Forward Todd Wallenius (headband) and the Kitsap Pumas are in Union, WA this weekend at a retreat where they are getting ready for the 2010 season and to host the USL-1 Portland Timbers Saturday April 3 in Bremerton. (David Falk)
The Kitsap Pumas are a week away from facing one of their toughest opponents of 2010, the United Soccer Division One Portland Timbers. These are the same Timbers who edged the Sounders 1:0 at Qwest Field a few weeks back, and the same Timbers who knocked the Pumas out of the US Open Cup in 2009.
The Pumas decided to get away from it all as their training camp intensifies. Destination: Union, Washington, on Hood Canal, and the Misty Acres Soccer Camp. The club is there this weekend getting away from outside distractions and focusing on all the new talent on the roster. The scrimmages at Misty Acres have been vocal and competitive. Names are being learned, styles are being meshed, tendancies are being established. All of this coming under the watchful eye of head coach Pete Fewing.
The Pumas are bigger, faster and stronger this year. An influx of talent from Sounders tryouts is giving the club a boost. Seen at Misty Acres were Tye Perdido, Lamar Neagle and Derby Carillo. Jamel Wallace will join the club over the weekend after playing in the Sounders reserves 3:1 win over Oregon State on Friday.
Hawaiian boys Perdido and central defender Dan Scott were strong presences during Friday afternoon's scrimmages. Scott was especially vocal and forward Perdido is big, strong, fast and agile with his feet.
Pumas fans will recognize other faces and names such as Mark Lee, Stephen Phillips (slowed by an injury), Steve Mohn, Dustyn Brim, Eli Gordley, Matt Freisen, Taylor Hyde, Zack Sampson, and Spencer Schomaker, all 2009 Pumas who are at the camp this weekend.
Along with the Sounders talent the Pumas also have forwards Todd Wallenius and Robby Christner, midfielders Cameron Hepple, Ben Funkhouser and Kellen Wantulok, among others, at the retreat.
The Pumas host the Timbers April 3 at Memorial Stadium in Bremerton. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM. You can buy tickets online here.
In other Pumas news, Scotish midfielder David Gray has yet to arrive for training, but he was the subject of this feature in the East Kilbride News.
Forward Spencer Schomaker heads the ball at one of the secluded soccer pitches at Golden Goals Misty Acres. From left to right: Zack Sampson, Schomaker, Taylor Hyde, Ben Funkhouser. (David Falk)
Comments
Rock it!
It aint La Manga Spain, but cool on the Pumas for springing for this.
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