Kitsap Pumas News Release -- www.kitsapsoccerclub.com
Friday, June 8, 2012
BREMERTON, Wash. -- Since the Kitsap Pumas and Portland Timbers U-23 came into the Premier Development League in 2008, both sides have developed a burgeoning rivalry over the years.
They have battled over spots for the U.S. Open Cup, for first place in the Northwest Division and in the playoffs, with both sides scoring big wins off each other. This Saturday will be no different, as the Pumas host the Timbers U-23 on Saturday at 7 p.m. PT for first place in the Northwest Division. Tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets and the Pumas front office.
The game doubles as a “Pepsi Promotional Night” sponsored by Bremerton Bottling Company. The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a new can of Pepsi Next, with 60 percent less sugar than other sodas. The game is being streamed live by the Kitsap Sun on its website.
Both teams are level on points with 15, though the Timbers U-23 are ahead on goal difference with a +10 differential. The Timbers U-23 come in on a downswing, as they lost to the Sounders U-23 1-0 on June 2, then dropped a 2-1 match to the Washington Crossfire on Wednesday. The Pumas, meanwhile, have won three straight after a 4-0 loss to the Timbers U-23s in Portland on May 25.
Goalkeeper/assistant coach Dustyn Brim said the team is relaxed coming into Saturday's match.
“We're loose, which is good,” he said. “But we're very competitive in practice, which is good given the occasion. The guys are looking forward to it.”
The team is also looking forward to playing a better game, as they made several mistakes in the loss.
“It's the same recipe: don't shoot yourself in the foot, limit your mistakes and capitalize on theirs,” Brim said. “I think that's what they did to us and now its our turn to do it to them.”
Since the shutout in Portland, Kitsap has outscored its opposition 6-1, with two shutouts in those three games. Forward Greg Miley and midfielder Matt Friesen have led the scoring in those three games. Miley notched three in three games while Friesen has scored two, including the game winner against Victoria May 27. Both are tied for the team lead in goals with four apiece.
“Miley is playing with confidence right now,” Brim said. “He's never gotten that opportunity in years' past, but he's taken that opportunity and he's run with it. That's what you want – you want players who, when they get a sniff [of playing time], they lay claim to it.”
Other players are making positive contributions like midfielders Daniel Macleod and Danny Medina. Macleod assisted on a goal by forward Ben Truax in their 3-0 win against North Sound on Sunday and nearly scored himself. Medina has been a steady presence in the midfield as well.
“Technically, Macca (Macleod) is a fantastic player, so its good to get him on the field,” Brim said. “He's been getting more aggressive and we want to see that. We want to see him take people on, because he serves such a good ball into the box.”
The Timbers U-23 come in as one of the higher scoring teams in the PDL. Brim said Portland's balance of talent makes them a tough team to face.
“Their midfield tackles hard and they seem to control everything,” he said. “Their big boy up front [Mark Sherrod] is very good in the air.
They're a very complete team, so you have to limit your mistakes against them.”