Players fight for the header today in Bremerton at Kitsap Pumas open tryouts. (David Falk)
Gordon Fields near the Kitsap County Fairgrounds was the site of the first day of Kitsap Pumas open tryouts Saturday. A steady rain fell on to the proceedings, leaving the players soaked and some parts of the grass fields reduced to mud. No matter, as the players gave their all and slid, hustled, saved, tackled, scored and slid some more throughout the morning.
DAY TWO: Read about the second day and call-backs here!
Seventy-five players signed up for the open tryouts in advance, including names such as goalkeeper Vito Higgins (who we interviewed not long ago), another former Zags goalkeeper, Scott Barnum, Gonzaga midfielder Ben Funkhouser, Bainbridge grad and recent league player of the year Jimmy Baggett, Jess Semnacher, who has recently played for the St. Louis Lions in the PDL, South Kitsap's Brendon Sweglar, Portland grad Brayton Knapp, and Tacoma Tide regular Steve Spencer. Late arrivals pushed the tryout total to near 100 players.
The morning sessions consisted of warm-ups, drills, and simluated matches. Head Coach Pete Fewing was on hand to give instructions and lead his team that included assistant coach James Ritchie and a handful of Pumas players. Owner Robin Waite watched intently, as did Executive Director Ben Pecora. A surprise face to see on the sidelines was that of former USL Seattle Sounders striker Craig Tomlinson. The Jamaican speedster is in early talks with the Pumas as both consider whether Tomlinson might get a playing comeback shot in Bremerton in 2010.
The second round of tryouts, with the number of players reduced to 22 via notice on the club's website, will take place on Sunday at the same fields.
The Pumas have invitation-only tryouts scheduled for February 26-27 and March 13-14.
Pumas Head Coach Peter Fewing gives instructions. (David Falk)
Comments
"Vito! Vito! Vito!"
A little mud can't stop a Puma!
Watched a lot of the 1st day and I liked #180, #247 and #253. Hope to see them on the pitch during the season. Getting my season tickets to watch these guys.
Hey JustKickIt:
You were right on as those three you pointed out #180, #247 & #253 are invited back next weekend along with 2 others and 5 others for the reserve team.
That's awesome! I think they will make the team exciting. I did notice that #253 was a different player on Sunday then Saturday? Weird.
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