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Playoff Implications In Whitecaps Match Saturday

August 17, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Seattle Sounders News Release


(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders prepare for a shot to defend their 2005 USL First Division title as they face long time rival Vancouver during their push for the post season. Currently one point out from a playoff spot, the Sounders battle second place Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, August 19th at Qwest Field, kick off is scheduled for 7pm.

The Sounders and Whitecaps face off for the third time this season in a meeting between the leagues two highest scoring teams. The Sounders have scored a league leading 34 goals collectively as the Whitecaps have notched 33 of their own. The Sounders are 6-2-2 at home this season and are 1-0-1 against Vancouver in 2006. The last time these two teams met in Seattle, on May 27th, the Sounders won 1-0 on an Andrew Gregor penalty kick in the 43rd minute.

About the Sounders

The Sounders are coming off of a 5-1 win over the Virginia Beach Mariners on August 11th at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila. Forwards Cam Weaver and Maykel Galindo combined for four goals and three assists in the first half. Weaver recorded the first Sounders' hat trick since the 2001 season. Roger Levesque and Kevin Sakuda teamed up for the Sounders fifth goal of the match, a feat the Sounders haven't accomplished since May of 2004. The win snapped a three game losing streak.

Missing 17 matches with a broken nose and orbital bone, Galindo has return to his top form. In just four matches he has scored two goals and assisted three others in only 230 minutes.

With his three goals against Virginia Beach, Weaver broke the Sounders rookie record for goals scored in a season, previously set by current Rochester Forward Greg Howes in 2000. He now sets his sights on the Sounders all time mark for goals in season at 20, set by Mark Baena in 1998 and 1999; Weaver currently has 18 goals on the year.

About the Whitecaps

The Whitecaps are currently in a two-way tie for second place in the USL First Division with a record of 10-5-8, 38 points. Vancouver has won four of their last six matches and has scored nine goals over their last three. Forwards Joey Gjertsen and David Testo continue to lead their team with nine and five goals respectively. Gjertsen is also leads the league in assists with six.

The Whitecaps play their final road match of the season in Seattle, and will finish the remaining four matches of the regular season at home - including one against the Sounders on September 8th.

INJURY UPDATE: SCOTT SCHEDULED TO RETURN TO ACTION ON SATURDAY

Veteran Sounder defender Zach Scott is scheduled to return to action against the Whitecaps on Saturday. Scott has missed nearly two months and 13 regular season matches while recovering from a surgical procedure to remove excess scare tissue from his left foot and ankle.

CASCADIA CUP UPDATE: A SOUNDER WIN CAPTURES CUP

The Cascadia Cup is an annual derby between the Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers. The regular season matches played between these three teams are tallied and awarded points based upon wins and draws.

The Sounders currently lead the chase for the 2006 Cascadia Cup with 11 points and a 3-1-2 record against Portland and Vancouver. The Whitecaps are close behind with a 2-1-3 record and 9 points Cascadia Cup play. A win over Vancouver would lock up the Cascadia Cup and mark the first time the Sounders would bring home the three-year old cup. The Whitecaps have won the Cascadia Cup twice, in 2004 and 2005.

Levesque & Merl Talk Playoff Run With Paul Silvi Friday

Catch Forward Roger Levesque and Defender Noah Merl talk about the Sounders playoff run with KING 5's Paul Silvi on his Sports Tonight show on Friday, August 18th. Sports Tonight airs at 9:30pm on Northwest Cable News and again at 10:30 on KONG.

Veteran Defender Zach Scott Scheduled To Return This Sat.

The Sounders are finally at full strength

Veteran defender Zach Scott is scheduled to return to action against the Whitecaps on Saturday. Scott has missed nearly two months and 13 regular season matches while recovering from a surgical procedure to remove excess scare tissue from his left foot and ankle. For the first time all season, the Sounders have (knock on wood) no one on the injured list just in time for their playoff run.

Cascadia Cup Update: Sounder Win Captures Cup

Sounders Can Take Cup Away From Two Time Champ Van.

The Sounders currently lead the chase for the 2006 Cascadia Cup with 11 points and a combined 3-1-2 record against Portland and Vancouver. The Whitecaps are close behind with a 2-1-3 record and 9 points in Cascadia Cup play. A win over Vancouver would steal the three year old cup from the two-time champion Whitecaps.

The Cascadia Cup is an annual derby between the Whitecaps, Sounders and Portland Timbers. The regular season matches played between these three teams are tallied and awarded points based upon wins and draws. For more information visit www.cascadia-cup.com.

Fan Bus To Vancouver on Sept. 8th!

Sponsored by the Emerald City Supporters

The Emerald City Supporters (ECS) are sponsoring a fan bus up to Vancouver, B.C. for the Sounders final road match of the season on Friday, September 8th. This match in Vancouver could decide if the Sounders advance to the post season! For just $35 ($10 ticket, $25 bus fare) you can catch a ride on a luxurious Grayline bus and get a ticket for the match in Vancouver. Support the guys on their push of the playoffs! For more information OR to sign up to go on the bus, visit www.SounderCentral.com. Or email ecs@soundercentral.com.

Missed the 5-1 stomping of Virginia Beach? Don't miss the Sounders playoff run in 2006! The Virginia Beach match and every home game is available ON DEMAND. Comcast replays home matches of the 2005 USL First Division Champion Sounders ON DEMAND within 48 hours after each game. Pause, rewind, fast-forward. Create your own highlights. You'll never miss another awesome shot - FREE with Comcast digital cable, ON DEMAND.



USL First Division Stories from August 17, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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