Seattle Wolves FC Press Release - www.seattlewolvesfc.com
Thursday, August 27, 2009
SEATTLE, WA – On Wednesday morning the Seattle Sounders FC played host to the Seattle Wolves FC at Qwest Field. The Major League Soccer side incorporated the Wolves into their training regiment by playing a sixty-minute friendly match against the Premier Development League club.
This encounter provided a stern test for the Wolves, as the team prepares for its final tournament of 2009; the Copa Washington. The top amateur competition in the state of Washington, the Wolves are strong contenders to add another piece of silverware to their dynamic legacy.
Facing the likes of Freddy Montero, Steve Zakuani, and Sanna Nyassi was a welcome challenge for the Wolves, as the Sounders fielded many first team players that have featured prominently in their successful inaugural MLS campaign.
This exhibition match was played in front of over 2,000 Sounder fans, as the club celebrated its summer soccer camps by allowing camp participants and their family members to take in the contest.
Like the Wolves, the Sounders used this friendly to hone their abilities prior to a crucial fixture this coming weekend. With only a handful of regular season matches remaining, Seattle’s match with Toronto FC is pivotal in the club’s race to the MLS playoffs.
Early on both teams exchanged counter attacks, as Montero pushed forward for the Sounders, while Wolves striker Alex Chursky nearly headed a right-sided cross past Sounders goalkeeper Terry Boss.
Wolves midfielder Pedro Batres sprung the offside trap minutes later and found himself through on goal, only for the ball to be collected by Boss at the top of the six-yard box.
At the other end of the pitch, Sean Conlon displayed considerable talent in the Wolves’ goalmouth, rebuffing Zakuani as the winger burst through the 18-yard box.
However, in the 10th minute of play Sounders defender Chris Ianni pushed a deflected ball past Conlon to give his side a 1-0 advantage.
Three minutes later Montero began a menacing run down the left flank and crossed the ball to Nyassi. The Gambian midfielder made quick work of the cross; heading the ball past Conlon’s outstretched arms and advancing the Sounders’ lead.
Nevertheless, the Wolves continued to retain possession in the middle of the park and created consistent build up through their flanks. Fullbacks Sterling Flunder and Adam West both pushed forward and created numerous scoring opportunities, while Chursky delivered his typically fiery performance.
Former Seattle Wolves forward Lamar Neagle came on for the Sounders after the restart, and the UNLV graduate impressed throughout the remainder of the match.
First-year midfielder Michael Fucito added a third and final goal for the Sounders, as the Harvard University star converted a precise pass from Nyassi.
Fishbaugher nearly pulled a goal back for the Wolves in the dying moments of the contest when the midfielder ripped a sinister shot inches over the Sounders’ crossbar.
Members of both clubs shook hands and engaged in conversation after the final whistle, while the spirited Sounders youth fans applauded and cheered from the west stand. Sounders manager Sigi Schmid congratulated Alex Chursky on a fine PDL season, while Sebastian Le Toux and Zach Scott exchanged pleasantries with Noah Merl and John Fishbaugher. Ultimately this affair should aid both clubs as they attempt to gain important victories at the weekend, and the friendly marked the second occasion that the two Seattle sides have met in 2009.
The Wolves played another friendly against the Sounders in March at Qwest Field prior to the 2009 Premier Development League season, while the two sides collaborated in training at Starfire Sports Complex throughout the summer months.
The Sounders square off against Toronto FC at home on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 PM, while the Wolves begin their Copa Washington tournament at Starfire Stadium at 6:30 PM.
For additional information on the Seattle Wolves Football Club, please visit www.seattlewolvesfc.com.
