USL's Northwest trio to host Sunderland
Published on February 21, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1) News Release
The Northwest USL First Division trio of the Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers announced Monday a three-game exhibition visit from Sunderland of the English League Championship July 16-23.
Known as the Black Cats, Sunderland will square off against the Whitecaps July 16 at Swangard Stadium, the Sounders July 20th at Qwest Field and the Timbers July 23 at PGE Park.
Sunderland, a club steeped in tradition with its history dating back to 1879, is one of the top teams in the English League Championship, the second division of professional soccer in England, a country known throughout the world for its top level of play. Their incredible history includes eight English First Division Championships and two FA Cups.
The club currently sits third with an 18-9-6 (W-L-D) record, three points back of Wigan Athletic for one of two automatic promotion spots. A finish third through fourth would put Sunderland in a playoff for the third promotion spot to the English Premiership, a league filled with many of the world's elite players and teams, including Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea
"We traveled to the USA for pre-season last year and it was great preparation for the season," Sunderland Manager Mick McCarthy. "The warm weather is perfect for training and the different environment is good for everyone."
"We're really looking forward to visiting the three clubs and I'm sure they'll give us a good work out in preparation for the new season."
"This is an incredible opportunity to bring a feature English club with a storied history to Vancouver," said Bob Lenarduzzi, Director of Soccer Operations. "It will allow our players a chance to receive some valuable experience, and our fans to see some top international stars."
The Sounder connection to Sunderland dates back 25 years to defender Shawn Elliott. Elliott played for the Sounders in 1980 on a trip over from Sunderland. He made over 350 international appearances and 11 goals in his European career. He was the anchor of Sunderland's defense that was undefeated at home in 1979-80. Elliott signed with the Sounders in January of 1979 and made 23 appearances with the team.
"We certainly look forward to playing Sunderland," said Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer. "It will be a great test for our guys and it will also give the people of Seattle a great chance to experience top quality English soccer."
The Sunderland match in Portland coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Timbers, who also announced a preseason April 13 clash with the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer today. The Timbers regularly faced off against top teams from England as a member of the North American Soccer League, 1975-82.
"Our success both on and off the pitch, particularly last season, has put us in an excellent position to grow our business," said Timbers general manager Jim Taylor. "Adding both Sunderland of England and the L.A. Galaxy of MLS to our schedule speaks volumes about the growth of the Portland Timbers. It's shaping up to be a most exciting season."
"What a wonderful opportunity for our supporters to observe soccer at the highest level and for our players to compete against some of the best players in the United States and England," Timbers head coach Bobby Howe said. "This is great news for the city and for the Portland Timbers. The Galaxy is one of the most successful teams in MLS and Sunderland is well placed to clinch promotion to the English Premiership."
Sunderland Exhibition Schedule
July 16 @ Vancouver Whitecaps 7:00 Swangard Stadium
July 20 @ Seattle Sounders 7:00 Qwest Field
July 23 @ Portland Timbers 7:00 PGE Park
Times Pacific
USL First Division Stories from February 21, 2005
- Whitecaps announce exhibition friendly versus Sunderland AFC - Vancouver Whitecaps
- USL's Northwest trio to host Sunderland - USL-1
- Timbers intensify schedule with Galaxy, Sunderland matches - Portland Timbers
- Kickers Sure Up Defense for 2005 - Richmond Kickers
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