Seattle Sounders News Release - www.seattlesounders.net

Friday, February 22, 2008

SEATTLE, WA -- The defending USL First Division champion Seattle Sounders have finalized their pre-season schedule opening against Northwest league rival Vancouver on March 22, 7:00 p.m., at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila.

Prior to the match, the Sounders will hold their annual meet-and-greet with season ticket holders, where fans can meet their favorite players and coaches while enjoying a slice of pizza courtesy of Mad Pizza. Activities begin at 4:30 p.m.

The Sounders pre-season is presented by Sound Transit, long-time partner of the Seattle Sounders.

Fans should also look for a specially designed Toyota of Seattle Nike jersey that will be worn in several pre-season matches.

The Sounders will also compete in pre-season games against four local college teams (Gonzaga University, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University and the University of Washington), the Hispanic All-Stars and the Puget Sound Soccer Academy Rapids of the Pacific Coast Soccer League (PCSL).

As in past years, the Sounders will partner with youth soccer clubs across the Puget Sound region. Northshore Youth Soccer, Kent Youth Soccer, Evergreen Youth Soccer, and Pacific Premier Soccer will all host exhibition matches featuring the 4-Time Champion Sounders.

For more information on tickets, visit SeattleSounders.net or call (206) 622-3415.

Date - Opponent - Location - Time
Mar 22 - Vancouver Whitecaps - Starfire Complex (Tukwila) - 7 p.m.
Mar 29 - Gonzaga University - Starfire Complex (Tukwila) - 2:30 p.m.
Mar 30 - Hispanic All-Stars - Pop Keeney (Bothell) - 3:30 p.m.
Apr 5 - Seattle Pacific Univ. - Lake Stevens H.S. - 7 p.m.
Apr 6 - Seattle University - Goddard Stadium (Everett) - 6 p.m.
Apr 12 - Univ. of Washington - French Field (Kent) - 4:15 p.m.
Apr 13 - PSSA Rapids - Whatcom C.C. (Bellingham) - 5:00 p.m.

The Sounders open the 2008 league season in Charleston with an April 19 game against the Battery. Seattle's home opener is May 10 at Qwest Field against the Portland Timbers.