Seattle Sounders FC weren't the only Seattle soccer club dropping big news and big surprises in 2008. Seattle Wolves FC began the year by jumping up to the Pacific Coast Soccer League (PCSL) and ended it with a public pledge to bring a second professional club to the Emerald City in 2010.
The Wolves' desire to join the national United Soccer Leagues Second Division was an eye-opener on at least two fronts. First, they'd be joining a league with only an east coast (and Bermuda) presence. Second, they'd be trying to sell soccer entertainment in the same town as Major League Soccer (MLS) Sounders FC.
In 2009 the Wolves look to be staying in the PCSL. The league website now lists them as a member for next campaign.
Five questions for Seattle Wolves FC1. How will the Wolves use a second year in the PCSL to prepare for the pros in 2010?
This general question is really better addressed by dividing up club areas, which I've done in the questions below. You would think that 2009 in the PCSL would be all about getting ready for a possible huge jump to the professional ranks in 2010. It will be interesting to see how the Wolves make progress in several areas.
2. How will the Wolves improve their roster?
Right now the Wolves' roster is a combination of local high-level players, college talent as available, and former professionals. Will they use 2009 as a chance to connect with new talent and bring in players with an eye on 2010? Technical Director Alex Weaver seems to have the pedigree (Manchester United Schools) and connections to help the Wolves in this area.
3. How will the Wolves improve their fan experience?
The Wolves sold tickets to matches in 2009 and offered give-aways of jerseys and other drawings. Starfire Sports Complex was home, and more than a few times the club played in the main stadium. Will the Wolves secure the stadium for all matches in 2009? How else will they try to increase their fan base?
4. How will the Wolves improve their amount of exposure to the media?
It was a 15-year uphill battle to get constant coverage for the USL-1 Seattle Sounders. Entering the USL-2 does not automatically mean the Wolves will get increased media coverage. The Wolves understand soccer and the Seattle market, and seem to have a good vision of where they fit in. The club website is well-run, but they'll need to occasionally make the local papers to break through to a larger soccer audience.
5. How important is winning the PCSL crown?The Wolves are winners. It is hard to imagine them 'taking the eye off the ball' by looking too far forward to 2010. Last year SWFC finished third in the PCSL regular season table and then made it to the Final before falling to Victoria United in the Sheila Anderson Memorial Challenge Cup. The Wolves would later claim the J.F. Kennedy Cup by beating the best clubs from Oregon and BC. On the pitch, winning a PCSL crown before promotion would be a great accomplishment. Off of the pitch it would be a nice selling-point highlighting the club's winning traditions.
Visit: www.SeattleWolvesFC.com
Five clubs, five questions:
Kitsap Pumas
Tacoma Tide FC
Next: The mysterious 2009 Seattle PDL side
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5 clubs in the Washington area including the MLS Sounders? That would be great for local derbies in a regular exhibition match or even the US Open Cup
ReplyDeleteSIX if you want to include the PSSA Rapids in Bellingham (they play in the PCSL). EIGHT if you want to include the Spokane Spiders and Yakima Reds (PDL)!
ReplyDeleteNice pic of my boy Mark Williams chillin' in the locker room.
ReplyDelete