Seattle Wolves head to Oregon for season's most important match

July 9, 8:16 AMSeattle Soccer ExaminerDavid Falk

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Seattle Soccer Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Seattle Wolves FC News Releases

July 8, 2009

(TUKWILA, WA) – On Saturday July 11th the Seattle Wolves Football Club (8-3-3) travel to Salem, Oregon to play the Cascade Surge (7-4-2) in the most important match of their inaugural Premier Development League Campaign.

With only two league matches remaining in 2009, the Wolves are within striking distance of the PDL National Playoffs in only their first season in the United Soccer Leagues.

With a harmonious blend of veteran leadership and premier collegiate talent, the Wolves have endured the test of the PDL’s most trying division, as the club is currently in second place with 27 points in the Northwest Division.

Trailing only the first place Kitsap Pumas, Seattle is firmly entrenched in a highly competitive playoff chase.  With only the top three teams from each division eligible for post-season competition, every minute of play is pivotal from this point onward.

The Wolves are ahead of the third place Portland Timbers U23 by one point, though the Timbers have a game in hand.

Similarly, Cascade trail Seattle by four points heading into Saturday’s contest. While the Surge also have a game in hand, defeat would all but eliminate the Oregon club from playoff contention.

Meanwhile Seattle is fully in control of its playoff future. The task for Seth Spidahl’s side is simple: win the two remaining matches against Cascade and Abbotsford and the Wolves are assured a shot at post- season play.

Spidahl’s players are also hoping to build upon their current form. The club silenced the 1,800 fans in Victoria that clamored desperately for their Highlanders to remain in the playoff hunt, as winger Ely Allen scored the match’s lone goal to provide Seattle with three crucial points.

 That strike was the former LA Galaxy starlet’s sixth goal of the season, one away from the team lead. Moreover, the club’s backline has been anchored throughout 2009 by captain Daniel Scott and Indiana University standout Tommy Meyer.

This centerback pairing has solidified Seattle’s final third throughout the campaign, facilitating a strong run of play through the spine of the team.

The play of Andy Rose and Evan Morgan provided further evidence of this fact in Victoria, as the two midfielders evenly distributed precise through balls throughout the contest.

If the Wolves are to have success in Oregon come Saturday, they will need to call upon the type of consistency that has guided them to second place in the division thus far.

Cascade recently suffered a 2-0 road defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency, but prior to that loss the club claimed ten points from four matches.

The Surge are renowned for their ability to steal victory in the dying moments of a match, as Mike Alfer’s side have displayed great resolve and grit in 2009.

The implications of this match cannot be overstated, and the open style of both clubs presents a compelling proposition for supporters of both clubs.

The Wolves return home to Starfire Stadium on July 17th to complete their regular season against the Abbotsford Mariners. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM, and the Wolves will celebrate their partnership with local youth club Crossfire Premier during the contest.

Tickets for the final home match can be purchased via www.seattlewolvesfc.com or by sending an e-mail to tickets@seattlewolvesfc.com. 

Seattle Wolves to Partner with Esteemed Humanitarian Organization Soccer Saves

(TUKWILA, WA) – The Seattle Wolves Football Club is pleased to announce its involvement in the Soccer Saves Classic Golf Tournament and the Cliff McGrath Benefit Dinner.

The event will be held on Monday, July 20th at The Golf Club in Newcastle, Washington. The tournament is one of many ventures designed to spearhead Soccer Saves’ outreach campaign for Save the Children.

Save the Children is the leading independent philanthropic organization in Africa, and 87 additional countries, that aims to create a stronger quality of life for children in need.

Soccer Saves acts as the humanitarian arm of the Northwest Soccer Fund, and the organization uses the sport of soccer to create opportunities for the world’s youth to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

Co-founded by Seattle soccer icon Cliff McGrath and philanthropist Frank Schott, Soccer Saves strives to bring awareness to the disenfranchised youth of Africa and to help these individuals lead happier lives.

The organization promotes healthy lifestyles through soccer-based programs that combat gender violence among young men and reduce the incidence of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Seattle Wolves players and staff members will be on hand to assist with the running of the golf tournament, as the participants complete the course in an effort to raise charitable funds for this worthy cause.

The Cliff McGrath Benefit dinner will celebrate the distinguished career of the dedicated soccer coach. During his illustrious 49-year coaching career, McGrath directed his collegiate teams to 36 post-season appearances and 597 victories.  

During his tenure McGrath’s teams reached the NCAA National Championship ten times, winning five of those opportunities. He has been inducted into six different Halls of Fame, including the United States Soccer Hall of Fame where he was part of the class of 1993 that included Brazilian striker Pelé.

Soccer Saves works very closely with Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders FC, and now the organization is proud to include the city’s Premier Development League side.

“We are thrilled to be associated with the type of young athletes that are a part of the Seattle Wolves Football Club,” commented McGrath.

“The Wolves have some of the best collegiate players in the country on their roster, and it is a privilege to have these fine young men assist our cause and set an example for aspiring young soccer players.”

Following the golf tournament, ESPN and Sounders FC broadcaster Kevin Calabro, along with legendary NBA head coach Lenny Wilkens, will speak at the benefit dinner in recognition of McGrath’s efforts both on and off the pitch.

Sounders manager Sigi Schmid will also be present during the celebration, as all of the proceeds from the day’s events will benefit Save the Children’s work with African Youth.