Sounders 3-1 in Preseason Action

Published on April 23, 2002 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Seattle Sounders News Release


(Seattle, WA) - The Seattle Sounders Professional Soccer Club defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps in a preseason match 3-2 in Kent, WA, Sunday night. The win improved the Sounders preseason record to 3-1.

Seattle, with several starters seeing extensive action, got a goal in the first minute of play from midfielder Leighton O'Brien. Andrew Gregor, a new Seattle acquisition, got into the scoring mix in the 36th minute. He one-timed a soft volley into the back of the net courtesy of a throw in from Jason Farrell. The 86th minute saw second-half substitute Craig Tomlinson speed down the left side of the narrow pitch, receive a pass from Kieran Barton, and fire a shot home.

Saturday evening pitted the Sounders against a banged up Seattle Pacific University Falcons team in Poulsbo, WA. The Sounders ran through the Falcons defense all night and came away with a 5-1 victory. Forward Kyle Smith scored two goals and newcomers Zach Kingsley, Greg Foisie and David Hernandez netted their first goals as members of the Sounders.

Sunday, April 14th saw the Sounders take the field against the Skagit Rapids in Mt. Vernon, WA. Former Los Angeles Galaxy member Brian Ching scored in the 22nd minute on a cross from Darren Sawatzky and the Sounders held on for a 1-0 win.

"Overall I'm pleased with what I've seen but we still can work harder and improve," said first year head coach Brian Schmetzer. "We've given the veterans the first half of our games and then in the second have taken a look at some younger guys who we think can help us this year."

The starting lineup has varied in each Sounder game but has contained: G - Preston Burpo, Rich Cullen, Carlos Castellanos D - Scott Jenkins, Kieran Barton, Danny Huet, Ryan Edwards M - Viet Nguyen, Andrew Gregor, Leighton O'Brien, Nate Dalicgon, Jason Farrell F - Kyle Smith, Brian Ching, Darren Sawatzky

The Sounders preseason continues with a game in Vancouver, B.C., Friday night, April 28th against the Whitecaps. Kick off is set for 7:30 p.m. Sunday night, April 28th, the Sounders wrap up their preseason with a game against the Portland Timbers at Sammamish High School in Bellevue, WA. Kick off is 5:00 p.m.

For more information on the Sounders or the regular season home and home series with the Portland Timbers on May 4th and 5th visit www.SeattleSounders.net or phone 800 796.KICK.

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USL First Division Stories from April 23, 2002


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