
Sounders return to Starfire to play the Thunder
June 5, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Seattle Sounders News Release
(Seattle, WA)- The Seattle Sounders (3-2-5) return home after an exhausting three game road trip to host the Minnesota Thunder (4-3-1) Saturday night at Starfire. The match is the first at home for the Sounders since the 4-2 victory over Atlanta on May 19. Kickoff is set for 8pm.
The match is the first this season against Minnesota. Last year, the two teams went 1-1-1 in three matches with Seattle's 1-0 victory on September 9 clinching the 2007 regular season title.
Last week, the Sounders managed to earn two hard fought points in a three game stretch despite being without forward Roger Levesque, midfielders Leighton O'Brien and Youssouf Kante, and defenders Danny Jackson and Zach Scott. After losing just their second game of the season 2-1 at Carolina, the Sounders played Puerto Rico and Miami FC to draws, 1-1 and 0-0 respectively.
Seattle's injury woes continue: Defenders Jason Cascio (ankle) and Noah Merl (groin) were both injured in Sunday's match with Miami FC, and will be out 3-4 weeks. Levesque (ankle) and O'Brien (groin) are listed as questionable and probable for Saturday.
Key defender Kenji Treschuk faces the league mandated one game suspension after receiving a red card against Miami, and will not be active.
The Sounders next home game is a June 12th exhibition match against Juventus Primavera. Juventus Primavera is the primary reserve team of two-time European champion and Serie A giant, Juventus. Tickets are still available.
Game Notes: - Minnesota is 1-2-1 in their last four matches heading into their two game road trip against Portland and Seattle. - Seattle defender Taylor Graham was named to the USL team of the week. - Minnesota midfielder Jeremiah Bass was named Week 6 USL-1 Player of the Week (1 goal, 1 assist vs. Miami FC, 5/24). - Minnesota forward Melvin Tarley has recorded three goals since signing with the team May 1. - Through eight games, Minnesota is already half way to their point total from the 2007 season when they finished second to last in the league with 26 points. - The Sounders 0-0 draw with Miami FC was the second 0-0 draw this season (5/10 vs. Portland at Qwest Field). - Seattle will be without defender Kenji Treschuk who received a red card against Miami FC.
Injury Report: - Seattle defender Jason Cascio (ankle) out 3-4 weeks. - Seattle defender Noah Merl (groin) out 3-4 weeks - Seattle midfielder Leighton O'Brien (groin) probable - Seattle midfielder Youssouf Kante (achilles tendon) doubtful - Seattle forward Roger Levesque (ankle) questionable
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USL First Division Stories from June 5, 2008
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