Wolves beat Timbers 3-2; Seattle continues to eliminate clubs from Portland

Joining their soccer brethren from Sounders FC who took out the Portland Timbers of the USL in the Open Cup this year, Seattle Wolves FC went into Oregon today and eliminated the Portland Timbers U-23's 3-2 in the Premier Development League playoffs. A hat trick by Alex Chursky led the Wolves to glory.

Alex Chursky rules the pitch at PGE Park on Thursday afternoon as his hat trick pushed Seattle Wolves FC past Portland Timbers U-23's in the PDL playoffs. (Wolves photo)

Seattle advances to play the Kitsap Pumas this Saturday night in Bremerton at 7:30 in the second round.

Historians like me will have fun with the fact that it was a Chursky at PGE Park who won the match for Seattle. In late summer 1977 it was papa Tony Chursky at the then Civic Stadium in Portland who gave up a goal to the New York Cosmos by mishandling the ball in the Seattle penalty area. The Sounders lost the NASL Cup that day 2-1 before a national TV audience and over 33,000 fans at the stadium.

Just short of 32 years later Alex Chursky, son of Tony, returns to the same venue and scores goals in the 81st and 90th minutes to rally the Seattle Wolves over the Timbers U-23's.

Tony, last I heard, was a teacher in Tacoma. I'm hoping he was there today to see the next generation of Churskys make his magic.

Only 235 fans in "Soccer City USA" managed to get out to the match.

Chursky, left, battles with Portland's Jared vanSchaik as the Wolves' Evan Morgan looks on at right. (Wolves photo)

Wolves club press release:

July 23, 2009

by Alex Caulfield

(PORTLAND, OR) – On Thursday July 23rd the Seattle Wolves Football Club (11-3-3) overcame injuries, adversity, and a difficult road environment to defeat the Portland Timbers U-23 (11-4-2) in the first round of the Premier Development League national playoffs.

Veteran striker Alex Chursky continued his fine form by scoring all three Seattle goals en route to a 3-2 come from behind victory over the club’s PDL Northwest Division rivals at PGE Park.

There are few players who are more deserving of post-season success, as Chursky has been battling a hamstring injury for the majority of the 2009 campaign. On Thursday the fiery forward pushed through his pain and propelled the winning goal into the back of Portland’s net in the 90th minute.

Despite the fact that Seattle lost star midfielder Ely Allen to Major League Soccer’s D.C. United earlier this week, the Wolves delivered the type of inspired team performance that has defined the club in 2009.

The Wolves came into Portland riding a three-match winning streak, and the players and staff knew that the Timbers would present a stern challenge in the club’s first PDL playoff encounter. 

Scoring 43 regular season goals in 2009, Portland has plagued opposing backlines all year, and Seattle bore witness to this fact in the 6th minute of play.

Portland midfielder Jason Crasilneck played the ball across the area to teammate Josh Brown, and the defender buried his opportunity in the back of John Moore’s net. The strike marked the first goal Seattle has conceded since July 3rd, thrusting the match into a steady bout of open play.

One minute later the Wolves nearly equalized when Alex Chursky chested a ball down at the top of the area, allowing Evan Morgan the opportunity to pounce upon the loose ball. Morgan careened a powerful shot off of the crossbar, leaving the Timbers breathing a collective sigh of relief.

In the 22nd minute Seattle winger Sean Morris pushed the ball down the right flank and fired another shot off of Portland’s crossbar.

 However, the Wolves finally claimed their equalizing goal in the 30th minute when the veteran Chursky picked up an errant pass and slotted it into the upper corner of Austin Guerrero’s goal.

At 1-1 the flow of the match continued at a frantic pace, and three minutes later the Timbers captured a second goal through formidable striker Ryan Youngblood. Adding to his team-high total of 11 goals, Youngblood received a precise pass from Masaki Hemmi after the midfielder rounded Seattle’s left flank.

Youngblood was substituted minutes later following a hamstring injury, but the forward’s efforts were enough to keep Portland in the lead heading into the break.

As they have done throughout much of the season, the Wolves came from behind and battled adversity in the second half of the match.

Central defenders Mykell Bates and Daniel Scott performed admirably, as both cleared numerous Portland attempts off of the goal line. Scott received a boot to the face for his efforts, and because of this type of defending Portland was unable to enhance their lead.

In the attacking third Seattle continued to chip away throughout the half, hoping to extend the club’s inaugural PDL campaign. Forwards Evan Morgan and Nick James did their part to hold the ball up and fire attempts on goal, but it was the unwavering bravado of Alex Chursky that put Portland to the sword.

In the 81st minute the Wolves won a corner kick, and fullback Brandon Zimmerman swung the ball into the far post. Chursky rose above two Timber defenders and headed the ball past Guerrero’s outstretched arms.

The Seattle players burst into a frenzy upon capturing their second equalizing goal of the day, but Chursky was not quite finished.

Just when the match appeared destined for extra time, Chursky found another bust of energy and began a pulsating run down the left flank. Cutting just back inside to the center, the Seattle University standout put all of his considerable strength behind his final shot of the match.

Guerrero was helpless as Chursky’s shot lashed the back of Portland’s net, giving Seattle another dramatic road victory. The Wolves have only lost twice away from home in 2009, and recently the club has claimed results in Victoria, Cascade, and now Portland.

Thursday’s emphatic victory sets the stage for the Northwest Division final between the Wolves and the Kitsap Pumas (12-1-3). The two clubs met twice in the regular season, with the Pumas coming away victorious on both occasions.

When asked about the prospect of having another chance to face Kitsap, a focused Alex Chursky stated, “We are in for a battle, but we are up for it. They [Kitsap Pumas] have been consistent all year and have a strong team, but it is very difficult to beat a club three times in one season, and we relish the underdog role.”

Chursky continues, “For whatever reason we have been playing really well on the road. I think playing away from home allows us to band together, and we have gotten results.”

The match will be played on Saturday July 25th at 7:30 PM at Bremerton Memorial High School Stadium, and a large number of supporters are expected to be on hand to witness this pivotal playoff clash.

For additional information on Seattle Wolves Football Club please visit www.seattlewolvesfc.com.