Sounders To Play The Blues In Miami

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


(Miami, Florida)-The Seattle Sounders (3-2-3) travel to Tropical Park Stadium June 1 for a Sunday night match at Miami FC (2-6-2). The Blues will be fighting to claim their first win at home against a Seattle team that has played three games in five nights.

After being defeated at Carolina and drawing with Puerto Rico, the defending champion Sounders look to end their road trip with a win.

If Friday's match in Puerto Rico is any indicator, Seattle will need to come out of the gate with energy and focus against a team on the rise, in the Blues. In that match, first half possession was dominated by the Islanders and the result was a goal in the 34th and a 1-0 lead going into the break. The Sounders found the back of the net in the 2nd half thanks to a Taylor Graham equalizer in the 77th, and the game finished in a 1-1 draw.

Sunday, Seattle will look to press on offense and control possession in what is sure to be a physical test.

Despite early season woes, Miami FC found their swagger in Portland on Monday, triumphing over the Timbers in a 2-0 shutout. The road victory coupled with the successful play of Brazilian Alex Afonso surely provides the Blues with momentum heading into Sunday's match. He is currently leading the entire First Division league in points, with six goals and one assist, coming from only ten appearances to date.

In addition, recently signed ex-Red Bulls defender Eric Brunner, who impressed after his play with the U-23 U.S. National team in the Toulon International tournament in France, will likely see his first action against the Sounders.

Game Notes:

- Miami FC's moniker the Blues is new this season.

- Miami FC's Alex Afonso was named this week to the USL-1 Team of the Week.

- Miami FC's head coach was a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup Championship Team

- Seattle was 1-1-0 against Miami FC and lost 3-2 in Miami last season.

- Taylor Graham's goal at Puerto Rico was his first of the season.



USL First Division Stories from June 1, 2008


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