac Valdeberito-Gomez and Caleb Norkus just two minutes apart in the 50th and 52nd minutes.

Sounder Midfielder Andrew Gregor finally put the Sounders on the board in the 55th minute with a penalty kick. Forward Cam Weaver was fouled in the box, setting up the PK opportunity. The Sounders took 10 shots throughout the game.

The night was highlighted by a two-goal performance by Puerto Rico Midfielder Gustavo Barros-Schelotto and Islander Forward Auturo Norambuena added two assists.

As a result of injuries to veteran defenders, the Sounders backline consisted of rookies and second year players. Defenders Danny Jackson, Zach Scott and Ben Somoza didn't make the trip due to various injuries. The Sounders did play with two new defenders, Stephen Keel and Jorday Harvey on loan from the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.

The loss continues the Sounders four game losing streak, each of those four games has been on the road beginning June 3rd in Portland. Over the past four games, the Sounders have been outscored 12-3.

The Sounders continue their trip with a stop in Miami to face legendary Forward Romario and Miami FC on Sunday, June 18th at 2pm PST. The match in Miami will be televised live on Fox Soccer Channel, coverage begins at 1:30pm PST. Fans can join the Sounders at Kells Irish Pub and Restaurant for the broadcast.

Starting Line Up:
GK – Mahoney, D – Merl, D – Besgano, D – Keel, D – Harvey (Tomlinson 66’), M – Sakuda (Boyden 66;), M – Gregor (Abolaji 70’), M – Klaas (Rivera 70’), M – O’Brien, F – Levesque, F – Weaver 

ROMARIO SCORES THREE, SOUNDERS FALL 5-3 IN MIAMI
Posted 6/18/2006

(Miami, Fla.) - - In a game of highs and lows, the Seattle Sounders were defeated by Miami FC 5-3 with a three goal performance by Brazilian Forward Romario at Tropical Park Stadium. A red card given to Sounders Midfielder Andrew Gregor forced the Sounders to play a man down nearly the entire match. The three goal output was a season high for the Sounders, all three goals were scored short handed. Romario broke the 3-3 tie in the 86th minute with an eight yard header, and Miami’s Oscar Gil finished the scoring with a goal in stoppage time.

Sounder Midfielder Andrew Gregor was ejected early in the match after tangling with another player on a challenge, knocking both players to the ground. Upon getting up Gregor appeared to trample a Miami player and was given a straight red card by the referee. With the ejection Gregor is required to serve a league imposed one match suspension.

Miami took a 1-0 lead early, but Seattle’s Cam Weaver scored his sixth goal of the season in the 31st minute to even the score. Receiving the ball in the box, Weaver played the ball into space and delivered a shot inside the near post to tie the match at 1-1.

Romario gave Miami FC the lead three times throughout the match, netting the club’s next three goals. Capturing the lead in the 42nd minute on a penalty kick, Romario gave Miami FC a 2-1 lead heading into halftime. He would score again in the 65th for a 3-2 lead and once more 86th minute allowing Miami to go head by a goal 4-3.

The Sounders kept the match close despite playing short handed. Just after the break, new Sounder Defender Stephen Keel scored his first goal of the season on a ball played into the box by Roger Levesque. On the end line outside the box, Levesque sent the ball inside. Levesque’s pass deflected off of Sounder Jordan Harvey and to Keel who was cutting into the six yard box. Keel’s goal tied the match at 2-2 in the 49th minute.

Sounders second half substitute, Forward Craig Tomlinson earned the next Sounder goal as he was fouled in the box on a break-a-way; setting up a penalty kick for Midfielder Leighton O’Brien. With a shot just out of the reach of Miami Goalkeeper Rich Gilstrap and inside the left post, O’Brien tied the match at 3-3 in the 67th minute. The PK goal was O’Brien’s first goal of the season.

Even short handed the Sounders maintained the run of play in the second half pressuring Miami FC with quick counter attacks and possessing the ball in the offensive half of the field. But being short handed would ultimately help Romario find open space in the box in the 86th minute for the go ahead header.

Miami sealed the victory in added time as Oscar Gil netted Miami FC’s fifth goal of the match. The Sounders have now lost five consecutive matches, all five losses coming on the road.

The three goals scored against Miami was Seattle’s highest goal output of the season, but the Sounders also allowed a season high five goals. Romario takes a commanding lead in the goal scoring standings now with eight goals; Weaver maintains his second place ranking now with six.

With another two game road trip next week, the Sounders (2-7-3, 9pts) face the Virginia Beach Mariners on June 22nd before facing the Minnesota Thunder on June 24th. The Sounders next home match is June 28th against the Puerto Rico Islanders at Qwest Field.

For more information visit, www.seattlesounders.net or call (206) 622-3415.

Starting Line Up:
GK – Eylander, D – Merl, D – Harvey (Tomlinson, 54), D – Keel, D – Abolaji (Besagno, 70), M – Sakuda, M – Gregor, M – O’Brien (Boyden, 77), M – Klaas (Rivera, 64), F – Levesque, F – Weaver

Stats
Shots:
SEA: 8
MIA: 15

Saves:
SEA: 2
MIA: 4

Fouls:
SEA: 21
MIA: 19

Corners:
SEA: 8
MIA: 5

Cautions:
SEA: O'Brien (23)

Ejections:
SEA: Gregor (26) 

SOUNDERS END LOSING STREAK, SHUTOUT MARINERS 1-0
Posted 6/22/2006

(Virginia Beach, VA) - - The Seattle Sounders picked up their first victory on the road and ended a five game losing streak defeating the Virginia Beach Mariners 1-0 at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. Rookie Forward Cam Weaver delivered once again, scoring his seventh goal of the season in the 90th minute helping the Sounders capture the victory.

Sounders keeper Chris Eylander recorded all three of his saves in the first half, posting his fourth shutout of the season.

Serving a one game suspension, the Sounders played without Midfielder Andrew Gregor, who was ejected from the match in Miami on Sunday.

After being locked 0-0 at halftime, the Sounders took advantage of their limited scoring opportunities in the second half. With just four total shots taken and three corner kicks, the Sounders were able to generate the game-winning goal in the final minute of play.

Adding to his list of late game goals, Sounder Forward Cam Weaver prevented Virginia Beach Goalkeeper Matt Nelson from finishing his league leading seventh shutout. Now at seven goals on the season, Weaver is within two goals of the league’s leading scorer Romario with nine.

The 1-0 shutout is the Sounders first victory since May 27th when the Sounders defeated the Whitecaps 1-0. The win ended a five game losing streak, the longest in recent franchise history.

The Sounders (3-7-3, 12pts) head to Minnesota to face the Thunder (2-6-2, 8pts) on Saturday, June 24th at 4:05pm PST. The Sounders are 0-1-1 against the Thunder this season, losing 4-0 to the Thunder on April 23rd in Minnesota to open the season.

Fans can listen to the match in Minnesota through www.SeattleSounders.net, play by play will be called by the Thunder supporter group.

Sounders Line Up:
GK – Eylander, D – Merl, D – Besagno, D – Harvey (Rivera, 89), D – Keel, M – Klaas (Abolaji, 86), M – Sakuda, M – O’Brien, M – Levesque, F – Sutton (Tomlinson, 75), F - Weaver 

WEAVER NETS TWO IN 2-2 DRAW IN MINNESTOTA
Posted 6/25/2006

(St. Paul, Minn.) - - The Seattle Sounders battled the Minnesota Thunder to a 2-2 draw at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul, Minn. The Sounders took a 2-0 lead early in the match on two Cam Weaver goals. The Thunder then scored two unanswered to tie the match at 2-2 just 10 minutes later. Weaver’s two goals in the match now tie him with the league leader at nine goals on the season.

Rookie Forward Cam Weaver connected on goals in the 14th and 27th minutes, giving the Sounders a 2-0 lead over the Thunder. Defender Jordan Harvey, on loan from the Colorado Rapids, assisted both of Weaver’s goals.

The Thunder were able to claw their way back into the match. In the 29th minute, Minnesota Defender Dustin Brannan trimmed the Sounder lead to one goal. Nine minutes later, Minnesota tied the score at 2-2 with a goal from Midfielder Kiki Lara.

The Sounders took five of their 14 shots in the second half, but neither team would score as the match ended in a 2-2 draw. The Sounders are 0-1-2 against the Thunder this season.

With nine goals on the season, Weaver is tied with Romario of Miami FC as the league’s leading goal scorer. Weaver has tallied nine goals and one assist in 14 matches this season.

The draw helped the Sounders finished a four point road trip through Virginia Beach and Minnesota. On June 22nd, the Sounders defeated Virginia Beach 1-0 for their first road victory of the season and snapped a five game losing streak.

Both Sounder Defender Jake Besagno (28th minute) and Midfielder Leighton O’Brien (65th minute) were issued yellow card cautions. O’Brien has received a yellow in each of the last three matches.

The Sounders (3-7-4, 13pts) return home to face the Puerto Rico Islanders on June 28th at Qwest Field. The Sounders look to return the favor as the Islanders defeated the 2005 Champs 4-1 in Puerto Rico on June 16th. Kickoff is set for 7pm.

Sounder Line Up:
GK – Eylander, D – Merl, D – Besagno (Abolaji, 45), D – Keel, D – Harvey (Rivera, 86), M – Klaas (Tomlinson, 88), M – O’Brien, M – Sakuda, M – Levesque, F – Weaver, Sutton (Gregor, 58) 

Sutton, Weaver Wipe Out Islanders 2-1
Posted 6/29/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders defeated the Puerto Rico Islanders 2-1 at Qwest Field in their first home match since June 2nd. Sounder Forward Jamal Sutton gave the Sounders an early lead as they dominated the first half of play. Tied 1-1 early in the second half, Sounder Forward Cam Weaver netted his 10th goal of the season to secure the win for the Sounders.

While Puerto Rico had opportunities, the Sounders dominated the first 30 minutes of play. Keeping pressure on the Islander defense, the Sounder offensive line nearly capitalized on multiple opportunities. In the 13th minute of play, Forward Jamal Sutton crossed the ball from the far side, just missing Cam Weaver in the box.

Veteran Danny Jackson held strong in the back in his first game since recent knee surgery. Sounder Defensive newcomers Harvey and Keel, along with Noah Merl shut down Puerto Rico’s offense, holding the Islanders to two shots in the first half.

The Sounders took the lead in the 23rd minute when Forward Jamal Sutton volleyed the ball into the back of the net. Off a Roger Levesque layoff, Kevin Sakuda drilled the ball hitting the crossbar and Sutton was there to capitalize on the rebound.

Puerto Rico came out strong after the half dominating play. Minutes into the second half the Islanders snuck behind the Sounder defense tapping the ball into the net to tie the game at 1-1. Puerto Rico continued pressure in the Sounder half of the field.

On a lucky breakaway in the 73rd minute, Rookie Cam Weaver received a ball from Andrew Gregor just behind the Puerto Rico defense. Weaver touched the ball, stumbled and got back to his feet finishing the ball in the far right corner for his 10th goal of the season.

The Sounders held on to secure the 2-1 win over the Islanders. Goalkeeper Chris Eylander had an impressive performance in the box totaling four saves and holding Puerto Rico to only eight shots.

Seattle faces off with Miami FC Saturday, July 1st at Qwest Field, kick off is 7pm.

Note: With a win over the Richmond Kickers in U.S. Open Cup play, the Carolina Dynamo will host the Sounders in the third round of U.S. Open Cup on July 12th in Browns Summit, North Carolina. 

SOUNDERS WIN SECOND IN A ROW, 2-1 OVER ROMARIO AND MIAMI FC
Posted 7/1/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders defeated the legendary ''Romario'' and Miami FC 2-1 at Qwest Field. The Sounders took a 2-0 lead in the first half on goals scored by Jordan Harvey and CJ Klaas. With a late goal Miami attempted a comeback, but the Sounders held on to secure the victory moving up in the standings with 19 points.

The Seattle fans were pleased when the Sounders offense found its stride early in Saturday nights match against their expansion opponent Miami FC. Coach Brian Schmetzer helped his team find this offensive success by switching into a 3-5-2 lineup, highlighting the importance of midfield domination.

The first Sounder goal was a product of pushing numbers forward and crashing the Miami box. Andrew Gregor shredded through the Miami eighteen before laying a ball across to a wide open Jordan Harvey on the back post. Cam Weaver let the ball through his legs leaving a golden opportunity for Harvey to net his first goal as a Sounder.

The Sounder’s would add an important insurance goal just before half when CJ Klaas displayed his clinical finishing skill. The play developed when Roger Levesque beat his man down the sideline and turned the corner to cutback a low cross to Klaas. Klaas took the cross, and with one deft touch of his right foot he faded the Miami goalkeeper to the back post.

Only one minute later Cam Weaver rose up and hammered a corner kick off the cross bar that left the frame rattled.

Miami would find the only goal of the second half when their high pressure offense finally broke down the sound defense of Seattle. It was Mario Rodriguez, a former member of the Columbus Crew, who found the net in the 82nd minute.

As for the 40 year old Brazilian star Romario, he was shut down. The staunch back line of Noah Merl, Danny Jackson, and Stephen Keel held strong for the Sounders. It was clear through their disciplined play that the three defenders respected Romario’s skill, but they were not afraid to clamp down on the former World Cup champion, allowing him only three shots on goal.

The Seattle Sounders face Mexican Premier League Club America next Saturday, July 8th at Qwest Field. Bringing their full roster, Club America begins a nine-game pre-season tour across the U.S. in Seattle. Tickets for Club America are available through TicketMaster and through the Sounders website, www.seattlesounders.net. Kickoff for the match against Club America is scheduled for 6pm. For more information visit www.seattlesounders.net.

Line Ups:,
Seattle – GK Chris Eylander, D Noah Merl, D Danny Jackson, D Stephen Keel, M Kevin Sakuda, M Andrew Gregor (Rivera Santa Maria, 78) M C.J. Klaas (Craig Tomlinson 66), M Roger Levesque, M Jordan Harvey, F Cam Weaver (Seyi Abolaji, 89), F Jamal Sutton (Jake Sagare, 62)

Miami – Gk Chris Doyle, D J.P. Rodrigues, D Stephane Guillaume, D Mike Erush (Fabian Sandoval, 69) D Allen Handy, M Walter Ramirez (Oscar Gil, 45), M “Zinho,” M John Pulido (Diego Walsh, 57), M Mike Adeyemi, F “Romario,” F Mario Rodriguez

Sounders Fall 2-0 in International Friendly Versus Club America
Posted 7/8/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders battled Mexican powerhouse Club America in an international friendly to a 2-0 loss at Qwest Field. Former Argentinian National Team player and Club America Forward Claudio “El Piojo” Lopez netted two goals to secure the victory for the Aguilas in front of a crowd of over 10,000.

The first half of play consisted of a physical back and forth battle, each team with multiple scoring opportunities. Both clubs nearly capitalized on set plays. The Sounders played strong offensively, keeping pressure in the Club America box. In the 21st minute, Andrew Gregor sent a long free kick into the box, just missing Cam Weaver.

In the 27th minute of play, America Forward Alvin Mendoza received his second yellow card caution of the match for rough play forcing Club America to play down a man the rest of the match.

Club America played strong, working the ball down the field in their first match of the pre-season. Awarded a free kick near the right side of the 18-yard box in the 36th minute, Club America’s Juan Carlos Mosquesda sent the ball into the box connecting with Ricardo Rojas. Sounder Goalkeeper Chris Eylander came off his line to make the save.

The Sounders came out strong after the half, but Club America was quick on the attack. On a breakaway Forward Matias Vuoso went one on one with Chris Eylander in the box. Eylander slid to make the save tripping up Vuoso resulting in a caution for Eylander and a penalty kick for America. Lopez drilled the PK into the back of the net to put Club America up 1-0.

Roger Levesque and Craig Tomlinson kept offensive pressure on the Aguilas defense but were unable to find the net. In the 81st minute, America Forward Lopez struck again off a long ball from Midfielder German Villa on the right side. Lopez drilled the ball into the far corner to give Club America a 2-0 lead.

The Sounders were nearly on the board in the 84th minute when Craig Tomlinson played a ball back to Jake Sagare. Sagare drilled the ball with his left foot and into the net but the assistant referee’s flag indicating Tomlinson was offsides.

In the 89th minute, Club America was issued another red card and was down to nine men for the final minutes of the match. Defender Luis Vilegas received a red card for a slide tackle on Tomlinson. A total of six yellow cautions and two red cards were issued in the match. America held on to claim the 2-0 victory over the Sounders.

Goalkeeper Chris Eylander had an impressive performance with four saves. Sounder Defender Ben Somoza returned to the pitch looking strong after missing the much of the first half of the season due to injury. 

SOUNDERS FALL TO CAROLINA 3-2 IN OT, KNOCKED OUT OF OPEN CUP
Posted 7/13/2006

(Brown Summit, N.C.) - - The Seattle Sounders traveled to the east coast to face the Carolina Dynamo in the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup at Macpherson Stadium. In a close match the Sounders fell 3-2 in the second overtime period on a goal by Dynamo Forward Darryl Roberts. Scoring for the Sounders were Forward Cam Weaver and Midfielder Andrew Gregor. Both goals were go-ahead tallies, but the Dynamo were able to respond quickly.

The Dynamo had scoring chances early but Sounder Goalkeeper Chris Eylander made spectacular saves including a punched header over the crossbar to keep the score knotted at 0-0 through the first half.

The flood gates were opened in the 76th minute as the Sounders leading scorer, Forward Cam Weaver netted his 11th goal of the season to give the Sounders a 1-0 lead. Serving the header was Midfielder Jake Sagare who was awarded the assist. Just two minutes later the Dynamo’s Michael Lahoud responded with the equalizer forcing the match into overtime.

Six minutes into overtime, Sounder Midfielder Andrew Gregor gave the Sounders a slim 2-1 lead on a penalty kick in the 96th minute of the match. However, once again the Dynamo were able to answer back just minutes later on a Ben Hunter goal in the 98th minute.

The Dynamo pulled out the victory as the club’s second leading scorer Forward Darryl Roberts, who has eight regular season goals, nailed the clincher in the second overtimE period. Carolina, who has yet to loose a match this season to any opponent advance to the Open Cup’s Fourth Round to face Major League Soccer side, the Houston Dynamo on August 2nd in Houston.

For the second consecutive season the Sounders have been eliminated in the Third Round of the annual tournament. Last season the Sounders were defeated by the Portland Timbers in Portland, Ore.

The only USL First Division clubs to advance to the Fourth Round of the 2006 U.S. Open Cup are the Rochester Raging Rhinos and the Charleston Battery, both clubs hosted their Third Round match ups.

The Sounders return home and return to their 2006 USL First Division schedule when they face the Montreal Impact at Qwest Field on Saturday, July 15th at 7pm. The Impact bring the league’s best defense to town having allowed only five goals in 13 matches. Tickets are available by contacting the Sounders at (206) 622-3415 or online at www.seattlesounders.net.

Sounders Line Up:
GK Eylander, D Jackson, D Somoza (Tomlinson, 90), D Besagno, D Rivera (Sagare, 45), M Levesque (Abolaji, 108), M Sakuda, M O'Brien, M Gregor, F Sutton (Sturm, 55), F Weaver

Carolina Line Up:
G Saxe, D Osei, D H. Cronen, D Lewis, M Lewis, M S. Cronen, M Thompson, M Franks, F Patterson, F Roberts, F Hunter

Shots:
SEA - 8
CAR - 14

Saves:
SEA - 5
CAR - 6

Corners:
SEA - 4
CAR - 11

Cautions:
SEA: Sakuda 26, Gregor 37,
CAR: Osei 40, Solle 84, Wells 86, Saxe 89, Lewis 90 

Montreal Defeats Sounders 2-1 on Late Goal
Posted 7/15/2006

(Seattle, Wash.)- - The Seattle Sounders fell to a strong Montreal Impact squad 2-1 on Saturday night at Qwest field. The Sounders took the lead on a Cam Weaver header in the 31st minute, but two unanswered goals by Montreal handed the Sounders their first loss in four matches. With the win Montreal rejoins Vancouver at the top of the table.

The Impact’s offense looked dangerous and well organized from kick-off. In the opening minutes the Sounders were forced to weather an offensive assault from Montreal. Forward Massimo Di Ioia had a priceless goal scoring opportunity in the 4th minute, but Elyander turned Di Ioia’s shot away from the near-post with a spectacular diving save.

The game slowed down in around 20th minute when three players were given yellow cards. Seattle’s Leighton O’Brien and Montreal’s Jason Di Tullio were in the middle of the two team scrum and were both issued cautions in the 20th minute. Gabriel Gervais was cautioned just later in the 23rd minute for Montreal.

In the 31st minute the tide would turn in the Sounder’s favor. Cam Weaver would regain the scoring lead in the league when he flicked a header past Montreal keeper Andrew Weber. The assist came off of a 25-yard Ben Somoza throw-in. Weaver found the ball with his back to the goal and redirected it off of the back of his head. The floating shot went just below the crossbar for the goal. The goal was only the sixth given up by Montreal this season.

Six minutes later Montreal found the equalizer in the 37th minute when Forward Joel Bailey broke free from the Sounder defense to slot home the Impact’s goal. Bailey was sprung on a throw ball slipped in behind the Sounder defense by midfielder Mesut Mert.

In the 72nd minute Impact substitutes Mauro Biello and Daniel Antoniuk linked up to put Montreal in the lead. Antoniuk carried the ball inside the Sounder’s eighteen yard box drawing multiple defenders. At the last moment Antoniuk looked right and played Biello to his right foot for the far post finish.

The rough action for both teams would not stop until the final whistle. Two red cards were issued by the center referee Colin Arblaster in the 89th minute. Seattle’s O’Brien saw his second yellow turn into a red when he came in hard on Montreal’s Di Lornetzo. Di Lorentzo’s retaliation resulted in a straight red card.

O’Brien will serve a one game league imposed suspension for his ejection during the Sounders home and home series against the Portland Timbers. Sounder midfielder Andrew Gregor also reached the five caution mark during the match and will also serve a one game league imposed suspension against Portland.

The Sounders meet the Cardiff City FC Bluebirds of the Coca-Cola English League Championship next Tuesday, July 18th in exhibition play. Cardiff City and star striker Michael Chopra, from the English Premier League's Newcastle, visit the Northwest in preparation of their season as they make a run at the English Premier League. The Sounders battle the Welsh club at Qwest Field at 7pm.

Line-ups-

Seattle- GK Chris Eylander, D Danny Jackson, D Jake Besagno, D Noah Merl (Jamal Sutton, 81), M Santa Maria Rivera (Jake Sagare, 60), M Kevin Sakuda, M Leighton O’Brien, M Andrew Gregor, M Ben Somoza (Craig Tomlinson, 70), F Roger Levesque, F Cam Weaver

Montreal- GK Andrew Weber, D Gabriel Gervais, D Nevio Pizzolitto, D Jason Ditullio, D Lars Lyssand, M Patrick Leduc, M Ze Roberto, M Mesut Mert (Leonardo Di Lorentzo, 71) M Kirk Wilson, F Massimo Di loia (Mauro Biello, 60), F Joel Bailey (Daniel Antoniuk, 54) 

LEVESQUE PULLS SOUNDERS EVEN WITH CARDIFF 1-1 IN 72nd MINUTE
Posted 7/19/2006

(Seattle, Wash.)- - The Seattle Sounders and the Cardiff City Bluebirds, from Wales of the English League Championship faced off in a 1-1 draw at Qwest Field. The Blue Birds took an early 1-0 lead in the 4th minute on a Michael Chopra goal. But Sounder Forward Roger Levesque netted in his first goal of the season for the equalizer.

The Bluebirds enjoyed a wealth of position in the opening 15 minutes of play. In the 4th minute former Newcastle (EPL) player Michael Chopra found the back of the net for his new 2006 side, Cardiff. The play developed as the Bluebirds strung together some talented combinations up the left side of the pitch, providing the space for midfielder Paul Parry to flight in a pinpoint cross. Parry's delivery found Chopra six yards out from goal, prepared to slam a header into the top shelf just out of Sounder Goalkeeper Chris Eylander's reach.

The Bluebirds proceeded to outshoot the Sounders 8-2 in the first half, however the Sounder defense would only allow the strong visiting side one first half goal.

The Sounders would battle throughout the second half to earn an equalizer, and in the 72nd minute it would finally come. Roger Levesque tallied his first goal of the season to pull his Sounder club square with visiting Cardiff City. Sounder Midfielder Jake Sagare beat his man around the right flank to whip a cross near post for Levesque. Levesque flew in on a perfectly timed run and raised up to smash the ball into the back of the net.

Cardiff forward Michael Chopra nearly notched the game winner in the 86th minute, when he broke free on a one on one with Eylander. Eylander recognized Chopra's errant touch on the top of the eighteen, and left his line to snatch the ball from Chopra's foot.

What's Next: The Sounders battle USL First Division arch rival, the Portland Timbers in a home and home series this weekend, hosting the Timbers on Saturday, July 22nd at Qwest Field at 7pm, on Sounder Bobble-Head / Nike Night. The Sounders look for their first win over Portland this season after going 0-1-1 in a home and home series earlier in the season. The Sounders travel to Portland on Friday, June 21st.

Line-Ups
Seattle Sounders - GK Chris Eylander, D Danny Jackson, D Noah Merl, D Jake Besagno (Nate Boyden, 70), M Ben Somoza (Jake Sagare, 57), M Leighton O'Brien, M Andrew Gregor, M Santa Maria Rivera (Gabe Sturm, 45), M Kevin Sakuda (Seyi Abolaji, 45), F Craig Tomlinson (Jamal Sutton, 57), F Roger Levesque (Maykel Galindo, 79)

Cardiff City - GK Neil Alexander, RB Kevin McNaughton (Chris Barker, 68), LB Joe Ledley, MF Riccy Scimeca, D Darren Purse (Roger Johnson, 45), D Glen Loovens, RMF Neal Ardley (Kevin Cooper, 45), F Michael Chopra, F Stephen Thompson (Jeff Whitley, 78), MF Stephen McPhail, LMF Paul Parry 

Sounders Defeated Rival Portland 2-1 On The Road
Posted 7/21/2006

(Portland, Ore.) - - The Seattle Sounders defeated arch rival, the Portland Timbers 2-1 in their third match up of the season. With the temperature in the mid to upper 90s at kickoff, the heat played a role as both teams struggled to get things going early. As the weather cooled the scoring heated up as the Sounders netted goals in the 86th and 87th minutes of the match to take a 2-1 lead. The Timbers were able to sneak a goal in late into stoppage time on a Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar free kick, but the Sounders were able to hold on for their first victory over Portland in 2006.

The Portland Timbers had the run of play in the matches opening 15 minutes as they their first shot of the match in the first minute. Sounder goalkeeper Chris Eylander was forced to make two key saves early in the match including one on a break-a-way.

Once the match settled in the Sounders midfield and defense played well slowing down the Portland attack and winning possession at midfield. The Sounders had a goal waived off in the 13th minute due to an offside call. Midfielder Jordan Harvey headed the ball to the far post inside the six yard box where Forward Roger Levesque was streaking in. Harvey was called offside on the play.

Yellow cards in back to back minutes issued to the Timbers set up a free kick for the Sounders 26 yards out on the left side of the box. Midfielder Andrew Gregor's ball into the box was knocked over the crossbar by Defender Jake Besagno.

The second half began much like the first half ended with both teams battling for possession at midfield. Shortly after the second half began, PGE Park went dark in the 48th minute minus three sets along the east side of the stadium. After a 10 minute delay, the stadium was able to re-start most of the lights except for the set in the southwest corner of the stadium, the Sounders offensive end. Both teams decided to continue the match in the 58th minute as that one set of lights would eventually turn back on.

Sounder Forward Cam Weaver had an opportunity to give the Sounders a 1-0 lead in the 72nd minute on a free kick by Gregor 30 yards out. Gregor sent the ball far post across the box where Weaver was there for the header, but his shot went straight into Timber goalkeeper Josh Saunders' chest.

The offensive pressure for both squads increased late in the match. In the 86th minute, Besagno put the first tally on the board for the Sounders with a solid finish off of a Gregor free kick from 30 yards out. Gregor sent the ball to Besagno standing in the center of the box. Collecting the ball, turning on it and rifling it in was Besagno for his first goal of the season giving the Sounders a 1-0 lead. Gregor was awarded the assist on the play.

Only a minute later the Sounders leading goal scorer, Weaver notched what would be the clincher on a well placed ball from second half sub Maykel Galindo streaking down the left side of the box. Weaver on a run himself along the far post was left open as Galindo forced a one on one with Saunders. Galindo hit Weaver in stride allowing for the finish under a diving Saunders for a 2-0 lead late in the match. Galindo earned his first point of the season in his USL First Division debut with the assist.

During the 10 plus minute stoppage time due to the light outage, Eylander made three crucial saves to keep the Timbers off the board. About three minutes into added time, Portland knocked the ball around the box allowing Defender Scot Thompson to get his head on the ball. Eylander quickly reacted and pulled the loose ball in.

With only two minutes remaining in stoppage time a foul called on Sounder Captain Danny Jackson on top of the 18 set up a Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar free kick. With a solid right footed strike the Timbers cut the Sounders lead in half 2-1.

As the final whistle blew, the Sounders snatched a needed win from rival Portland. The Sounders handed the Timbers their fifth straight USL First Division loss and is the first regular season victory for Seattle in Portland since August of 2004. The two teams square off once again tomorrow night in the back end of a home and home series in Seattle. The match kicks off at Qwest Field at 7pm.

Line Ups
Seattle - GK Eylander, D Jackson, D Merl, D Besagno, M Abolaji (Sagare, 74), M Gregor, M Sakuda, M Somoza (Galindo, 69), M Harvey (Sturm, 88), F Weaver, F Levesque

Portland - GK Saunders, D Goodfellow, D Randolph, D Thompson, D Nsien, M Morrison, M Alcaraz-Cuellar, M O. Bullen, M Kreamalmeyer, F McAthy, F Alvarez 

Sounders Move Up In Standings With 3-1 Win Over Portland
Posted 7/23/2006

(Seattle, Wash.)- - The Seattle Sounders made it back-to-back victories over their arch-rivals the Portland Timbers with a 3-1 victory Saturday night at Qwest Field. It was a hot and humid evening but the Sounders got on track early with a Cam Weaver goal in the 10th minute. Sounder Forwards Roger Levesque and Maykel Galindo scored their first goals of the season sealing the victory. The Timbers only goal was the result of a penalty kick by Luke Kreamalmeyer.

The Sounders dodged two bullets in the opening 5 minutes of their rubber match with the Timbers. Sounder keeper Chris Eylander was beaten twice by Timber shots. However, both shots by Timber forward Oral Bullen careened off the post and away from the goal.

Unlike the Timbers offense the Sounders would take advantage of their early chances. Forward Cam Weaver connected with Midfield Leighton O’Brien on a set piece forty yards from goal to put the Sounders on the board in only the 10th minute. O’Brien flighted in a perfect cross that found Weaver in a crowd of Timber defenders. Weaver went to the air and headed the ball back across the goal and past Timber keeper Martin Hutton.

The Timbers would equalize in the 17th minute off of a questionable penalty call. Noah Merl committed a soft foul inside the eighteen that allowed Timber midfielder Luke Kreamalmeyer a chance to draw even from the penalty spot. Kreamalmeyer kept his shot low to the left corner to beat Eylander.

Seattle would retake the lead in the 27th minute off of Roger Leveque’s first official goal of the USL season. The opportunity developed when O’Brien sent in a corner that defender Jake Besagno headed off the crossbar. Roger Levesque was at the center of the ensuing scrum in front of the net. Levesque bent down, found the ball, and nodded the rebound just below the Timber keeper’s outstretched arm.

Just before half closed Timber midfielder Mike Randolph was issued a red card giving the Sounders a one man advantage for the remainder of the game. In the 42nd minute Randolph got tangled up with O’Brien after Randolph committed a hard foul. During the scuffle Randolph’s swinging fist connected with O’Brien’s face directly in view of the referee. As a result Randolph was sent off and O’Brien earned a caution.

The Sounders would add a world class insurance goal in the 59th minute. The play was highlighted by a back-heel from Levesque to Midfielder Ben Somoza. Somoza took the heel pass in stride and entered the eighteen before he cut back a flawless pass to substitute Maykel Galindo for the assist and finish. Galindo put his head down and buried the ball past the Timber’s keeper, low and toward the far-post.

What’s Next: The Sounders hit the road for a three game road trip through the northeast and Canada playing the Rochester Raging Rhinos, Montreal Impact, and Toronto Lynx beginning July 26th. The next home match for the Sounders is August 11th against the Virginia Beach Mariners at Qwest Field. Kick off is scheduled for 7pm, tickets are available online at www.seattlesounders.net or by calling the Sounders at (206) 622-3415.

Line-ups
Seattle- GK Chris Eylander, D Danny Jackson, D Jake Besagno, D Noah Merl, M Seyi Abolaji (Maykel Galindo, 45), M Kevin Sakuda, M Jordan Harvey (Jake Sagare, 58), M Ben Somoza (CJ Klass, 65), M Leighton O’Brien (Craig Tomlinson, 80), F Roger Levesque, F Cam Weaver (Santa Maria Rivera, 70)

Portland- GK Martin Hutton, D Scot Thompson, D Josh Brown (Salim Bullen, 70), D Jacobi Goodfellow, M Michael Nsien, M Mike Randolph, M Lee Morrison (Gavin Wilkinson, 45) M Tom Poltl, M Luke Kreamalmeyer, F Byron Alvarez (Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, 45), F Oral Bullen (Troy Ready, 86) 

SOUNDERS FALL 1-0 IN MONTREAL ON EARLY GOAL BY SALLES
Posted 7/27/2006

(Montreal, Quebec) - - The Seattle Sounders faced the league leading Montreal Impact in their first of three road matches this week. On an early goal by Forward Mauricio Salles, the Impact defeated the Sounders 1-0 at Claude-Robillard Sports Complex. Montreal held on to their one goal lead despite several chances by the Sounders late in the match. The loss is on the second for the Sounders in their last eight matches, both coming at the hand of the Impact. The Sounders now move on to play the Rochester Raging Rhinos on Friday, July 28th.

Montreal Forward Mauricio Salles tallied his sixth goal of the season in the ninth minute giving the Impact a 1-0 lead. The Impact controlled possession in the first half as Salles’ goal was just one of his five shots in the first half. The Sounders were out shot 5-11, but the tables would turn in the second half.

A red card ejection issued to Montreal’s Ze Roberto ignited Seattle’s offensive barrage in the second half as the Sounders out shot the Impact 10-4 in the final 45 minutes. Sounder rookie forward and leading scorer had four shots throughout the match including the potential equalizer in the 83rd minute but couldn’t get one past Impact Goalkeeper Andrew Weber who posted his seventh shutout of the season.

Sounder Goalkeeper Chris Eylander recorded a career high eight saves on 15 shots faced. The 1-0 loss is on the third time this season the Sounders have been shutout.

The Impact continue their flawless home record, now 6-0-3 and have outscored opponents 14-2.

Moving onto Rochester, NY the Sounders visit the Raging Rhinos at their new facility PAETAC Park on Friday, July 28th. The match in Rochester will kick off is scheduled for 5:00pm. The Raging Rhinos are currently in third place in the USL First Division.

Note: With 13,397 spectators, the Impact set a new attendance record for the regular season, surpassing the previous mark of 13,367 fans established on July 11 against Toronto. It was also the Impact’s second largest crowd in club history, after the 2004 championship final, September 18, 2005, which attracted 13,648 spectators also against the Sounders. 

SOUNDERS FALL IN ROCHESTER ON FRIDAY NIGHT, 2-1
Posted 7/29/2006

The Seattle Sounders, in the middle of their last three-game road trip of the 2006 season, fell to Rochester Raging Rhinos 2-1 on Friday night at Paetec Park in Rochester.

With the loss, the Sounders drop to 7-10-4, 25 points.

After two Rochester corner kicks within the first three minutes of the match, the Sounders grabbed possession of the run of play. An up and down game, the Sounders got on the board first on a set play.

Cam Weaver (14 goals, 1 assist) got his right foot on a corner kick in the 11th minute of the match and scored his league leading 14th goal. Roger Levesque (1 goal, 3 assists), who flicked the ball Weaver’s way, was credited with the assist.

Rochester got on the board in the 43rd minute courtesy of Matthew Delicate (team leading 7th goal of the season) who made an aggressive run into the 18-yard line. A ball was served in by Kenney Bertz who picked up his first professional point with the assist.

The Rhinos nearly got the go ahead strike with less than a minute left in the first half. Johnny Menyongar spun around Kevin Sakuda and placed a beautiful ball on the foot of Connally Edozien who whiffed on his shot attempt.

The Sounders were out shot 13-2 in the first half.

Menyongar continued his dangerous pace in the early minutes of the second frame. With several Rhinos stacked at the top of the 18-yard line, a 50/50 ball rolled to the foot of Menyongar who rifled a shot high over Eylander’s goal.

A quick counter by Seattle and a botched off-sides trap by Rochester sprung Sounders forward Maykel Galindo at the 50 minute mark. Galindo sprinted into the 6-yard line but was met my Rochester keeper and his shot was denied.

Delicate was in the middle of the action again in the 59th minute – his right-footed blast was met with a great save by Eylander. Stephen Keel was planted inside the 6-yard line and was able to clear away the rebound.

The Rhinos grabbed the lead in the 60th minute when Menyongar (3 goals, 2 assists) took a shot from the top of 18-yard line. His shot was deflected but Menyongar was able to corral the loose ball and beat Eylander.

The Sounders nearly found the equalizer in the 72nd minute on a Leighton O’Brien corner kick. A dangerous bending ball found its way inside Vallow’s box but three Sounders were unable to finish.

A flurry of Sounders subs couldn’t square the match over the last 15 minutes of play.

The Sounders travel to Toronto for a Sunday afternoon match kicking off at 3:00 PM PT.

The next Sounders home game is August 11th against the Virginia Beach Mariners.

For more information visit www.seattlesounders.net.



Starting lineups – Seattle – Eylander, Merl (Besagno, 66), Jackson, Keel, Harvey (Sagare, 61), O’Brien (Klaas, 75), Sakuda (Tomlinson, 83), Gregor, Levesque, Weaver, Galindo (Somoza, 79)

Rochester – Vallow, Bertz, Palguta, Craft, Howes (Gbeke, 80), Delicate, Lines, Ball, Sanfilippo, Menyongar (Ambersley, 80), Edozien (Martinez, 73)

Rochester 8-2-7, 31 points Seattle 7-10-4, 25 points

Notes –
Sounders forward Maykel Galindo flew to Rochester late last night in order to be at tonight’s game. He left Thursday evening after an immigration hearing in Seattle and is a few steps closer to acquiring his green card. This was his first start of the regular season.

This was the Sounder’s first appearance in the recently opened Paetec Park.

The Rhinos defeated the Sounders 2-1 on May 17th in Seattle.

The Sounders travel to Toronto to face the Lynx on Sunday before flying to Seattle on Monday.

Weaver’s 14th goal of the year was the Sounders league leading 27th goal of season.

The Sounders will play the last 5 of 6 regular season home games at home. 

Sounders Drop Third Straight On Road To Toronto
Posted 7/30/2006

(Toronto, Ontario) - - The Seattle Sounders fell to the Toronto Lynx 4-2 in their third and final match of their road trip east on Sunday in Toronto. First-half goals by C.J. Klaas and Cam Weaver helped the Sounders hold even with the Lynx, but two late unanswered goals by Toronto propelled them to victory. Playing three matches in five days, the Sounders (7-11-4, 25pts) have lost three straight and currently sit just points away from one of the six playoff spots in the USL First Division.

The Sounders took a 1-0 lead early in the match on C.J. Klaas’ second goal of the season. Klaas was set up by Defender Stephen Keel, returning to the Sounders on loan from the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer for the three-game trip.

Firing back, Toronto notched back-to-back goals in the 16 and 25th minute. Scoring for the Lynx were Midfielder Kevin Jeffery and Forward Matt Palleschi giving Toronto a 2-1 edge over Seattle midway through the first half.

In the final minute of the first half the Sounders pulled even with the Lynx thanks to Cam Weaver’s 15th goal of the season. Midfielder Kevin Sakuda set up the equalizer in the 44th minute earning his first point of the year.

Through the first half the Sounders were out shot 7-3, but scored on two of their three shots.

The Lynx capitalized on their two of their 10 second half shots late in the match landing two goals in consecutive minutes. Second half subs Darren Pottinger and Osni Neto scored in the 85th minute and 86th minutes respectively helping Toronto capture the 4-2 victory.

The Sounders, who have played six matches over the last two weeks including three in the last five days have a week off before playing the final stretch of the 2006 regular season. The Sounders will host five of their last six matches at Qwest Field; their final road match is in Vancouver in September.

The Sounders play their next match on August 11th against the Virginia Beach Mariners at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash. at 7pm. For tickets or more information log onto www.seattlesounders.net.

Line Ups:
Seattle – GK Eylander, D Merl (Besagno 45), D Jackson, D Keel, D Somoza (Harvey 68), M Klaas (Sagare 71), M Sakuda, M O’Brien (Tomlinson 80), M Gregor, F Weaver, F Levesque

Toronto - GK Zagar, D Titus, D Aranzo, D Bedenikovich, D Williams, M Jeffrey (Pottinger 61), M Di Placido, M Dodds, M Aristodemo (Chin 66), M Dekker (Neto 75), F Palleschi (Anstey 90)

Notes:
Sounder Midfielder C.J. Klaas made his first start since returning from a five match suspension on July 22nd.

Weaver’s 15th goal of the season puts him three ahead of Miami FC’s Romario (12) for the league lead in goals scored.

Palleschi’s goal was his third of the season and puts him in a three-way tie for the Toronto team lead.

For only the 4th time all season the Sounders have allowed four or more goals.

Stats:
Saves – SEA: 3, TOR: 3
Shots – SEA: 7, TOR: 17
Fouls – SEA: 7, TOR: 7

Cautions:
SEA: Weaver 33, Gregor 49, Somoza 62
TOR: Dodds 21, Dekker 34, Palleschi 45, Chin 72 

Weaver Nets a Hat Trick as Sounders Crush Virginia Beach 5 - 1
Posted 8/11/2006

(Tukwila, Wash.)- - The Seattle Sounders defeated the Virginia Beach Mariners 5-1 Friday night at the Starfire Sports Complex. Cam Weaver scored three first half goals to secure the Sounder’s rookie scoring record, while Maykel Galindo and Roger Levesque each added one goal to the bottom line. Cam Weaver is now three goals away from setting the Sounder’s all-time goal mark for a single season.

The Seattle Sounders offense was firing on all cylinders in the first half of their game Friday against the Virginia Beach Mariners.

Cam Weaver kicked off the scoring for the Sounders in the 2nd minute of the match. Fellow forward Maykel Galindo battled his way up the left side of the Mariners defense before laying a perfect ball across the goal mouth for Weaver. Weaver smashed home his 16th goal of the season with ease.

Weaver did not wait long to return the favor, in the 14th minute he assisted Galindo on the second Sounder goal of the match. Galindo chested down a Weaver pass inside the eighteen prior to volleying the ball home. Galindo’s shot hovered just below the cross bar and did not stop rising until it hit the back of the net.

The Sounders would not stop at scoring two first half goals. Weaver notched his second goal of the game in the 23rd minute. The play developed when Galindo slipped Weaver in behind the last two Mariners defenders. Cam took one-touch to rocket a shot over the outstretched arms of Mariners goal keeper Matthew Nelson.

The Mariners would get one back in the 27th minute when forward Greg Simmonds found the back of the net. Simmonds settled a ball inside the Sounder eighteen and turned to strike a left footed volley. Simmonds was roughly 10 yards out when he took the shot that found the left corner of the goal.

The Sounders offense grabbed their fourth goal of the first half in minute 35, thanks to another Galindo and Weaver connection. Galindo sprinted from half with the ball at his feet and two defenders on his heels. The forward found just enough space to blast a shot off of the crossbar and back down to a well prepared Weaver on the backpost. Weaver calmly played the rebound into the net with the instep of his right foot to complete his hat-trick before the end of the first half.

The Sounders kept their goal hungry fans happy by scoring a late second half goal to stretch the lead to four. Kevin Sakuda found Roger Levesque in the 85th minute for what would be the last goal of the game. Sakuda’s cross was well paced and directed right toward Levesque’s head. Levesque nodded the ball back down into the far post and sprinted gleefully to the sideline to celebrate with his teammates on the bench.

Weaver's three goals on the night set a new Sounder record for goals scored in a single season by a rookie, 18. The mark was set in 2000 by Forward Greg Howes, who after netting 17 goals went on to earn USL Rookie of the Year honors. Weaver now has five games to match or break the Sounders record for goals scored in a single season set by Mark Baena - 20 goals in 1998 and 1999.

What’s Next? Support the Sounders as they make a run for the playoffs in August and early September. The Sounders face rival Vancouver on Saturday, August 19th at Qwest Field. Kick off is set for 7pm. Order tickets online at www.seattlesounders.net or call (206) 622-3415 for more information.

Line-Ups

Seattle- GK Chris Eylander, D Danny Jackson, D Noah Merl, D Jake Besagno (Seyi Abolaji, 81), M Roger Levesque, M CJ Klass, M Leighton O’Brien, M Kevin Sakuda, M Andrew Gregor (Ben Somoza, 76), F Cam Weaver (Jake Sagare, 49), F Maykel Galindo (Jamal Sutton, 74)

Virginia Beach- GK Matthew Nelson (Joe Barton, 45), D Kupono Low (Cephas McColm, 24), D Craig Demmin, D Steve Danbusky, M Jeff Bilyk (Russell Hutchison, 45), M Steve Shak, M Tim O’Neill (Leepaul Scroggins, 45), M Felix Brillant, M Pato Vargas, F Greg Simmonds (John Nusum, 70), F Ryan Mack 

SOUNDERS SHUT OUT WHITECAPS 2-0, WIN CASCADIA CUP
Posted 8/20/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders defeated the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps 2-0 at Qwest Field, their second consecutive win as they make their push for the post season. Sounder Midfielder Leighton O’Brien recorded a goal and an assist in the contest as Goalkeeper Chris Eylander completed his fifth shutout of the season. The win over Vancouver puts the Sounders back into the playoff mix and secured the Northwest’s Cascadia Cup.

The Sounders took the lead in the 32nd minute when Midfielder Andrew Gregor scored his third goal of the season. O’Brien played a free kick over the top into the box where Gregor tipped the ball over his defender into open space. With a left footed strike, Gregor slipped the ball inside the far post for the 1-0 lead.

While Cuban Forward Maykel Galindo was held scoreless he created the Sounders’ second goal of the night stealing the ball from a Vancouver defender just outside the Vancouver box. Galindo then found Cam Weaver streaking toward the goal; about 10 yards out after Weaver’s first touch Vancouver goalkeeper Tony Caig charged Weaver and as a result up ended Weaver for the foul and a penalty kick. O’Brien was awarded the PK opportunity, and delivered giving the Sounders the 2-0 victory.

Eylander recorded seven saves, earning his fifth shutout of the season. O’Brien was booked in the 56th minute after a hard foul. The yellow card caution was his eighth of the season and will now have to serve a two-game league imposed suspension in the heart of the Sounders’ playoff push.

The victory gave the Sounders the 3rd Annual Cascadia Cup. The Cascadia Cup is an annual derby between the Sounders, Whitecaps and Portland Timbers. Head to head matches are tallied and awarded points based upon wins and draws. This is the first Cascadia Cup for the Sounders, the Whitecaps have won the first two annual awards.

The Sounders face the Minnesota Thunder in their next match at Qwest Field on Friday, August 25th. Kick of is scheduled for 7pm. Tickets are available online at www.seattlesounders.net. 

Sounders Shutout Minnesota 1-0, Win Third Straight
Posted 8/26/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders battled the visiting Minnesota Thunder to a 1-0 victory at Qwest Field Friday night. The Sounders dominated the first half of play and took a one goal lead on an Andrew Gregor free kick in the 9th minute. The Sounders fought off several attacks by the Thunder in the second half but held on to their 1-0 lead for their third straight victory and ended Minnesota’s four game winning streak. The win moves the Sounders into fifth place in the USL First Division.

Sounder Midfielder Andrew Gregor scored his second goal in as many games to put the Seattle side on the board in the 9th minute. Forward Maykel Galindo had his shirt yanked by Thunder defender Freddy Juarez six yards outside the eighteen who was called for the foul. Gregor took the 25-yard free kick from the right side and hooked the ball inside the top corner of the near post for the 1-0 Sounder lead.

Minnesota gained momentum heading into the break. But a diving save from Goalkeeper Chris Eylander and the Sounders defense preserved the 1-0 lead.

The Thunder maintained the run of play early in the second half forcing Eylander to make two early saves – he finished the match with four saves, bringing his season totals to 83.

Regaining control of the match towards the 55 minute mark, the Sounders produced a flurry of scoring opportunities. Midfielder Leighton O’Brien played a quick free kick to Forward Roger Levesque deep in the box. With a smooth header inside Levesque sent the ball towards the goalmouth but was deflected out of play.

Moments later, Sounder Forward Cam Weaver, pinned on the far side of the box about 12 yards out slipped Forward Maykel Galindo the ball at the far post. With a diving lunge Galindo’s strike on the ball rattled off the post out to C.J. Klaas who drilled a shot over the cross bar.

The physical match turned chippy for a ten minute stretch between the 69th and 78th minute as four cautions were issued, including Thunder Forward Leo Gibson’s second of the match who was then sent off in the 77th minute forcing his teammates to play a man down.

In the 84th minute Gregor just missed his second goal of the night wide right. The ball was played across the goal eight yards in front of Gregor chasing down the ball. Making contact with the ball in stride, Gregor’s shot flew wide.

The Sounders were able to hold off a late attack by the Thunder in the closing minutes to claim the 1-0 victory. Eylander recorded his sixth shutout of the season, and second in consecutive matches. Eylander held Vancover scoreless in a 2-0 Sounder win on August 19th.

With their third straight victory the Sounders (10-11-4, 34pts) have moved into the fifth place in the USL First Division and currently hold the fifth playoff spot. The Sounders are only two points ahead of Atlanta, Miami and Virginia Beach all tied with 32 points apiece.

In the match Gregor received his eighth yellow card caution of the season, and as a result will serve a two-match league imposed suspension on September 1st against Charleston and September 8th in Vancouver. He’ll miss the same two matches that Midfielder Leighton O’Brien will miss with his two game suspension for accumulating eight yellow cards; O’Brien was issued his eighth of the season against the Whitecaps on August 19th.

Sounders Fall To Battery 2-1 In 89th Minute, End Winning Streak
Posted 9/2/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Charleston Battery broke the Seattle Sounders three game winning streak with a game winner in the 89th minute for a 2-1 decision at Qwest Field on Friday night. The Battery jumped on the board in the 54th minute on a goal from Ben Hollingsworth. The Sounders notched the equalizer in the 76th on Maykel Galindo’s third goal of the season. The loss snapped a 297 minute shutout streak.

The Sounders had several opportunities in the first half to take the lead. Midfielder Jake Sagare missed wide left by just inches in the 22nd minute after he worked the ball inside from the left touch line and fired a shot 20 yards out straight on goal.

Midfielder Roger Levesque just missed a header early in the first half. Midfielder Ben Somoza delivered a cross into the box where Levesque redirected the ball toward the left post but the ball bounced out of play missing the goal by less than a foot.

During stoppage time in the first half Sounder Forward Maykel Galindo and Midfielder C.J. Klaas worked the ball down the right touch line. Klaas patiently waiting for Galindo to set up inside sent a cross to the former Cuban National striker. Galindo aimed his header at the far post, but Battery Goalkeeper Dusty Hudock was in position and caught the ball in his gut.

The Sounders out shot the Battery 8-2 in the first half, but the Battery had their chances. Midway through the first half Charleston Forward Ben Hollingsworth received a pass and forced a one on one with Sounder keeper Chris Eylander. From behind Sounder Midfielder Kevin Sakuda chased down Hollingsworth and stuck his foot out to knock the ball off Hollingsworth’s feet and out of play.

Charleston took a 1-0 lead in the 54th minute on Hollingsworth’s ninth regular season goal. Battery Midfielder Armando Romero played a Danny Jackson header up field to Hollingsworth who split Sounder defenders Noah Merl and Jake Besagno. On his second touch Hollingsworth sent the ball into the upper 90 on the near post.

In the 71st minute the Sounders had two point blank opportunities to land the equalizer. On a Klaas corner kick into the box, Galindo got a head on the ball four yards out, but his shot hit Charleston’s Hudock in the shins. The deflection went right to Seattle Forward Cam Weaver rushing the goal but Hudock snagged the loose ball preserving the Battery lead.

The Sounders finally found the equalizer in the 76th minute with Galindo’s third goal of the season on a perfectly placed ball from second half sub Forward Jamal Sutton. Patient on the ball, Sutton just out side the 18 on the right side threaded a pass parallel to the end line to Galindo dashing through the box and nailed his shot top shelf to pull the Sounders even at 1-1.

Charleston notched the game winner in the 89th minute on a throw in from defender Anthony Catalano. On a bang bang play, second half sub Teba McNight knocked the ball into the back of the net with a header to give the Battery a 2-1 lead. Catalano was awarded the assist.

Despite several desperation attempts on three corner kicks in stoppage time the Sounders could not sneak a shot past Hudock and the Battery defense. The Sounders out shot the Battery 21-5. Hudock, a former Sounder, finished the night with nine saves for his 11th win of the season.

With the loss the Sounders three game winning streak was snapped, and Hollingsworth’s goal in the 54th minute ended the Sounders’ shutout streak at 297 minutes. The loss also means the Sounders will need to win their next two matches and get some help from around the league to remain in the playoff hunt.

Weaver was booked for his fifth yellow card of the season in the 14th minute of the match. Due to reaching the five card benchmark the Sounders’ leading scorer will sit out a one-game league suspension for card accumulation. The Sounders will now miss three of their top leading scorers in Weaver, Andrew Gregor and Leighton O’Brien their next match in Vancouver against the Whitecaps due to card accumulation.

The Sounders face their northern rivals, the Whitecaps in their last road fixture of the 2006 regular season next Friday, September 8th at Swangard Stadium, Seattle and Vancouver kick off at 7pm. The Sounders play their regular season finale at home on September 9th against the Atlanta Silverbacks at Qwest Field.

Note: In the 27th minute Sagare left the field after a Charleston corner kick. Early prognosis is a fractured left forearm, but will have x-rays taken at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle.

Sounders Lose Early Lead, Fall 3-2 To Vancouver
Posted 9/8/2006

(Burnaby, B.C.) - - In a critical match for both clubs, the Sounders fell to Vancouver 3-2 at Swangard Stadium on Friday night in classic Seattle vs. Vancouver fashion, physical. Jamal Sutton scored two goals to keep the Sounders competitive, but a flat Seattle side couldn’t handle the pressure from the Whitecaps offense who scored three unanswered goals. The Sounders missed their three leading goal scorers who were serving league suspensions for yellow card accumulations.

The loss puts the Sounders in a must win scenario when they face the Atlanta Silverbacks tomorrow night, Saturday, September 9th at Qwest Field. Seattle must win and get help from Miami and Vancouver to make the playoffs.

Vancouver had the run of play in the first half, but both sides exchanged opportunities early. In the 12th minute Whitecaps Midfielder Jay Alberts received a long ball over the top and drove 25 yards to force a one on one with Sounder keeper Chris Eylander. Opting for the cross, Alberts pass was knocked away by Seattle’s Stephen Keel.

Shortly after the Sounders had their shot to take a need lead on the road. Midfielder C.J. Klaas launched a corner kick to the far post, which was punched out by Whitecap Goalkeeper Tony Caig to Ben Somoza 20 yards out. Somoza’s right footed blast flew wide right.

Forward Jamal Sutton gave the Sounders a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute. Midfielder Nate Boyden won a lose ball 35 yards out on the left side and fed Sutton at the top of the box. Under pressure, Sutton received the ball, turned and on his second touch delivered inside the left post. It was Sutton’s third goal of the season, Boyden was awarded his first professional assist.

Even with the lead the Sounders looked flat, allowing the Whitecaps to penetrate deep into Seattle’s box on several occasions. That constant pressure led to the Vancouver 1-1 equalizer in the 40th minute on Forward Eduardo Sebrango’s second goal of the season. Simply finding space on the attack Sebrango received the ball from Martin Nash in the box, had a one on one with Eylander and finished.

The Sounders had a rough start in the second half and Vancouver took advantage of holes in the Seattle backline. In the 57th minute the Whitecaps captured the lead on a Joey Gjertsen goal. Gjertsen received the ball at the top of the box square on the goal. Pushing forward to space he fired a rocket past Eylander for the 2-1 lead.

Five minutes later the Whitecaps put space between them and Seattle when Midfielder David Testo gave Vancouver a two-goal advantage. Alberts worked the ball into the box from the right side; as a Sounder defender slide over to cover he chipped the ball to Testo who hammered home the goal and a 3-1 lead.

Late in the match the Sounders showed some life as Sutton chested in his second goal of the match. In the 83rd minute, Ben Somoza dinked a loose ball to Sutton sitting on the six year box. As the ball skipped through the box, Sutton leaned over and knocked the ball inside the far post to trim the Whitecaps lead to 3-2.

The Whitecaps would hold on for their first victory over Seattle this season and snap a three game winless streak.

The Sounders were playing without three of their top goal scorers in Forward Cam Weaver and Midfielders Leighton O’Brien and Andrew Gregor who were all serving league suspension on yellow card accumulations.

With their playoff lives in the balance the Sounders face Atlanta in their 2006 Regular season finale on September 9th at Qwest Field. Atlanta, fighting for a playoff spot of their own, and Seattle kick off at 7pm.

Note: Puerto Rico Islanders defeated Miami FC 4-2 in Puerto Rico. The Islanders victory plays a factor into the Sounders playoff chances; with a loss to the Whitecaps. In the match Miami FC Forward Romario scored his 18th goal of the season and is now tied with Seattle’s Weaver for the leagues goal scoring title. Both Seattle and Miami have one match remaining.

Line Ups –
Seattle – GK Eylander, D Jackson, D Merl (Besagno, 69), D Keel, M Somoza, M Sakuda (Tomlinson, 77), M Boyden (Galilndo, 61), M Klaas (Abolaji, 83), M Harvey (Rivera, 77), F Sutton, F Levesque

Vancouver – GK Caig, D Klein, D Kindel, D Lyall, D Suarez, M Clarke, M Alberts, M Nash, M Testo, F Gjertsen, F Sebrango

Sounders Pull Out Magical Win Over Atlanta To Help Playoff Chances
Posted 9/9/2006

(Seattle, Wash.)- The Seattle Sounders notched their biggest win of the season Saturday night at Qwest Field to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Sounder’s got goals from Maykel Galindo and Andrew Gregor to overtake the Atlanta Silverbacks 2-1 in a must win game. When all hope seemed lost Gregor’s goal came off a penalty in the 90th minute. The win could help the Sounders into the playoffs if Seattle gets the needed help from around the league.

Both teams struggled to finish offensively until late into the first half.

Forward Maykel Galindo finally snatched the lead for the Sounders in the 41st minute of play. After a delightful series of combination play from the Sounder midfield, Cam Weaver flicked the ball over Atlanta’s restraining line to an anxious Galindo. Galindo snatched the ball in full stride and hit the eighteen yard box for a one-on-one with Atlanta keeper Felipe Quintero. Galindo touched the ball wide of Quintero’s right foot and walked the first goal of the game into an empty net.

However, four minutes later Atlanta would earn a questionable penalty off a Noah Merl tackle to equalize. In the 45th minute Atlanta midfielder David Hayes would blast the penalty over Chris Eylander’s left shoulder to level the score, 1-1.

Atlanta nearly took the lead on a corner kick in the 55th minute. After a scramble in the box the ball rolled to Atlanta’s Joseph Afful. Afful took a shot from 25 yards out that got deflected toward the Sounder goal frame. The deflection had beaten Elyander but not Andrew Gregor. Gregor headed the ball off the Sounder goal-line to deny Atlanta’s best opportunity of the second half.

The game climaxed in the 90th minute when the crowd of 8,829 was brought to their feet for a Sounder penalty kick. Leighton O’Brien diced up two Atlanta defenders just outside the six-yard box before he was brought down to earn the Sounders a penalty kick. Andrew Gregor coolly approached the free kick tempting an anxious Quintero into an early dive. Gregor easily placed the ball in the opposite direction of Quintero’s early left sided dive.

The win snapped a two game losing streak and could propel the Sounders into the 2006 playoffs if they receive the needed help from Miami and Vancouver on Sunday night. Seattle needs Miami FC to win and Vancouver to win or draw with Atlanta to advance.

Line-ups
Seattle- GK Chris Eylander, D Danny Jackson, D Jake Besagno, D Noah Merl, M Kevin Sakuda, M C.J. Klaas (Jamal Sutton, 75), (Nate Boyden, 90), M Leighton O’Brien, M Andrew Gregor, F Cam Weaver, M Roger Levesque, F Maykel Galindo, (Ben Somoza, 90)

Atlanta- GK Felipe Quintero, D Joe Afful (Antonio De La Torre, 77), D Matt Bobo, D Omar Jarun, D David Hayes, M Fabian Dawkins, M Tony McManus, M Rodrigo Rios (George Liam, 90), M Scott Buete, F Warren Ukah, F Machel Millwood

Puerto Rico Draw Eliminates Sounders From 2006 Playoffs
Posted 9/10/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders were eliminated from the 2006 USL First Division playoffs due to a 1-1 draw between Miami FC and the Puerto Rico Islanders in Puerto Rico Sunday night. The Sounders needed at minimum a Miami win to remain in the hunt for the sixth and final seed.

Seattle finished seventh in the USL First Division, just one point out of the playoffs.

The Sounders wrapped up their 2006 season with a magical 2-1 win over the Atlanta Silverbacks as Midfielder Leighton O'Brien drew a penalty kick in the 90th minute of play. Taking the PK was Andrew Gregor, who calmly delivered inside the left post for the 2-1 victory. Maykel Galindo scored in the first half on an assist from Cam Weaver.

With his assist last night, Forward Cam Weaver finished the 2006 season as the Co-Goal Scoring Champion (18 goals) and Co-Points Leader (39 points - 18 goals and 3 assists) with Miami FC's Romario. With an impressive rookie season, Weaver is a sure fire candidate for the USL First Division Rookie of the Year award.

WEAVER CROWNED CO-SCORING CHAMP, O’BRIEN MAKES TEAM OF THE WEEK
Posted 9/11/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The United Soccer Leagues and Seattle Sounders announced today that rookie Forward Cam Weaver was crowed the USL First Division’s Co-Scoring and Co-Goal Scoring Champion for the 2006 season. Weaver finished the year tied with Miami FC’s Romario, the 1994 World Cup MVP, at 18 goals and three assists for 39 points. Weaver is the first Sounder to win both titles in a single season since Mark Baena in 1998.

The 6-4 Seattle University alumni scored four goals in the first five games and found the back of the net in 14 games over the course of the season. He steadily remained ahead of Romario until the final two weeks of the regular season. An assist in the Sounders regular season finale helped Weaver pull even with the renowned Brazilian striker.

Weaver is the first Sounder to win or share the Scoring Title and Goal Scoring Championship since Mark Baena won both in 1998. Current Rochester Forward Greg Howes is the last Sounder to capture the Goal Scoring Championship with 17 goals in 2000.

With 18 goals on the season, Weaver broke and set the record for goals scored in a single season by a rookie. The previous record was set by Howes who scored 17 goals in his only season in Seattle.

Also announced today, Midfielder Leighton O’Brien was selected to the Team of the Week for his performance in the Sounders regular season finale against the Atlanta Silverbacks. It was his second selection of the season. In all, nine Sounder players were selected 12 times to the USL First Division Team of the Week this season, including two Player of the Week selections.

Gregor & Weaver Earn All-League Honors, Sounders Announce 2006 Awards
Posted 9/15/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - Seattle Sounder Midfielder Andrew Gregor and Forward Cam Weaver were recently named to the USL First Division All-League First team as voted by USL coaches and general managers. In addition the Sounders announced today both the 2006 statistical and team-voted awards for Community Involvement and Defensive Player of the Year.

Gregor makes his third appearance as an All-League First Team selection with honors previously being awarded in 2002 and 2003. In 2006 he finished the season as the second leading scorer on the team with five goals and five assists in 23 games. With a solid season the 30-year old midfielder is now the club's second all time leading goal scorer with 31 Sounder career goals, and is also second all time with 85 points.

In his first professional season Weaver finished the year tied with Miami's 1994 World Cup MVP, Romario, for the Scoring and Goal Scoring titles. The Seattle University alum led the defending champion Sounders to within one point of the playoffs in 2006. Weaver broke and set the new record for goals scored in a single season by a rookie, 18.

Sounder players and coaches voted upon the organization’s two team awards for Community Involvement Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

Finishing among the best in the league, rookie Goalkeeper Chris Eylander was chosen as the Sounders 2006 Defensive Player of the Year. Finishing his first professional season with an 11-9-3 record, Eylander was third in the league in wins and saves (93) and was among the top 10 in minutes played, shutouts, and goals allowed.

Winning for the fourth time in his career, Forward Craig Tomlinson won the 2006 Community Involvement Player of the Year award. Appearing in 22 matches in 2006, Tomlinson played in his 100th Sounder career regular season game on July 30th in Toronto. Tomlinson plays an active role in the “Sounders in Schools” program and summer camps.

The 2006 statistical awards were given to the team's minutes played leader, leader in goals scored and assists leader. Forward Roger Levesque led the team in minutes played at 2,484, Weaver's 18 goals led the team and Gregor was the Sounders leading assist maker in 2006 with five.

Sounders To Play 2007 At Qwest Field, Tickets On Sale Now!
Posted 9/28/2006

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders will play the 2007 season at Qwest Field in Seattle, Wash. it was announced today. The terms and length of the agreement have yet to be finalized.

Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer said, ''The Sounders are proud to call Qwest Field our home for a fifth season in 2007. Next year we will be back in the postseason and continue the winning tradition of the Seattle Sounders.''

2007 season tickets and ticket packages are already on sale. Fans who purchase prior to December 15th receive substantial discounts and exclusive offers. Reserved season tickets are $210 while General Admission season tickets are $140 for 14 regular season home matches for a limited time.

Early Bird specials for those who purchase their season tickets before the Dec. 15th deadline include discount prices (up to 24% off single seat prices), ten free tickets to opening night, discounted parking and 10% off 2007 Sounder merchandise and apparel.

Early Bird offers are in addition to Sounder season ticket holder benefits which include an unused ticket policy, no service fees on additional tickets purchased, priority seating for international, U.S. Open Cup and exhibition matches plus an invitation to an exclusive pre-season party with the 2007 Seattle Sounders.

On the heels of the Real Madrid vs. D.C. United game in August, the Sounders are actively seeking international games to host during the summer of 2007. Last season, Sounders season ticket holders received priority when purchasing Real Madrid tickets. All 2007 season ticket holders will be afforded the same luxury if additional international games are brought to Seattle.

After December 15th the prices of season tickets increase to $224 for Reserved and $154 for General Admission respectively. Other season ticket and ticket packages for 2007 include – Family Season Tickets, Six-game Flex Packs, Sounder VIP packages and $39 Early Bird Youth Passes (youth season ticket).

All 2007 season tickets and ticket packages can be purchased online or by contacting the Sounder office at (206) 622-3415.

Seattle Sounder Days To Remember At Qwest Field:

July 28, 2002 – Sounders play in the first ever event held at then called Seahawks Stadium. They defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 4-1 in front of a USL First Division record crowd of 25,515.

Feb. 2003 – Sounders announce Qwest Field as new home.

July 22, 2003 – Sounders and Champions World promote Manchester United vs. Celtic match at Qwest Field. Over 60,000 fans took in a Man U victory.

August 27, 2003 – Sounders play Major League Soccer’s L.A. Galaxy in the Quarter-Final Round of the U.S. Open Cup – the furthest the club has ever reached in the annual competition.

October 1, 2005 – Sounders defeated the Richmond Kickers 5-4 on penalty kicks in front of over 10,000 fans to capture the 2005 USL First Division Championship.

July 8, 2006 – Mexican First Division side, Club America visited Qwest Field to play the Sounders in an international friendly in front of over 10,000 fans.

August 9, 2006 – Sounders hosted and promoted Real Madrid vs. D.C. United at Qwest Field. The two sides played before the largest audience to attend a soccer game in Seattle – 66,830. The game featured some of the world’s most notable soccer figures in David Beckham, Raul, Ruud VanNistelroy, Robinho and Freddy Adu.

Sounders Partner With U.S. Home Mortgage For Next Three Seasons
Posted 9/29/2006

CAM WEAVER TRANSFERRED TO NORWEGIAN 1ST DIVISION CLUB
Posted 12/18/2006