Seattle Soccer Examiner

This blog is going on hiatus! What? No-o-o-o-o-o!

However, the same content and full focus on ALL OF PUGET SOUND SOCCER will now be updated daily at the new source, my Seattle Soccer Examiner page!

Please change your bookmarks. This page will remain dormant but online for links, referrals, etc.

You can also get to the Seattle Soccer Examiner the same way you used to get to the GS blog: by clicking 'blog' on the front page of GOALSeattle.com. Please do follow me over there!

www.Examiner.com/Seattle offers me a chance to reach more fans, make a bit of cash, and for you a chance to keep getting insider news and updates about the Sounders, Wolves, Pumas, Tide, Redhawks, Huskies, Falcons, Sounders Women and Synergy.

See you over at the "X."

Wolves update: George and Dragon Meet-up March 5th

(Tukwila, WA) – The Seattle Wolves FC today announced the addition of Alexander Caulfield to the SWFC Front Office. Caulfield will fill the role of Director of Public Relations, and has already made his presence felt in the front office, initiating exciting marketing and PR initiatives.

Currently a graduate student at Seattle University working on a Masters degree in Sports Administration, Caulfield has worked in the ticketing departments at the University of Washington and the New York Yankees, and has a strong experiential background in public relations and marketing.

When asked for comment, Wolves’ General Manager, Andrew Opatkiewicz said, “It is my firm belief that Alex’s involvement with the Wolves will benefit the club in many ways. Alex is a very motivated, personable and well educated guy, and I think he will fit in very well in the office.”

Caulfield said of joining the Seattle Wolves, “When my program director alerted me to the possibility of working with the Seattle Wolves FC, I became immediately interested. I had been following the club for some time, and was excited at the prospect to be a part of a true football club.”

For the complete Alex Caulfield headline, visit SeattleWolvesFC.com.

(Tukwila, WA) - The Seattle Wolves FC today made final preparations for their 2009 Pacific Coast Soccer League (PCSL) schedule. The Wolves will open their season at home against Khalsa Sporting Cub on Saturday May 2nd at 8:00pm inside the the Starfire Sports Stadium.

The Wolves’ full PCSL season schedule is available on SeattleWolvesFC.com. Season tickets are now on sale for only $49, and provide entry into all Seattle Wolves FC PCSL and USL Premier Development League (PDL) home matches (18 league matches). Individual match tickets are only $4, or $3 when purchasing 10 or more. In addition, the Wolves will be offering a $300 "Train with the Wolves Package", which includes an hour and a half training session with a Seattle Wolves FC player and match tickets for your team. For more information, or to reserve your SWFC PCSL/PDL tickets, contact tickets.seattlewolvesfc@gmail.com.

Want to own part of a real football club? The Seattle Wolves FC is also offering fans of the world’s game the opportunity to join the voting SWFC Membership Council. This isn’t a fan club. This is an exclusive council of football enthusiasts who want to play a part in the growth of the Seattle Wolves FC. In 2009, the Seattle Wolves FC will offer Membership Council seats for only $75 annually. Membership includes life-time quarterly voting rights on important decisions within the club, season tickets to all SWFC home matches and free SWFC apparel. Lock in this once in a lifetime opportunity today by emailing council.seattlewolvesfc@gmail.com.


Next Thursday, March 5th, Seattle Wolves FC Players, Staff and Fans will gather at the George and Dragon Pub in Fremont to kick-off an exciting 2009 for the Wolves.

The event is the club’s first social gathering since late 2008 when Tim Merrit, Alyssa Emmons and Ian Chursky showed off their football knowledge in defeating 13 other groups in Alex Weaver’s Football Quiz.

This Thursday’s theme is a bit different. Wolves’ player, Paul Hughes is organizing a FIFA/Winning Eleven video game tournament to be played on the big screens at the George and Dragon.

The festivities will begin around 7:00pm. If you are interested in joining the tournament, please email seattlewolvesfc@gmail.com soon.

The George and Dragon Pub is located at 206 North 36th Street, Seattle WA 98103 in the Fremont neighborhood.

Tacoma Tide, Kitsap Pumas, Seattle Wolves season tickets on sale

In the last few days both Tacoma Tide FC and Kitsap Pumas have sent out releases regarding sales of season tickets for their 2009 PDL (Premier Development League) campaigns. Seattle Wolves FC have released information about their combination PDL and PCSL (Pacific Coast Soccer League) club season tickets, which will give you 18 matches.

Tacoma Tide FC play in a great neighborhood in University Place, Tacoma. Curtis High School stadium is a very nice venue to take in a match. It faces the sunset over the Narrows, so bring your sunglasses.
Tacoma's season tickets are general admission and cost $70 for adults (10 matches) and $30 for students. The Tide also give you a *free* TFC yellow and blue scarf with each season ticket purchase. Club website details.

Kitsap Pumas are already setting themselves up as a 'throwback' to the days of pristine grass soccer pitches, hooped jerseys and village pride. The Pumas will be playing about 10 minutes away from the Seattle-Bremerton ferry landing in Bremerton.

The Pumas have priced season tickets at $90, $75 and $45 for the season, with options for reserved covered grandstand and family endline general admission. Club website details.

Seattle Wolves will have clubs in both the PCSL and PDL. In the recently announced club statement the Wolves are providing a real bargain for Tukwila-area soccer lovers. Both the PCSL and PDL seasons are included in a $49 season pass that will allow you to see all of both clubs' 2009 home matches at Starfire Sports Stadium (18 matches!). Club website details.

All of our local neighborhood clubs supply soccer in your own back yard at a price that allows family and friends to pile in the car and have a fun night out on the cheap. Purchasing season tickets is a great way to support soccer in your neighborhood.

Smaller local clubs stay clear of Sounders' wake

One thing we know about the sport of elite-level soccer in Puget Sound in 2009: there's going to be plenty of it to watch.The huge majority of those watching will be doing so because of interest in Seattle Sounders FC.The Sounders have sold 20,000 season tickets and it looks like a good bet that nearly all matches will sell out before or on match nights.

This is in effect a tsunami of interest in pro soccer, and how far the waves reach is unknown. Our three fourth division sides, Tacoma Tide FC, Kitsap Pumas, and Seattle Wolves FC, are of course hoping that the high water interest in Sounders FC will spill over to their neighborhoods. Just in case, the three clubs have tried their very best to not schedule their home matches on the same night the Sounders are home at Qwest. Some of it is that the guys who run these sides are genuinely Sounders fans, and some of it is simply the fact they don't want to be selling tickets up against the Sounders juggernaut.

When the Premier Development League schedules for Tacoma, Seattle and Kitsap were released they showed only three local home matches (out of 24) in conflict. Tacoma Tide FC have since reduced that number to 2 after they moved a match with Seattle Wolves to Tuesday June 23 in Tacoma to avoid a Sounders home match. Now the dubious two left are Seattle Wolves hosting Kitsap May 30 while the Sounders are at home against Columbus Crew, and Tacoma Tide FC hosting the Spokane Spiders at 3:00 PM in the afternoon on Sunday June 28th while the Sounders are hosting the Colorado Rapids two hours earlier at Qwest.

So there you have it, soccer lovers. Our three smaller clubs have 22 home matches that don't fall on Sounders home days.

Make your plans to catch one of these clubs in action. We've got the master Puget Sound home schedule right here.

Photo Credit: Seattle Wolves FC celebrate a goal against Sounders Super Search players. (Jenni Conner)

Agu: 'I feel like I have more to give the Tide this year'

We recently broke the news that Tacoma Tide FC's all-time leading scorer Rory Agu would be returning to play for TFC in 2009. Now we've caught up with Rory Agu in Fresno and chatted with the speedy forward about his decision and the upcoming Tide campaign.

"After my college season ended," says Agu, "I came back to Tacoma for winter break for about a week and a half. I cut my break short, so I could try and find a job and to start training to the PDL season. I have been running three times a week, playing indoor and training with our rivals Fresno Fuego three times a week. I also have been keeping in touch with players from last year, seeing what they are doing and keeping track of who is coming back and what new players are coming in."

Going to college in Fresno right now it would only make sense for Agu to jump ship and play for the Fresno Fuego. Why hasn't he? "Loyalty," responds Agu. "I was given a chance to represent the city of Tacoma and State of Washington (playing with the Tide.) I have spent the last three years trying to help Tacoma Tide F.C. become a respected club in the Puget Sound area. I still feel like I have more to give to the Tide this year."

"I have been training with the Fresno Fuego for about a month now. The Fuego have been talking to me about playing for them this season since the summer. The GM for the Fuego came out to a few of my college games this year as well (Fresno City CC). After my season ended I called the GM to see if I could train with them for the pre-season. He told me that I had to talk to the coach about that. So I called the coach and we talked about my future. I told him that I will be returning to Tacoma for the 2009 season. He understands my loyalty to Tacoma."

The hook-up with Fresno has another benefit for Rory. The Fuego will play the Major League Soccer San Jose Earthquakes Friday February 20th. "I will be in Fresno for the game. I had talked to the coach last week about the chance of me playing in the game and he has told me that I will play. So I'm very excited to get a chance to play against an MLS side. I have never played against an MLS club before. For me this game is a good way for me to get seen, so I'm going to take every chance like its my only one."

Rory looks forward to the potential rivalries the Tide will face in 2009 with the entry of the Kitsap Pumas and Seattle Wolves into the league. "I love having local rivals. It makes playing for Tacoma just that much more important for me, and shows how many good players we have in
the Puget Sound area."

Agu still has clear memories of the Tide winning their first Northwest Division crown in 2008 and then beating Fresno 3-0 in a playoff match before almost 4,000 fans in California. "It is the best feeling to be here training with a rival team and wearing your teams color high. I know how it made them feel that we (Tacoma Tide) ended their season."

Topping 2008 won't be easy for Tacoma. Every year they have shown marked improvement over the year before. In 2007 it was making the playoffs. In 2008 it was winning the division and advancing to the regional final. In 2009 Agu has a goal that has eluded the club so far: qualifying for a US Open Cup match.

"I feel that this being our fourth year, we (the players) owe it to the club to give our best yet. So that means we are looking to play in the US Open Cup for the first time. We are also looking to move closer to a PDL crown. I have been hearing some good news about the soccer community in Tacoma, and about some players that we might get. So fans, get ready for a great 2009! I feel like we are going to have the best team this club has ever had."

University of Washington winger Raphael Cox played for the Tide last year. Read about what he's doing now as a player in the Real Salt Lake training camp.

All-time club leading scorer Rory Agu will return to Tacoma Tide FC for 2009

Tacoma Tide FC recently got good news as they look ahead to defending their PDL Northwest Division crown. Rory Agu, a Tacoma native who is the club's all-time leading scorer, plans to return and play for TFC for a fourth straight year.

Rory will miss tryouts and pre-season training because he is in school in Fresno, California. However, he's struck a deal to train with a Tide playoff rival, the Fresno Fuego, to get ready for the season. In fact, Agu has been with the Fuego for nearly a month.

Agu's timing is just right in terms of getting some exposure. The Fresno Fuego will play the Major League Soccer San Jose Earthquakes on Friday February 20th, and Rory is likely to see some playing time against them.

Recently Rory kept his scoring touch alive with ten goals for Fresno City CC.

Tacoma Tide FC open their 2009 season May 13th with a visit to Seattle to help the Wolves make their PDL debut at Starfire.

Photo credit: A familiar scene in Tacoma; Rory Agu burning down the touchline. (Jenni Conner)

Rory scores the third Tide goal in the highlight reel below from 2008:

Wolves update: foreign talent, Nike and top spot

GOALSeattle.com is increasing its coverage of all high-level Puget Sound area soccer, including the various clubs run by Seattle Wolves FC. You can talk about the Wolves in their specific forum here. We've recently uploaded some Wolves wallpapers for your computer desktop. Get them here.

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.

Bellevue barista Oliveira wins spot on Sounders roster

Vinicius "Vini" Oliveira will take off his barista apron and put on a Sounders FC jersey and fly to California tomorrow after he was named winner of the first ever "Seattle Sounders SuperSearch."

In a live show that was more about Hollywood and less about the sport of soccer, we saw the ten finalists reduced to four and then to two. In the last four were Chase Mikkelsen, Junior Garcia, Oliveira and fan vote topper Dallas Jaussi. The final two came down to Vini and Yakima's Junior Garcia.

Starfire's indoor soccer fields were invaded by cameras, smoke machines, strobe lights and a flashing goal for the TV event. Players played some two on two and one on one as the judges watched. Adrian Hanauer, Sigi Schmid and Chris Henderson gave simple, almost trite answers to interviewers Kevin Calabro and Lisa Gangle. Sounders FC goalkeeper Kasey Keller joined the broadcast team and seemed natural as he commented on what the players were doing and going through.

When Oliveira was announced as the winner his new Sounders team mates came onto the field and hugged him, as did his family. Overwhelmed by the moment Oliveira had very little to say beyond thank you to his family and many fans who were at Starfire to support him.

Now the Brazilian-born Bellevue Community College scoring star, who tallied 25 goals and 7 assists last season, is off to training camp and a new life as a pro soccer player.

Photo credit: Vini Oliveira at the SuperSearch match against Seattle Wolves. (Jenni Conner)

More: Seattle Times Wenatchee World Seattle Offside Sounders Swag Romero's blog Joshua Mayers

SuperSearchers can't match Wolves' team work

It was a very sunny and even slightly warm afternoon at Starfire as the Seattle Sounders SuperSearch arrived with cameras in tow to take on Seattle Wolves FC in a match designed to...well...um...get some video footage for tomorrow night's big live finale on King 5 after the Super Bowl, perhaps?

The Wolves won the shortened contest 2-0 and of course looked the better team since they've been together for a while. See Ron Stickney's Seattle Pitch match report here. A few of the SuperSearch guys did OK, which I guess is all we can ask for. No sparks of brilliance, though. A crowd of just over 1,000 curious soccer fans attended the match.

From what I've read and talking with people after the match, the four most-mentioned names offered up for praise were Al Valencia, Junior Garcia, Vincent Oliveira and Chase Mikkelsen.

It was only a two-minute day for trialist Gareth Waite who was plastered by a ball to the face very early on and was kept out the rest of the way for fear of a slight concussion.

So, sun, soccer, (did I mention it was free) and displays of team work by the Wolves and occasional nifty moves by the SuperSearchers made for a fine time. For the guys trying to make the Sounders by winning this contest, I am not sure what to tell you. Perhaps a few extra prayers tonight and the hope that the Sounders staff on hand were somehow distracted most of the day?

See also: Sounder at Heart has his take on the top performers.

We've got photos!
Jenni Conner's SuperSearch v. Wolves gallery
David Falk's SuperSearch v. Wolves gallery

Wolves look forward to role in SuperSearch drama

From www.SeattleWolvesFC.com

This Saturday, January 31st, the Seattle Wolves FC will take on the Sounders Super Search Trialists in front of a live audience and television crews filming for the Sounders Super Search reality television show. The match kicks-off at 1:00pm inside the Starfire Sports Stadium, and is open to the public, free of charge.

In preparation for the match, the Wolves have announced the majority of the team that will represent the club in this historic contest. The final two roster spots for the match will be announced today and tomorrow on SeattleWovlesFC.com .

Wolves' Technical Director, Alex Weaver, is excited about the match. "This is a great opportunity for the Sounders Super Search trialists, as one of them will be signed to an MLS contract for the 2009 season. We (the Wolves) also look at this as an opportunity, going into an exciting 2009 season. We're going to make these players on trial have to work for that spot on Seattle Sounders FC."

The match has all of the ingredients to be really exciting for the fans on hand. Not only is it open to the public, free of admission, but "these boys are going to be flying on both sides of the ball", said Wolves' Assistant General Manager, Clay Walton-House. "This match will not lack any intensity or pace, and let's not forget, some of the best amateur players in the Pacific Northwest will be on the field."

Footage from the historic match will be used in the final live broadcast of the Sounders Super Search reality television show, airing on NBC King 5 after the Super Bowl on Sunday February 1.

As part of the build up towards Saturday's match, three rostered Wolves took some time before training last night to show off the club's new uniforms, with corporate sponsors for the match, Jones Soda, Agate Pass Transportation, College Pro Painters, Soccer West and ATEC Development.

Gabe Sturm, Brandon Sprague and Sean Conlon were the first to don the Seattle Wolves FC kit that will be worn on Saturday against the Seattle Sounders Super Search team.

Mutanda Kwesele has been removed from the roster due to an injury sustained in Wednesday's training. Kwesele will likely be replaced by Wolves' striker, Jason Cascio, who spent the 2008 season with the Seattle Sounders (USL-1) and played at Seattle University. The final two roster spots will be announced on SeattleWovlesFC.com today and tomorrow.

The match kicks-off at 1:00pm inside the Starfire Stadium this Saturday. Admission to the match is free and open to the public.

The Nike Azteca uniforms worn during the match will be worn throughout the SPSL season, and replaced in March with the Wolves 2009 PCSL and PDL uniforms.

The SOUND of soccer: Wolves, Tide, Pumas schedules released

All on the same day? Yep. Today the United Soccer Leagues has released the 2009 Premier Development League (PDL) slate of matches. Now we know the home dates for Seattle Wolves FC, Tacoma Tide FC and Kitsap Pumas SC.

GOALSeattle.com has ALL of the home club HOME matches in our handy "Local Matches Calendar." Welcome to the SOUND of soccer!



Seattle Wolves FC make their historic debut in USL soccer on Wednesday May 13 at 7:00 PM when they host Tacoma Tide FC at Starfire. Kitsap Pumas make their historic USL debut two nights later when the Tide again play the spoilers in Bremerton on Friday May 15 at 7:00 PM at Bremerton Memorial Stadium. Tacoma's home debut is Sunday May 17 at 3:00 PM against Cascade Surge.

U-23 clubs from local rivals Vancouver and Portland come in to Seattle to take on the Wolves this summer, too. Portland Timbers U-23's come to Starfire on Wednesday May 20 while the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency visit on Saturday night June 20.



In all of that hailstorm of local matches, we actually have very few conflicts. Tacoma Tide FC have two matches on the same days as the Sounders. We'll see if they adjust. Kitsap Pumas are in Seattle to take on the Wolves the same night that the Sounders host Columbus Crew. That's mostly it.

Around the Sound of Soccer for January 27th

The Major League Soccer and Premier Development League schedules should be out...tomorrow! Thus much of my summer will then be planned...Sounders FC, Wolves FC, Tide FC, Pumas...

The Kitsap Pumas are quietly making headway as they prepare for their first season. Chuck Stark checks in with the Bremerton bunch in today's Kitsap Sun. The Pumas will announce shortly that they'll be taking fan submissions for club crest ideas.

The newly christened Seattle Wolves FC PDL club that will play the Pumas and Tacoma Tide FC this summer are going to be in the amateur category. If you are keeping score that means Kitsap will be pro and pay players, while Tacoma and Seattle will stay amateur and look for college talent.

Sounders FC continue to get great coverage from local papers and KING 5 TV. Be sure to drop by the blogs at the Seattle Times (Romero) and Tacoma News Tribune (Ruiz).

More today on the Sounders acquisition of Patrick Ianni in the Times, P-I, TNT.

Rich Myre of the Everett Herald looks at Kasey Keller 'Bringing it all back home.'

Blogger Dave Clark talked with Steve Zakuani, SSFC's top draft pick.

Blogger 'Ness' looks at how the 2009 Sounders' roster reflects the world's game.

In England, Adrian Hanauer's Cambridge United club continue battles over their venue.

Seattle Wolves announce 2009 PDL franchise

The speculation is over...Seattle Wolves FC are a part of the USL!

(Tukwila, WA)— Seattle Wolves Football Club today announced the launch of a Premier Development League franchise (PDL) for the 2009 season. The club’s newest team will begin league play in May, and play all home matches at the Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, WA.

The new PDL team is a joint venture between Seattle Wolves FC and Crossfire Premier Soccer Club of Redmond, WA, one of the top youth soccer organizations in the United States.

“We are very excited about adding this PDL franchise to the Seattle Wolves FC system, and continuing our mission of developing the best professional football talent in the area,” said Seattle Wolves FC General Manager, Andrew Opatkiewicz. “Our partnership with Crossfire could not be more natural, as they have a history of producing national team caliber youth players. With our pooled resources and talents, this team should be able to compete straight out of the gate.”

Seattle Wolves Football Club operates a tiered system of teams that spans the elite amateur and semi-professional levels. Players include top youth talent, elite college players, and aspiring, retired, or offseason professionals. The new PDL side will join Seattle Wolves teams already in the Pacific Coast Soccer League and Starfire Premier Soccer League. In addition to league play, the club will be busy with a full slate of friendlies and tournaments, including possible participation in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup against higher division USL or Major League Soccer opposition.

Seattle Wolves FC Technical Director, Alex Weaver believes the addition of the new team can be a substantial benefit to the long term success of the club. “Having the opportunity to bolster the number of elite college players in our system is key, as you can only have so many players on one roster. Adding the PDL side will allow us to maximize the advantages of our tiered system, and encourage a healthy level of intra-club competition that will only benefit the development of our players,” commented Weaver.

With the addition of Seattle Wolves FC, the number of PDL teams in Washington State now totals 5, with teams already in Tacoma, Bremerton, Yakima, and Spokane. These Washington teams represent half of the total number in the Northwest Division, with the remaining 5 sides in Oregon or British Columbia, Canada.

Ticket sales for all Seattle Wolves FC matches go on sale in February, with prices as low as $4 per game. For more information, visit www.SeattleWolvesFC.com .

SuperSearch throws events open to the public

From Sounders FC

Join the Seattle Sounders FC, Disney Corporation and Belo for the inaugural Sounders SuperSearch presented by Disney.

February 1st, approx 8:30pm Starfire Sports Complex Indoor Field #1

Join Lisa Gangel and Kevin Calabro as they host the Sounders SuperSearch LIVE show starting approximately one hour after the Super Bowl. Judges Adrian Hanauer, Sigi Schmid and Chris Henderson will be evaluating the 10 participants, selecting 4 finalists and awarding one finalist a roster spot for 2009 at the conclusion of the show. Space in the Indoor Field is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. Doors are scheduled to
open at 8:00pm. Admission to the show is free.

You are also invited to join us at the Starfire Sports Complex Stadium Field on Saturday, January 31st at 1:00pm to watch the 10 Sounders SuperSearch finalists in an 11 v 11 match against the Seattle Wolves. Sounders FC coaching staff will be on hand to watch the match and evaluate the finalists. Admission is free and seating will be on a first come, first served basis.

REMINDER: Vote for your favorite finalist beginning later this week! Video highlights, biographical information and comments from Sounders FC evaluators will be available on King5.com starting January 22nd. The finalist with the most votes automatically gets a spot in the final four.

For more information visit SoundersFC.com or King5.com.

Seattle Wolves FC open new office at Starfire; face Americans Saturday

by Natalie Leon, www.SeattleWolvesFC.com

Those of you visiting the Starfire Sports Complex recently, may have noticed a change. In addition to the MLS construction projects that are ongoing in the northern sector of the park, the Seattle Wolves FC recently opened offices in the southeast corner of the Starfire Athletic Center.
Long-time home of all Wolves’ training and home matches, Starfire is now the official home for all Seattle Wolves’ operations.

“The logistics of operating the club out of Starfire just got a whole lot easier, now that we can maintain office and meeting space on sight as well.”, commented Wolves’ General Manager, Andrew Opatkiewicz.

Starfire Sports is a world-class soccer facility located just off of I-5 in Tukwila, WA, 15 minutes south of Seattle. Home to the newest MLS franchise, the Seattle Sounders FC, Starfire is also dedicated to the development and empowerment of young adults through partnerships with local youth soccer clubs and community organizations.

Founders Chris Slatt, Steve Beck and Mark Bickham opened Starfire in 2003, and the complex seemingly became an instantaneous success with 4 high-quality Fieldturf fields and several grass pitches available to the growing number of youth footballers in the Puget Sound area.

“In 2006, when I was playing for the Wolves in the GSSL, we had a match at Starfire, in the Stadium. I remember thinking that it would be perfect for a semi-professional/professional football club to play out of. The intimate environment of a 2500 seat stand, now with larger capabilities because of the addition of the southern stand, the train going by the eastern goal every so often, drowning out the sound of play. I hope that we can fill that stadium in the coming years, because this is a beautiful place for football.”

The Wolves met with Steve Beck and Julie Hoyle-Lowe, Starfire General Manager, in November of 2008 to propose the tenancy. “After meeting with Steve and Julie, it was clear that Starfire was the place for us to be. And, even though we have only been operating out of Starfire for a few weeks, and the office is still being ‘put together’, it’s been great so far. We’re looking forward to a great year ahead of us. It is fantastic that the Starfire group has such a dedication to the young player, and not only as athletes, but because they see how the game can help develop good people too.” Opatkiewicz continued.

So, next time you’re at Starfire for your, or your son or daughter’s game, stop by the Wolves office in the southeastern corner of the main Athletic Center, on the main concourse. And don’t be afraid to pop in and introduce yourself, the club is always excited to meet football players, fans and enthusiasts.

Wolves face Seattle Americans at Valley Ridge this Saturday

On September 15th, the Americans and Wolves met in the first match of the Fall SPSL Premier season. After taking an early 2-0 lead, the Wolves allowed the Americans to come back to tie and eventually take a 3-2 lead. If it weren’t for an 80th minute strike by Wolves’ defender, Daniel Scott, and a late penalty saved by Wolves’ goal keeper, Pete Lechak, the Wolves would have opened the season with a loss.

That draw went on to be the only points dropped during the regular season by the Seattle Americans. The Wolves went on to a 7-0-3 record, which was good enough for only second place in the regular season standings.

Saturday’s match between the two SPSL Premier Division powerhouses promises to be an entertaining one, with early season positioning in the newly formatted SPSL at stake. The match kicks off at 6:00pm at Valley Ridge on field 1. Valley Ridge is located at 4644 S. 188th St. Seatac, WA), just two exits south of Starfire on I-5.

2009 Wolves: tryouts and 115 matches ahead

From www.SeattleWolvesFC.com
2009 will prove to be the most exciting year in Seattle Wolves history. With more talent within the player pool than ever before, the Wolves will be competing in over 115 matches in 2009.

Competitions include the Pacific Coast Soccer League Premier Division (May-July), US Lamar Hunt Open Cup Qualifying (May), USASA Nationals Qualifying (May), professional and collegiate friendly matches, as well as qualifying attempts for the Sheila Anderson Memorial Challenge Cup (July) and JF Kennedy Cup (August).

The Wolves preparation for 2009 competition has already begun. The club resumed training on Monday January 5th after a short Winter break. With a full friendly schedule, including some of the best universities in Seattle, and a trip to the East Coast to play the Harrisburg City Islanders and Crystal Palace Baltimore, of the USL Second Division, the Wolves will have plenty of opportunities to take a look at players in preparation for this Summer's busy campaign.

SPSL Premier Season Opener Saturday

Coming off of a SPSL Premier Championship, the Seattle Wolves FC will begin their next SPSL Premier campaign on Saturday (January 10, 2009).

The Wolves finished the Fall SPSL Premier season outscoring their last four opponents 38-3, and winning the playoff semi-finals and finals by a combined score of 14-1.

Key to the Wolves exciting, attacking style of play, forward Mark Conrad, scored twice in both the SPSL semi-finals and finals. Andrew Peterson took a few minutes out of training on Monday to talk to Mark, in 2009's first installment of Seattle Wolves Player Profiles.

Saturday's SPSL Premier season opener versus Team X kicks off at 7:00pm at the Starfire Sports Complex , field 2.

Open Tryouts January 24

The Seattle Wolves FC is one of the best semi-professional football clubs in North America. With an exciting schedule of league and tournament play on the horizon for 2009, the Wolves are looking for players that aspire to play at the next level.

On Saturday January 24th, 2009, the Seattle Wolves FC will host open tryouts for the Spring and Summer seasons. Tryouts begin at 6:30pm in the Starfire Sports Complex Stadium. To expedite the at-the-field registration process, all interested players should email seattlewolvesfc@gmail.com with their full name, age, position and playing experience.

For the full tryout announcement or to contact the club about tryouts, visit www.SeattleWolvesFC.com.

Know someone who wants to play at the next level? Think you've got what it takes? The Seattle Wolves FC will host open tryouts on January 24th. Email seattlewolvesfc@gmail.com for more information.

Photo captions: (Top) The Wolves will look to defend their JF Kennedy Cup Title and SPSL League Championship while adding USASA and PCSL hardware. (Middle) Wolves forward, Mark Conrad, hopes 2009 will start off as 2008 ended.

Five clubs, five questions for 2009: Seattle Sounders FC

We've reached the top level of Puget Sound soccer and the top club in our region in our "Five Questions" series. In 2009 all other local sides will fight it out in the shadows of the debut of Seattle Sounders FC into Major League Soccer.

Five questions for Sounders FC

1. Can Sounders FC present a truly 'world class' soccer experience at Qwest Field?

Major League Soccer fans on messages boards around the country have been obsessing about Qwest Field's soccer pedigree since the day Seattle was awarded an MLS franchise. We are 2 1/2 months away from our first home match, and they are waiting to see if Sounders management can make good on their promise to make Qwest "great" for soccer. The to-do list includes a pristine pitch for every match (no NFL lines), soccer-friendly staff that 'get' what footie fans are like, 100% open concessions, non-intrusive public announcements, a willingness to let the fans create the atmosphere. So...what's going to happen?

2. Who are these season ticket holders, and do they like to make noise?
Nearly as big a mystery as our future starting roster is who all of the people are that have come out of the woodwork and bought Sounders season tickets. It's all good, but I can't help but wonder what percentage of ticket members are Seahawks holders just giving MLS 'a try.' Will they like what they see? Do they 'get the game?' Can they bring the noise, world soccer style?



3. Is Sigi 'up for it?'

Take a breath, Mr. Schmid. Now comes the really hard part. You'll need to be a master conductor to get the new Seattle team playing a happy tune. You've graciously complimented Adrian Hanauer and Chris Henderson on the players they handed off to you last month. I hope you can get them playing as a team sooner rather than later. I'd rather be counting victories than minutes between goals scored in 2009. You've also said you are not 'starting from scratch.' Here's hoping you don't do too much 'head scratching' when training camp kicks off in a few weeks.

4. How will the Ljunberg saga play out?

Freddie has had the surgery that is supposed to decrease the likelihood of further hamstring injuries. When he rejoins the club he will have missed all of training camp and Sigi will have had to build an attack without him. If that attack is successful minus Ljungberg, will Sigi keep Freddie benched? Was Seattle's DP signing a mistake? Will the Sounders look back and wish they had Freddie's salary to spread around other club needs? If Freddie is a success, will he become the talk of the town?

5. Can Kasey keep them out?

Kasey Keller will defend a goal while wearing a 'Seattle' crest for the first time in his long career. How will he do? He's been chomping at the bit to get going, but once he does will he like what he's been chomping for?

Can he organize a defense that has never played together before? Will he feel 'heat' from Chris Eylander as a back-up, or will he feel 'secure' as a starter to the point of distraction?



Five clubs, five questions:
Kitsap Pumas
Tacoma Tide FC
Seattle Wolves FC (PCSL)
Seattle PDL

Five clubs, five questions for 2009: Seattle PDL

No local club is shrouded in more mystery right now than the Seattle Premier Development League (PDL) club set to debut in 2009. We learned about this new team when the United Soccer Leagues (USL) announced their 2009 PDL alignment. Along with the new club in Kitsap and the returning Tacoma Tide FC, the league threw the name of Seattle ('To be announced') into the Northwest Division.

Instantly the question became "who is starting this club?" Is it Seattle Wolves FC, who have just returned from the USL meetings with information about going 'pro' in 2010? Is it Seattle Sounders FC, who could use the club as a 'replacement' for a side in the just-closed MLS reserve league? Is it another group entirely?

Alas, we still don't know. However, I do have some hints that lead me to believe this new club will be run by Seattle Wolves FC. When asked about the new club, a person from the Sounders' side responded with "we've got enough to do building the parent club," while the Wolves said "No comment, but we'll have more to say on this very soon."

Five questions for Seattle PDL

1. Who owns you, and how will that affect your 2009 season?

If Seattle Wolves 'own' Seattle PDL, then it is a club destined to try for a higher league in the very near future. If Sounders FC 'own' Seattle PDL then it is a club destined to become a talented 'reserve side' for players to advance their craft and keep their edge.

2. Are you serious?

Will Seattle PDL be 'serious' about running a competitive club and trying to draw fan interest? Is that possible in Seattle at this level (USA 4th division)? Many years ago the USL Sounders had a 'Selects' side that played, and there was also the Seattle / Everett 'Bigfoot,' at basically the same level. The Sounders ended the Selects team when the finances became a drain. Not sure how/why the Bigfoot moved around and then folded.

If this new club is part of the Seattle Wolves, then it will be interesting to see how they juggle the commitment they've also made to play in the PCSL next summer.

Is it possible that this club will be *both* a Wolves club and a Sounders FC reserve side?

3. Will you be pro or amateur?

We are back to the ownership thing...or are we? It is possible that whomever owns and runs Seattle PDL the club could be 'pro' either way. The Sounders would want a pro side so they could slide players up and down from the parent roster. Seattle Wolves might also want to start pro in anticipation of 2010 and a leap to the USL-2.

4. Where will you get your players?

You'll need players, but you've got competition on all sides of Puget Sound. Kitsap Pumas are going to pay their players. Tacoma Tide FC will recruit college talent with amateur status. The PCSL Wolves will also have a roster of amateurs. If Seattle PDL goes 'pro' then that makes it all the tougher on Kitsap to sign players. If they go amateur, then Seattle college players might want to stay at home instead of fighting the traffic to Tacoma.

5. Will soccer fans warm-up to all of the possible rivalries?

Seattle PDL, you do know that you have a tremendous opportunity in 2009, don't you? You'll have rivals in Tacoma and Bremerton...but even more you'll suddenly be the 'placeholder' for the Emerald City in matches against the Vancouver Whitecaps (Residency) and Portland Timbers (U-23's). You'll be the local linchpin of "Cascadia Cup Jr." or something like that. Will that help you get some fans out to your games?

The mystery around Seattle PDL should start getting solved sometime in January. The PDL season kicks off May 1st.

Five clubs, five questions:
Kitsap Pumas
Tacoma Tide FC
Seattle Wolves FC (PCSL)

Next: Seattle Sounders FC

Five clubs, five questions for 2009: Seattle Wolves FC

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 FC

1. 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

Five clubs, five questions for 2009: Tacoma Tide FC

In the second installment of my "Five Questions" series I turn my attention to South Sound and the longest-operating same league high-level club in our region, Tacoma Tide FC. The Tide will be playing their fourth season in the PDL in 2009 with hopes of continuing their on-pitch rise while at the same time getting larger crowds.

No local club played more entertaining or winning soccer than Tacoma Tide FC did in 2008. The Tide won their first division trophy and also earned their first playoff win before falling to Vancouver in the regional final. Along the way TFC set records for goals and wins at home.

Five questions for Tacoma Tide FC

1. Can the Tide compete for the best local college players?

In 2006 when TFC was hastily born, after the demise of the Spokane Shadow, they struggled to get a squad together out of local elite college players. Since then the Tide have pretty much had the summers to themselves. They've seen star players from Washington (Raphael Cox, Steve Mohn, Beau Macaluso), Seattle University (Jordan Jennings, John Fishbaugher) and locals from out of state schools (Spencer Schomaker, Syracuse, Ciaran O'Brien, Santa Clara). Some very gifted players have worn the yellow over the years. In 2009 the Tide will see extreme competition for recruiting players as Seattle, Portland and Victoria join them in the PDL. Kitsap Pumas are also in, but have pledged to sign 'pro' players who have surrendered their NCAA eligibility.

Already one University of Washington star has committed to playing for Portland's U-23's. Freshman star forward Brent Richards will go south this summer. Brent lives in Camas, WA, which likely helped in his decision.

2. Can the Tide remain undefeated at home again?

The streak has to end eventually, but right now the Tide have not lost at home since July 14 of 2006. It is an impressive string that is up to 18 matches and includes a 2-2 draw with the USL Sounders in 2007. Tacoma didn't just win at home, they dominated in 2008 by outscoring opponents 36-5.



3. Where will 'home' be?

The Tide have played their first three seasons at Viking Field at Curtis High School in University Place, Tacoma. It's been a good venue for them, a small stadium with a no-hassle lease from a small school district. There is currently construction of a new Junior High next to the stadium, and it is unclear if that will affect usage of the stadium this summer.

4. Can they get a witness?

Tacoma Tide have played very exciting soccer with talented local stars, but have yet to capture much interest in South Sound. The fans have gotten increasingly noisy and supportive, but the numbers still remain at around 200+ average per match. I'm not sure if it is possible for a PDL squad to remain amateur and keep expenses down while at the same time drawing bigger crowds in Tacoma. The Tide have a nice business network through MVP Physical Therapy, and did a lot of work last year to increase awareness. Will it payoff in 2009?

5. Who will become Tacoma's biggest local rival?

The Tide's biggest rival right now is the Yakima Reds. This is likely to continue on into 2009 as Yakima made a miraculous 'back from the dead' recovery in late 2008 to find ownership to play again in 2009.

Now Tacoma have much more local flavor on the menu. Kitsap Pumas are just more than half an hour away over the Narrows Bridge in Bremerton. The mysterious yet-to-be-announced Seattle PDL club is a new I-5 rival. Victoria BC and Portland will also be on the schedule. So which one of these new clubs will develop into the fiercest rival for TFC? We've been starting a rivalry cup idea between the Tide and Kitsap, but that was before the sudden arrival of a Seattle club. Now it seems like any local PDL derby cup should include all three sides.

Visit: www.TacomaFC.com
Next: Seattle Wolves FC

Five clubs, five questions
Kitsap Pumas