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MLS Seattle Sounders FC

Sounders Off to Minnessota to Take on the Thunder

July 24, 2008 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


(Seattle, Wa)- The Seattle Sounders (5-5-8) travel to Minnesota to face the Thunder (4-8-5) Thursday, July 24. Kickoff at the National Sports Center is set for 5:05 p.m. PT.

This past weekend Seattle traded standing with the Rochester Rhinos. The 3-1 defeat by the hands of the Rhinos was the Sounders second loss in 15 games all-time at Starfire - and first in regular season play. In turn Rochester climbed to a tie for third (24 points) and Seattle dropped to fifth (23 points). The last victory for the Sounders came July 13 in a 1-0 victory over Montreal.

Seattle now takes on another team at the bottom of the pack looking to improve their fortune. The Minnesota Thunder's last victory came two months ago to the day against Miami. They earned their last point in a 2-2 tie against the Carolina Railhawks on July 11. Like Seattle, Minnesota's last match came in a loss to Rochester, 1-0, Sunday.

Adding to Minnesota's difficulties, third year head coach, Amos Magee, stepped down on Tuesday and is replaced by assistant coach, Donny Gramenz. The Sounders will be on the lookout for a hungry Minnesota side desperate for a win to jump into the playoff race.

"I've known Amos for many years and I think he's a very good coach, unfortunately pro soccer is tough for coaches and we understand it. I'm sure Amos is disappointed after the great start they got off to this year," said Coach Schmetzer. "Whenever a coach is removed there is always a spark and we're preparing for a very tough match."

Thursday's match marks the second between Minnesota and Seattle this season. The two sides met June 7 at Starfire with the Sounders prevailing 3-1. Without Kenji Treschuk, serving a one-game mandatory suspension for his red-card in the previous match to Miami, Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar filled the void with his first and only goal of the season coming in the 55th minute. Leighton O'Brien's penalty kick in the 75th proved to be the winner, and Sebastien Le Toux added the silencer three minutes later.

Seattle returns home to take on the current league-leading Charleston Battery (31 points) Saturday, July 26 in a preview of what's to come. 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.

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