MLS Seattle Sounders FC

Sounders Host Rochester at Starfire Friday

July 17, 2008 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


(Seattle, Wa)- The Seattle Sounders (5-4-8) return home to face the Rochester Rhinos (4-5-6) Friday, July 18. Kickoff at Starfire is slated for 8:00 p.m. PT.

The Sounders moved into sole position of fourth place (23 points) with their improbable 1-0 triumph over the Montreal Impact this past Sunday. Chris Eylander's ten saves proved to be the difference in a match dominated by Montreal, who outshot Seattle 15-4. Eylander's tremendous performance was rewarded with the USL-1 player of the week honor. The shutout was his sixth of the regular season to go with his four consecutive in U.S. Open Cup play.

Friday's match marks the third and final meeting between Rochester and Seattle this season. The two sides met a week ago to the day with the Rhinos inking a 1-0 victory. Luke Kreamalmeyer headed home a superb cross from 19 year-old David Earl to score the winner in just the 8th minute of the match. Earl's assist earned him USL-1 team of the week honors.

Seattle looks to avenge the loss and even the series with a victory. The first meeting of the season on May 14 at Starfire resulted in a 1-1 draw. Seattle's Zach Scott scored his first goal of the season in the match, which was countered by Scott Palguta's equalizer in the 90th minute to draw 1-1.

Rochester played to a nil-nil draw at home against Miami Sunday. Newly acquired and former Sounders midfielder Andrew Gregor made his first start in the match for the Rhinos. The four points earned over the weekend was enough to boost Rochester two spots from last to ninth in the standings (18 points).

The Sounders are just four points from the top of the table. Seattle next travels to Minnesota to take on the Thunder Thursday before returning home against the current league-leading Charleston Battery (27 points) Saturday, July 26 in a preview of what's to come in the U.S. Open Cup. The two sides meet in the semis of the U.S. Open Cup on August 12th in Charleston for the rights to play the winner of MLS' D.C. United and New England Revolution. Seattle will bid to host a potential Cup final at Qwest Field.

Injury Report:

Fishbaugher: Probable (Ankle)

Taylor Graham: Questionable (hamstring)

Adam West: Out 2-3 weeks (hamstring)

Roger Levesque: Out 2-3 weeks (ankle)

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 17, 2008


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