There were a mix of accents at the Kitsap Pumas tryouts today in Silverdale, Washington, but everyone spoke the game of soccer. Twenty-seven invited players were on hand trying to impress head coach John Wedge and his staff of coaches and player evaluators. It's another step in owner Robin Waite's effort to bring 'authentic football' to West Sound.
Dallas Jaussi, fresh off of his top-four finish in the recent Seattle Sounders FC SuperSearch was present, as were fellow trialists Oliver Wellman and Erik Sterling. Steve Mohn, a former UW and Tacoma Tide FC player, was a call-back from the open tryouts held last week.
On the sidelines Pumas Executive Director Ben Pecora exchanged comments with owner Robin Waite and watched the proceedings. Pecora expressed almost a sense of relief that the birthing process of the new club has reached the finding players stage. The sunny, warmer than usual day only added to the good feelings. Waite chatted about the turnout and suggested a few players currently still on trial with Sounders FC might be looked at by Kitsap, too. Vini Oliveira, the recently cut SuperSearch winner, was one of the possibles.
Players were divided up in groups to play full field and to perform speed and agility tests. The guys were used to what was being asked of them on the pitch, but the agility testing had more than one collision along the way.
The Pumas will kick off their inaugural 2009 PDL (Premier Development League) season in the USL (United Soccer Leagues) in May. The club will likely have a pre-season match or two in April as they gear towards league play.I spoke with Ben Pecora about what fans can expect from the Pumas on match day at Bremerton's Memorial Stadium. His response is at the end of the tryouts video.
From their classic hooped blue and white kits right down to the natural grass they'll play on the Pumas desire to create the kind of 'football' experience you might find in the smaller towns in England or around Europe. The Pumas see these local tryouts, searching for men who live and play here, as a part of that vision.
View GOALKitsap.com's Gallery from today's Pumas tryouts
Visit www.KitsapSoccerClub.com
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