Sounders Battle Cardiff City Tonight At 7pm

July 18, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Seattle Sounders News Release


(Seattle, WA) - The Seattle Sounders will host Coca-Cola League Championship Club, Cardiff City, on July 18th at Qwest Field, it was announced today. Kick-off is set for 7:00 pm.

After battling Sunderland (who gained promotion to the English Premier League (EPL) after finishing on the top of Coca-Cola League Championship table) last summer, the Sounders look to continue to the tradition of welcoming international sides to Seattle.

Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer: "We certainly look forward to playing Cardiff City. Last year we tangled with Sunderland in a hard fought match. This year we look forward to facing a Welsh side that is battling for promotion to the English Premier League."

Cardiff City FC, from Cardiff, Wales, is one of six Welsh sides that play in the English football league system, rather than the Welsh system. Founded in 1899, the Bluebirds have a rich soccer history which includes 22 Welsh Cups and one Football Association (FA) Cup. The Bluebirds became the only team to have taken the FA Cup out of England with their victory over Arsenal in 1927.

Currently in eighth place, Cardiff City is eight points behind sixth place Preston, in England's Championship League with 16 wins, 11 draws and 14 losses for 59 points. The top two clubs qualify for a place in the English Premiership for the subsequent season, while team's three to six go into a playoff to determine the last spot.

Cardiff City's roster is highlighted by 19-year-old striker Cameron Jerome from Huddersfield, England. Jerome, a member of England Under-21s, is currently tied for second in the league with 18 goals.

Tickets for the match cost $12 for general admission or $17 for reserved seating. Individual tickets go on sale to the public April 5th through Ticketmaster - (206) 628.0888 or www.ticketmaster.com. Current Sounder season ticket holders have until April 4th at 5pm to purchase their existing seats for the Cardiff match.

Group tickets (15 or more) may be purchased by calling the Sounders box office - 206.622.3415 extension 117 or 122. Fans purchasing a group of 15 or more tickets, PRIOR TO JUNE 21st, will receive the equivalent number of tickets, free of charge, to the following Sounders match - restrictions apply - Wednesday, June 28 against the Puerto Rico Islanders - 7:00 pm

In addition to regular seating, a limited number of $50 VIP tickets will be available (on-sale April 5th only through the Sounders ticket office). The VIP ticket will include a reserved seat to the match, (season ticket holders who purchase VIP tickets will be seated in their current seats) a 30 minute meet and greet with Cardiff players and managers prior to game-time, on-field credentials to watch warm-ups, and a soccer souvenir.

Special ticket offers beginning April 4th - purchase NEW Sounder season tickets (general admission or reserved) and receive the equivalent number of Cardiff tickets free of charge - four season tickets = four Cardiff tickets.

Purchase a minimum of two NEW flex packs (general admission or reserved) and receive one Cardiff ticket free of charge - two flex packages = one Cardiff ticket.

In addition to the match in Seattle, Cardiff will play several other exhibition matches in Vancouver, B.C., against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

For more information about the Cardiff match or about the Sounders 2006 season which opens on April 23rd, visit www.seattlesounders.net or call (206) 622-3415.



USL First Division Stories from July 18, 2006


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