Sounders U-23 News Release -- www.soundersu23.com
Thursday, March 29, 2012
TACOMA, Wash. – The Sounders U-23 have announced their first exhibition match. The Sounders U-23 will host Gonzaga University on April 15 at Sunset Stadium in Sumner, Wash. The Sunday match will be a noon kickoff.
"The Gonzaga game gives us an opportunity to evaluate players for the U23’s and see the progress of our former academy players,” Sounders U-23 Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky said. “We also want to make sure we give local college programs quality spring games."
Sounders U-23 season ticket holders will be allowed free admission to the stadium as part of their ticket package perks. Season tickets start at $80 for the entire season and are available for purchase at SoundersU23.com. Other fans in attendance for the Gonzaga exhibition will be asked for a $5 donation to support the Sounders U-23.
Gonzaga had a tough 2011 season, running a 4-12-2 record. The Bulldogs are lead by sophomore midfielders Nick Hamer and James Matern, both from Spokane, Wash. Olympia native, Josh Phillips, was named All-West Coast Conference Second Team as Gonzaga’s team’s top defender.
The Bulldogs will also field a recent signee for the Portland Timbers U-23. Clark Phillips was voted the 2011 WCC Freshman of the year. The forward tied for first in scoring in WCC matches with 11 points, and his four goals tied for the lead in WCC play. He led the Bulldogs in goals, assists and points. Phillips is a Portland, Ore. native.
To watch the Sounders U-23 play this season, purchase tickets at SoundersU23.com. The Sounders U-23 will play eight PDL regular season matches in addition to multiple preseason games. For the 2012 Season, the Sounders U-23 will partner with local youth clubs and showcase the team at various locations in the South Puget Sound. Regular season home venues include Franklin Pierce High School and Cheney Stadium.
Cheney Stadium will host two matches for the 2012 calendar. The first soccer game in the newly renovated Cheney Stadium will be played on May 30 with the Sounders U-23 matching up against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The second Cheney matchup will be against local PDL rivals, the Kitsap Pumas, on June 15.
Season tickets are on sale now at SoundersU23.com. Single Match tickets will also be available on the club’s website on April 2 at noon.