SOUNDERS FACE HOLLYWOOD UNITED AT STARFIRE IN SECOND ROUND OF OPEN CUP

From the Sounders...

(Seattle, WA)- The Seattle Sounders (USL-1) play Hollywood United (USASA) Tuesday, June 24 at the Starfire Sports Complex in second round action of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Kickoff is set for 8:00 pm.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning (June 13) at 10:00 am. Tickets are $13 in advance through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 206-628-0888. Tickets are $15 at the gate. $13 group tickets are available by calling 206-381-7908.

Hollywood United of the United States Amateur Soccer Association and the Coast Soccer League in Los Angeles, stunned the Portland Timbers of USL-1 in first round play winning 3-2 behind two Matt Taylor penalty kick’s and an Earl Alexander winner in stoppage time. 2008 is Hollywood United’s first appearance in the U.S. Open Cup.

Though an amateur side, Hollywood United is made up of several former professionals including eight-year MLS veteran, Brian Dunseth and former Sounders Jason Boyce and Alex Bengard. Boyce played for Seattle in 2002 appearing in 15 games notching one goal and three assists and Bengard played for Seattle in 2003 appearing in 23 games scoring three goals and two assists. Also on the roster is Raul Palomaires who was on trial with the Sounders early this season and appeared in the Sounders exhibition match against Seattle Pacific University.

The Sounders survived a grueling extra time first round match against the Arizona Sahuaros that Kenji Treschuk won in the 118th minute; Seattle won 1-0. Seattle will be hoping to have a healthy Danny Jackson (plantir fascia), Jason Cascio (ankle), and Noah Merl (groin) back in action.

A Sounders win on June 24 would see them face an MLS side in 3rd round action scheduled for July 1. The Sounders have submitted bids to U.S. Soccer in an effort to host both the 3rd and quarterfinal rounds. The July 1 match would see the Sounders in action at the Starfire Sports Complex. The July 8 quarterfinal round would see the Sounders back at Qwest Field.

The Sounders had success in the 2007 Open Cup against MLS teams, defeating Chivas USA and the Colorado Rapids in route to a birth in the semi-finals where they lost 2-1 to Dallas FC in extra time.