Back in black: Crossfire returns USL soccer to Seattle tonight

The last time a United Soccer Leagues club played in the near Seattle area was back in 2008 when the Seattle Sounders played a US Open Cup match at Qwest Field. Tonight at Interbay Stadium in lower Magnolia the league returns as Washington Crossfire debuts their USL Premier Development League (PDL) side in a 7:00 PM Northwest Division match against the Spokane Spiders.

Crossfire Premier are calling it a "black out" night:

Today Washington Crossfire announced a fan initiative that is unparalleled to this day in the PDL. Washington Crossfire will call upon all fans to join the team in “blacking out” Interbay Stadium for their home opener vs. the Spokane Spiders on 5.27. Kickoff is at 7pm.

Fans are encouraged to wear jerseys and Crossfire apparel to match their team on the pitch as they support them in their first ever franchise home game. All children that wear Crossfire apparel to the game will get in free of charge. Crossfire apparel will also be available for purchase at the game. In other cases normal ticket rates will apply. $5 tickets can be purchased by adults, $3 for anyone under 18, with a maximum charge of $10 per family that ensures an affordable experience for everyone involved.

General Manager Jeremy Supinski spoke about the building excitement leading up to the home opener on the 27th. “It's going be great to be back home. We battled very well last weekend against Kitsap and showed every bit that our squad is here to compete on a high level. I'm excited to now have our own fans behind us. It is very clear that momentum is building towards a strong crowd on Thursday for us and I would encourage everyone in the local Seattle soccer community to come out and enjoy what should be an exciting game.”

Crossfire Premier, parent organization of Washington Crossfire, has even declared the 27th as a “Crossfire Club Day” and given all Crossfire athletes the day off of training to come support the PDL club. Supinski stated, “this is a great thing for all athletes involved in Crossfire. This gives them a chance to come see the top of the pyramid in effect, and a chance to watch the very athletes that they themselves can be in the next couple of years. This is a great opportunity for all local athletes around the Seattle area.“

It will be a welcome sight to view lower-level soccer again in the Emerald City. Interbay Stadium is the home of the Seattle Pacific University Falcons soccer programs, and is a cozy 900-seater that is plunked in the middle of a quirky area that features a coffee shop (Starbucks) and a burger joint (Red Mill) close by. The pitch is soccer-specific Field Turf. Parking is limited.

Both teams enter the match winless on the new campaign after two losses each. It will also be the home debut of striker Kevin Forrest. Forrest is a Washington Husky grad who caught on with Sounders FC last season and even scored their match-winner in a 2009 US Open Cup game against Colorado. He's with Washington Crossfire this summer as he seeks to stay fit and continue his career.