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Listen To the Sounders' Match Live In Minnesota

April 21, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Seattle Sounders News Release


The defending 2005 USL First Division Champion Seattle Sounders begin the 2006 season this weekend against the Minnesota Thunder at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul, Minn. at 1:05pm PST. Sounder fans can listen to the match live through the Sounders website, www.seattlesounders.net.

The 2006 Sounders feature a new defense with both new and familiar faces led by new net minder David Mahoney. Midfielders Kevin Sakuda, Gabe Sturm and Ben Somoza will help Defenders Danny Jackson, Zach Scott on the backline. Defensive newcomers will add youth to a typically veteran Sounder defense, including former San Jose Earthquake reserve Noah Merl, University of California-Santa Barbara standout Nate Boyden and Standford defensive stalwart Seyi Abolaji.

With a young defense, the Sounders will rely heavily upon their core of veterans including midfielders Andrew Gregor, Leighton O?Brien, Jake Sagare and forward Roger Levesque. The Sounders added MLS attacking midfielder Jamal Sutton from the Columbus Crew, and re-signed former Cuban National Team forward Maykel Galindo, bringing speed to the offensive attack.

The Minnesota Thunder finished last season with a 7-11-10 record, but made an amazing U.S. Open Cup run, defeating three Major League Soccer sides on their way to the semifinals. Former Thunder player Amos Magee inherits the reigns of the Thunder squad after long-time Head Coach Buzz Lagos retired following the 2005 season.

The Sounders were 2-0-2 last season against the Thunder; posting a 1-0-1 record at James Griffin Stadium including a 3-1 victory on July 2nd. Since 1997, the Sounders are 8-10-2 against the Thunder, but have a 5-4-1 record when playing in Minnesota.

Sounders Launch New Radio Show This Week with Guerrillafootball.com

The Sounders and Guerrillafootball.com released the first episode of today. The 18 minute show previews the upcoming match with Minnesota and features personal interviews with Coach Brian Schmetzer and Forward Craig Tomlinson.

Sounders Round Out Roster, Find New Goalkeeper.

The Sounders rounded out their 2006 roster signing six players at the end of the week, including new goalkeeper David Mahoney who is on loan from MLS?s Chicago Fire for the season. Defender Jake Besagno is the only returning player from the group; Besagno returns for his second season with the club. Joining the defending champions for their first professional seasons are: Def. Seyi Abolaji (Stanford), GK Chris Eylander (Washington), Mid. Santa Maria Rivera (Seattle Univ.) and Mid. Cameron Weaver (Seattle Univ.).

For more information please visit, www.seattlesounders.net or call (206) 622-3415.

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