Wolves update: foreign talent, Nike and top spot

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Feb. 11: Trialists from Abroad Create Waves at Open Tryouts

Among the 45 trialists on hand for the first Seattle Wolves FC Open Tryout of 2009 were standouts Jess Semnacher and brothers Daniel and Martin Hunt.

Semnacher, a 25 year old defender, recently returned from Spain where he had been playing in the regional 1st division for Carranza and San Sebastian de Los Reyes. His United States experience includes two seasons with the St. Louis Lions of the USL-PDL.

Martin and Daniel Hunt, originally from Guilford, England, recently moved to Kelowna, BC with their family, and made the seven hour trip across the border to try out for the Wolves. Daniel, 17, and Martin, 20, both played youth football in the United Kingdom for sides such as the Chelsea FC u17s, Woking FC and Guilford City.

All three commented that their main reason for attending tryouts spawned from their own professional aspirations and the fact that the Wolves are an "up and coming club".

Alex Weaver, Wolves' Technical Director, said "These were three of the more impressive trialists." Although the Wolves don't have plans to get Martin and Daniel involved immediately, because the two reside in BC, they will maintain contact with the young, attacking minded players, and may even face off against the brothers in PCSL action this Summer when the Wolves compete against BC clubs such as the Okanagan Challenge and the Kamloops Excel.

Feb. 9: Wolves Partner with Nike

The Seattle Wolves Football Club reached an agreement with Nike recently, which will make the sporting giant the Wolves Official Partner and Supplier through 2012.

The Seattle Wolves have always worn Nike, even at the very beginning, when the Wolves were only a local pub team competing in the Greater Seattle Soccer League. "Now we won't have to pay for so much of it!" joked Wolves' Assistant General Manager, Clay Walton-House. "The Wolves strategic partnership with Nike officially confirms what the Wolves' management team has always believed; Nike is the apparel and equipment brand in line with the Wolves' brand." Walton-House continued.

The Wolves will unveil their new 2009 Nike uniforms during the PCSL pre-season, at a match to be determined.

Wolves' General Manager, Andrew Opatkiewicz, commented "We are very excited to partner with Nike, and hope that this is only the beginning of a long-lasting relationship, which is mutually beneficial and creates exciting projects."

Feb. 8: Wolves Win Two to Take Sole Possession of SPSL Premier Table

The Seattle Wolves FC SPSL squad had two league matches this past week. Winning both has put the Wolves atop the SPSL Premier standings with 5 matches to play. This Saturday the Wolves face off against division rival, UW Club, currently in fourth spot. The Wolves have had many hotly contested matches versus UW in the past. The next chapter in the growing rivalry kicks off at 9:00pm inside the Starfire Sports Stadium.

Newcomers Devin Shull and Matt Eronemo got their first starts in Seattle Wolves kit on Saturday, but were unable to put the Wolves on the scoreboard in the first half against FC Parkland Youth. Parkland is the offseason home to many of Pacific Lutheran University's current and former players. A decent side with standouts such as winger Jason Bjorgo and midfielder Andy Hyres, Parkland challenged the Wolves in the first half, but were unable to score either.

Shortly into the second half the Seattle Wolves, led by midfielders Willie Cardenas and Gabe Sturm, took control of the match, scoring three goals by the 73rd minute. Cardenas assisted on the first two, one coming off a corner from the head of defender Daniel Scott, and the other slotted home by Gabe Sturm. Halftime substitute, Walter Antoniuk scored in the 73rd minute when a penetrating run down the right flank by fullback Eduardo Millan produced a deep cross, which Walter finished far post first-time.

Parkland tallied a late goal after a defensive let down allowed winger Jason Bjorgo to penetrate the Wolves defensive third. Bjorgo's crafty moves assisted Andy Hyres, at the top of the box, who finished calmly.

For full reports visit SeattleWolvesFC.com.