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Sounders acquire prodigy

July 31, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Seattle Sounders News Release


The Seattle Sounders have acquired midfielder Ciaran O'Brien on loan from MLS' Colorado Rapids and signed former University of Washington forward Kevin Forrest. Both players are available immediately and will travel to Puerto Rico for Friday's match against the Islanders.

Ciaran O'Brien comes to the Sounders on loan from the Colorado Rapids for a period between July 28 and September 5. O'Brien has made one appearance for the Rapids this year after being their first round draft pick and fifth pick overall in the 2008 MLS Superdraft.

O'Brien was a four year starter at Decatur High School in Tacoma where he was an NSCAA All-American as well as the 2006 Washington State Gatorade Player of the Year. He went on to play at the University of San Diego where he was an NSCAA Freshmen All-American and All-WCC second team performer. He then transferred to UC Santa Barbara for his sophomore year where he led the Big West in points with 25 (7 goals, 11 assists).

A local prodigy from a family with a strong soccer tradition, O'Brien is the brother of current Sounders midfielder, Leighton O'Brien and the son of Fran O?Brien, a former Irish National team player and current Head Coach of the Tacoma Tide PDL club.

Also added to the club is University of Washington product, Kevin Forrest, a forward with a proven goal scoring record. In his Junior season, Forrest scored 16 goals for the Huskies on his way to being named Pac 10 Player of the Year; he was also the conference's leading goal scorer in his senior season before being sidelined with a stress fracture in his left foot.

Forrest also has a tie to the Sounders; his father Ward Forrest played for the NASL Sounders in the 1970's.

ECS ORGANIZE BUS TRIP TO PORTLAND

On Thursday, August 7, the Seattle Sounders travel to PGE Park in Portland to take on the Timbers in the final regular season match-up between the long-time rivals. Sounders? supporters group, Emerald City Supporters, have organized a bus trip to get fans to and from the match in Portland.

Tickets for the bus are approximately $55 and will pick up passengers at two locations: South Renton Park-and-Ride at 205 S. 7th Street at 2pm, and Park-and-Ride at I-5 and Hwy 512 in Tacoma at 3pm. Sign up is available at www.weareecs.com.

As of Monday, July 28, 30 people have signed up for the trip leaving approximately 20 seats remaining. However, a second bus may be booked if demand exceeds the remaining available space. Passenger's must be age 18 years and older unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Sounders and Timbers share one of the fiercest soccer rivalries in the United States. Join the Emerald City Supporters on a bus trip down to Portland and help cheer on the Sounders!

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USL First Division Stories from July 31, 2008


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