Kitsap, Tacoma renew Narrows Bridge Bell derby Saturday night in Bremerton

Tacoma Tide FC at Kitsap Pumas, Saturday May 15, 7:30 PM, Bremerton Memorial Stadium. Tickets $5 & $10, available online here or at the gate on match day.

The Bell tolls again Saturday in Bremerton

One of the biggest matches of the year in Puget Sound soccer takes place this Saturday night in Bremerton when the Kitsap Pumas and Tacoma Tide FC renew their rivalry in the first leg of the Narrows Bridge Bell derby.

The Narrows Bridge Bell was born out of a desire to promote both sides. A handful of supporters in Kitsap were actually Tacoma Tide FC fans first. Tacoma debuted in 2006 as simply "Tacoma FC," and grew a small but loyal following across the bridge in the greater Kitsap area. When the Kitsap Pumas planted their feet in Bremerton in 2009 those same supporters vowed to make a tribue to both sides, and the Narrows Bridge Bell was created.

The Kitsap Pumas have The Bell in their office right now. The club won a thrilling series last year with a 1:1 stand-off in Bremerton and a 4:3 away result at Tacoma (see a few video highlights of the clinching match above). In 2010 it all begins again, and there are plenty of familiar faces and new characters on both sides.

The Pumas celebrate taking The Bell last season in Tacoma. (Jenni Conner)

Kitsap to face a stiff challenge

We know much more about the 2010 Pumas than we do about the 2010 Tide. Kitsap have played two matches already, a 4:0 win at Yakima, and a 3:0 win at Spokane. It looks and feels a lot like 2009, when the Pumas won big in two away matches before their home debut at Bremerton Memorial Stadium. Last year that home debut was also against Tacoma, and the Pumas were disappointed to send 1,500 fans away with only a single point as the Tide rallied for a 1:1 draw.

Tacoma Tide FC have yet to play a league match, but just yesterday they revealed their 2010 roster, and it looks like a list of guys that could not only challenge the Pumas for The Bell, but also challenge for a division playoff spot. New Head Coach Gerry Gray will have former Tide and 2009 Pumas striker Spencer Schomaker on his side. He'll have the return of all-time club leading scorer Rory Agu and talented midfielder Ruben Orozco. He'll have seasoned PDL netminder Jordan Jennings in front of goal, and recently the club announced that Chris Sanders will also play with the Tide as another striker option. Back after a season in Major League Soccer with Real Salt Lake is speedy winger (Husky grad) Raphael Cox. All-time Tide fan favorite Chase Tangney will create havoc on the wing opposite Cox. It's a roster full of promise, and heavy on offensive experience.

Of course, what would any local derby be without a few players switching sides? Last year Nik Besagno played for Tacoma and this year he's across the bridge in Bremerton. As mentioned earlier, Spencer Schomaker was cut by the Pumas and is sure to want revenge in his return to the Tide. Other players who have played for both clubs: Mark Lee (Kitsap), Steve Mohn (Kitsap), Dan Scott (Kitsap), John Fishbaugher (Kitsap).

The Pumas have a big edge on defense (see roster). The back line of Dan Scott, Taylor Hyde, Mark Lee and Jason Cascio, with Steve Mohn also shifting occasionally from the middle, has not allowed a goal to a non-professional side this season. Kitsap shut out every opponent except the USL-1 Portland Timbers (Pumas still won, 3:2) in pre-season, and have begun their league campaign with consecutive blank slates in PDL NW play. Goalkeeper Dustyn Brim has become a fixture in front of goal.

The Narrows Bridge Bell is set to produce cracking good soccer for local fans in 2010. A nice crowd is expected in Bremerton, though tickets are still available at the 4,000-seat venue.

Who'll ring the bell first this year?