Sounders and Tide both at home this weekend

Youssouf Kante has been a spark since joining Seattle, but has also been injured much of the time. He's not alone, as the current roster is riddled with knocks.
(David Falk)

Puget Sound soccer fans have three chances to see high-level soccer action this weekend. Friday night June 6th Tacoma Tide FC will host the Abottsford Mariners in a border clash down in the City of Destiny. The next night the Tide will host the undefeated and newly-joined Vancouver Whitecaps 'Residency' squad. Both TFC matches kick off at 7:00 PM. Read previews of both contests at www.GOALTacoma.com.

Just south of the Emerald City in Tukwila the Seattle Sounders are finally back home and will host the surprising Minnesota Thunder at 8:00 PM at the Starfire Sports Complex. Seattle recently won one, lost one and drew two on a four match away swing.

The Sounders are riddled with injuries and are fighting to stay competitive with a small squad. It is possible, even likely, that several foreign players with MLS potential are 'in the pipeline' and could join the club by July or even sooner. Until they are signed, announced and eligible it will be a small shell of a squad that carries the Seattle banner into USL-1 play.

Below is a preview of the Thunder-Sounders match as issued by the Sounders:

SOUNDERS RETURN TO STARFIRE TO PLAY THE THUNDER

(Seattle, WA)- The Seattle Sounders (3-2-5) return home after an exhausting four game road trip to host the Minnesota Thunder (4-3-1) Saturday night at Starfire. The match is the first at home for the Sounders since the 4-2 victory over Atlanta on May 19. Kickoff is set for 8pm.

The match is the first this season against Minnesota. Last year, the two teams went 1-1-1 in three matches with Seattle’s 1-0 victory on September 9 clinching the 2007 regular season title.

Last week, the Sounders managed to earn two hard fought points in a three game stretch despite being without forward Roger Levesque, midfielders Leighton O’Brien and Youssouf Kante, and defenders Danny Jackson and Zach Scott. After losing just their second game of the season 2-1 at Carolina, the Sounders played Puerto Rico and Miami FC to draws, 1-1 and 0-0 respectively.

Seattle’s injury woes continue: Defenders Jason Cascio (ankle) and Noah Merl (groin) were both injured in Sunday’s match with Miami FC, and will be out 3-4 weeks. Levesque (ankle) and O’Brien (groin) are listed as questionable and probable for Saturday.

Key midfielder Kenji Treschuk faces the league mandated one game suspension after receiving a red card against Miami, and will not be active.

The Sounders next home game is a June 12th exhibition match against Juventus Primavera. Juventus Primavera is the primary reserve team of two-time European champion and Serie A giant, Juventus. Tickets are still available.

Game Notes:
· Minnesota is 1-2-1 in their last four matches heading into their two game road trip against Portland and Seattle.
· Seattle defender Taylor Graham was named to the USL team of the week.
· Minnesota midfielder Jeremiah Bass was named Week 6 USL-1 Player of the Week (1 goal, 1 assist vs. Miami FC, 5/24).
· Minnesota forward Melvin Tarley has recorded three goals since signing with the team May 1.
· Through eight games, Minnesota is already half way to their point total from the 2007 season when they finished second to last in the league with 26 points.
· The Sounders 0-0 draw with Miami FC was the second 0-0 draw this season (5/10 vs. Portland at Qwest Field).
· Seattle will be without defender Kenji Treschuk who received a red card against Miami FC.

Injury Report:
· Seattle defender Jason Cascio (ankle) out 3-4 weeks.
· Seattle defender Noah Merl (groin) out 3-4 weeks
· Seattle midfielder Leighton O’Brien (groin) probable
· Seattle midfielder Youssouf Kante (achilles tendon) doubtful
· Seattle forward Roger Levesque (ankle) questionable