Seattle Wolves Press Release – www.SeattleWolvesFC.com
Photos: Stanford University
Friday, October 9, 2009
SEATTLE, WA – In 2009 the Seattle Wolves Football Club featured an array of Pac-10 Conference players, many of whom hailed from the University of California Los Angeles and Stanford University. On Sunday, October 4th the UCLA Bruins visited the University of Washington and Wolves staff members were on hand to welcome midfielder Any Rose and striker Fernando Monge back to the Emerald City.
The two sophomores featured in the Pac-10 contest, as Rose was making his return from injury and Monge provided an offensive spark for UCLA off of the bench in a pulsating 1-1 draw. Both players were heavily involved in the action, as they faced a number of former Seattle Wolves teammates now playing for the University of Washington. Among the players featured for the Huskies were striker Casey Cunningham, fullback Jamie Finch, and midfielders Nick James and Taylor Hoss.
Monge and Rose were integral to the success of the Seattle Wolves FC in 2009. Monge found the back of the net four times for the club en route to the Wolves qualifying for the Premier Development League playoffs, while Rose was a stalwart midfield presence helped ensure valuable road victories in Victoria and Cascade.
Not present for UCLA on the shores of Lake Washington was Wolves goalkeeper Brian Perk. The California native was on US National Team duty, as Perk captained his side in the 2009 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt.
While these UCLA players made a significant impact on the Seattle Wolves during the club’s inaugural Premier Development League campaign, six players from Stanford also made a strong contribution to the team’s success. This same group of players made an indelible mark on Stanford’s 2009 season, as the Cardinal currently hold a 6-3-2 overall record and are hoping to challenge UCLA and Washington for the Pac-10 title.
Wolves midfielder Cameron Lamming was named Pac -10 Player of the Week in mid-September for his performances against San Francisco and Santa Clara. Stanford’s 2-0 victory over Santa Clara was unique as Lamming and company defeated Seattle Wolves’ teammates Mykell Bates and Brandon Zimmerman.
On Sunday, September 27th Stanford captured the 2009 Nike Classic trophy, beating the likes of New Mexico, Air Force and California to the silverware. Wolves goalkeeper John Moore was incredibly active in the Stanford goal, corralling crosses and using his large frame to repel opposing shots.
Moore was the cornerstone of Seattle’s backline in Premier Development League play, as the 6’2” keeper registered four clean sheets in 2009.
“The Wolves were incredibly professional,” said Moore. “We enjoyed a spectacular season. Every operation of the organization was at a very high level and we, the players, were always taken care of.”
“The organization of training sessions, post-season meals and coordination with our internships was superb,” added Moore. “All of these things aided our on-field success. I would gladly return if given the opportunity to play for the Wolves again.”
Moore’s ringing endorsement of the Wolves’ professionalized club culture is echoed by Stanford teammate Michael Strickland. The Cardinal midfielder agrees that his time with in Seattle greatly benefited his career.
“Playing for the Seattle Wolves really helped to develop my game,” said Strickland. The overall experience prepared our (Stanford University) guys for the college season.”
Both Strickland and Moore went on to train with the Houston Dynamo and Chivas USA of Major League Soccer after finishing the PDL season in Seattle. The Stanford veterans have played in every match for the Cardinal in 2009 thus far.
Wolves striker Evan Morgan made headlines for the Seattle Wolves by scoring crucial goals for the club at the business end of the season, including the lone strike against Abbotsford in the PDL regular season finale. Back at Stanford for his senior season, the enigmatic forward is making a strong return from injury and is currently leading his side in assists. Morgan has also scored twice for the Cardinal this term, helping to guide Stanford towards a strong finish at the end of autumn.
Lastly, Wolves midfielders Thiago Sa Freire and Kevin Huang have made multiple appearances for Stanford and both players bring depth and quality to the side.
SeattleWolvesFC.com will continue to monitor the progress of these Pac-10 players throughout their college seasons. Please visit the website in the coming weeks to check on the development of current Wolves players at Santa Clara, Michigan, Indiana and Wake Forest.
