Seattle Wolves Press Release – www.seattlewolvesfc.com
Thursday, August 20, 2009
SEATTLE, WA – On Wednesday evening the Seattle Wolves Football Club began to wind down a successful year of football as another local side started its 2009 campaign. The Wolves took on the University of Washington in an intriguing friendly match, as the Huskies enter their NCAA Division I season as respected Pac-10 Conference contenders.
The contest was the first friendly of the year for the University of Washington, while the Wolves put out a highly competitive side composed of members of the Premier Development League playoff team and other professionals from around the Puget Sound region.
There were many parallels between the two clubs, as the Huskies were fielding four players that featured prominently for the Seattle Wolves in their inaugural PDL campaign.
Among these players in Dean Wurzberger’s side was the Wolves’ regular season leading scorer, Casey Cunningham, defenders Jamie Finch and Ty Klein, and midfielder Taylor Hoss.
Along the shores of Lake Washington in front of a spirited crowd, the Huskies impressed early in the 24th minute when Daniel Phelps volleyed a deflected shot into the back of Seattle’s net.
Wolves goalkeeper Sean Conlon could not prevent the striker’s attempt from crossing his goalmouth, sending the match into an open run of play. Conlon kept his side in the match throughout the first half, registering numerous saves to keep the score-line at 1-0 heading into the break.
After the restart, Seattle equalized through the efforts of Pedro Batres, as the midfielder unleashed a blinding effort from thirty yards out. To the left of Washington’s 18-yard box, Batres beat the Husky goalkeeper at his far post.
One minute later the Wolves won a corner kick and Gabe Sturm sent an out-swinging ball onto the head of forward Alex Chursky. The Seattle talisman continued his fine form in 2009, adding another goal to his strike count to give the Wolves a 2-1 advantage.
The Wolves were flying, as winger Paul Hughes attacked the Washington flank and provided strong service to the likes of Chursky and Sturm.
Former Seattle Sounder Adam West and MLS Superdraft First Overall pick Nick Besagnio strengthened the Seattle midfield, helping the Wolves to control the center of the pitch and to suffocate Washington’s attack.
Yet five minutes from full time, the Huskies created a wonderful scoring opportunity down the right wing, as forward Quinton Beasley converted a Ryan Moore cross to level the score at 2-2.
The goal signaled a fair ending to this pulsating exhibition match, as both sides created scoring opportunities and defended with diligence throughout the encounter.
Chursky, who scored six times for Seattle in the Premier Development League (including a playoff hat trick in Portland), was pleased with the outcome of the evening.
The forwarded stated, “I think this was a great way to wind down a successful year and to get some quality minutes heading into the fall. We created scoring chances against a talented team, and it was fun to get a run out tonight.”
The Wolves would be fortunate to have Chursky’s services for the 2010 Premier Development League campaign, as the fiery striker will most likely move up the football ladder in the offseason.
Prior to the 2009 PDL National Playoffs star winger Ely Allen was signed by D.C. United of Major league Soccer, while Wolves captain and PDL Team of the Year selection Daniel Scott went on trail with the Austin Aztex three weeks later.
Chursky could very well be the next Seattle player to join this trend of ascending to a higher level of play, as the Wolves organization prides itself on developing the best amateur talent in North America for top-flight football.
Seattle will conclude its season in earnest over the weekend of August 28th when the club competes in the top amateur competition in the state, the Copa Washington. The Seattle Wolves are the current holders of this tournament and will aim to defend their title in a week’s time.
Fans can support the club at home, as all matches will be played at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, WA.
For additional information please visit www.seattlewolvesfc.com.
