Kitsap and Tacoma will battle for "Narrows Bridge Bell" starting this soccer season

Tacoma Tide FC have new rivals to their northwest in 2009. Across the Narrows Bridge the Kitsap Pumas await the Tide with big dreams and professional swagger. In anticipation of the first meeting between Kitsap Pumas and Tacoma Tide, fans in the area have started the "Narrows Bridge Bell" rivalry (derby) trophy. The Bell will be decided in two matches this season, May 15 when Tacoma visits Bremerton's Memorial Stadium at 7:30 PM and July 19th when the Pumas cross the bridge to play the Tide at 1:00 PM at Curtis High School. The Bell will go to the club that annually takes the series between the two sides. In 2009 the Bell will be decided on aggregate goals over the two matches.

Kitsap Pumas owner Robin Waite has added a nice wrinkle to the rivalry as well. He challenges the losing club to pay all of the Narrows Bridge toll fees for the winning side in the Bell matches.

The derby logo (above) was designed by Colby Stott, and the actual bell is still hanging on the front of a garage in Port Orchard, in Kitsap County. Bill and Jenni Conner have been Tide fans since they kicked off in 2006, and now they see themselves rooting for two closely situated local sides. The bell belonged to Jenni's father Andy, who was given the round metal clanger out of the engine room of a Foss tug in the 1970's. Foss has a long history in Tacoma and Bremerton. Watch for a future story as the Bridge Bell is taken down from the front of the Conners' garage and prepared for the first derby match in May.

Around the world friends and families are divided over loyalties when it comes to soccer. Take the city of London, for example. There are big clubs within minutes of each other, and more than a dozen 'bigger' clubs within the general area of the city. All of the time supporters are divided not by family or neighborhood but by the color of their scarves. Puget Sound is becoming a bit like London this summer. Fourth division sides Kitsap Pumas and Seattle Wolves are joining the Premier Development League of the USL. Tacoma Tide FC have been around in that competition since 2006. Beneath the giant soccer shadow cast by Seattle Sounders FC true 'derbies' have a chance to be formed right before our eyes.

Steve Mohn was announced as the first Kitsap Puma. Mohn has played with Tacoma Tide FC over the last few years. (Jenni Conner)

Peter Zastrow has been a Tacoma Tide supporter since day one, 2006. He's got yellow jerseys, old ticket stubs, and various promotional give-aways. Zastrow lives in Port Orchard but travels the 30 or so miles over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge for Tide matches. Imagine his surprise and conflict of interest when Kitsap Pumas landed in Bremerton, only 10 minutes or so away from his house. "I've really gotten into supporting the Tide. Every year they get better and every year I get more involved. Last season was awesome. We actually enjoyed the Tide more than the Sounders in 2008." Now Zastrow and others are called upon to pick the local club they will call their #1. When the Kitsap Pumas and Tacoma Tide don't play each other, then all is fair and most West Sound and South Sound fans will cheer both to do well. It is when they play each other this spring and summer that loyalites will truly be tested.

"I am a Tide supporter, no matter what," says Zastrow. "However, I have friends and family who are excited that Kitsap has its own team now. They are already giving me grief about how Tacoma Tide FC are 'amateur' but Kitsap Pumas are 'pro' and will pay their players." It was also a close call for Zastrow on club colors. Tacoma Tide FC are known for their bright yellow kits with deep blue accents. When the Kitsap Pumas announced their club colors for the first time, they were listed as Blue, Yellow and White. "For a while I was able to rib my friends who will follow the Pumas that they were just copy cats, color-wise, of Tacoma," says Zastrow. "Until we recently saw the Pumas final crest. The colors are similar but different enough."

Spencer Schomaker: Last year's Tide is this year's Puma. (Jenni Conner)

Stoking the flames of the new derby are the Kitsap Pumas' recent signings of former Tacoma Tide FC stars Steve Mohn, Spencer Schomaker and Mark Lee. Schomaker was a strong scoring presence for the Tide over the last few years but after graduating from Syracuse the professional status of the Pumas is a logical leap. Mark Lee was voted to the all-conference first team defense in the PDL last year. His speed and tackling ability will be helpful in the Pumas back line. Steve Mohn, the first-ever Puma, played defense for Tacoma until this year.

"I am looking forward to wearing my Tacoma Tide scarf in Bremerton in a few weeks," Zastrow concludes. "The Pumas are really 'my local' club, but they will have to win me over in the long run, if they can."

The analogy to derbies around the globe is a flimsy one when it comes to the Conners of Port Orchard. Jenni says she will be cheering for both clubs all year, including when they play each other. "It's fun to have a competition like the Narrows Bridge Bell because it gives the players something tangible to work for and to take home with them," she states. "I think both me and my husband Bill feel the same way. We are just happy to have so much soccer to see in person and wish the best for both teams. We'll cheer a good goal or good play by both teams."