Seattle Wolves Press Release - www.seattlewolvesfc.com
Monday, June 29, 2009
TUKWILA, WA – As Seattle Wolves forward Alex Chursky trudged off the training pitch at Starfire Sports Complex late last week, the prolific target man could not keep a subtle smile from appearing on his face.
When asked about the source of his positive demeanor, Chursky commented, “I am just happy to be feeling healthy again and to return to full fitness, especially ahead of this next big match.”
The match in question is Seattle’s (7-2-2) pivotal clash against the Kitsap Pumas (9-0-2) on Tuesday, June 30 at 7:00 PM. The Wolves will travel across the waters of Puget Sound to compete in this highly anticipated Premier Development League encounter.
Chursky will hope to aid his side’s efforts to push for the division’s top spot, as the Wolves are currently third in the Northwest with 23 points in their inaugural Premier Development League campaign.
Coming into the season, the veteran striker was one of Seattle’s most consistent players, scoring in six consecutive matches prior to the PDL opening match.
After scoring against Spokane in the early stages of the season, Chursky pulled up lame after suffering a devastating hamstring injury. Although the Wolves are not short of attacking options, Chursky’s leadership and work rate on the pitch has been missed.
This was evident in last week’s 2-2 draw in Tacoma. Playing with ten men and losing 2-1 to their I-5 rivals, the Wolves were in need of a boost in the dying stages of the contest.
Seattle manager Seth Spidahl inserted Chursky into the line-up, and almost immediately the fiery striker made his presence felt. Chasing down every loose ball and encouraging his teammates to fight for a share of the points, Chursky converted the equalizing penalty at the end of the match.
These same qualities will be needed to defeat a strong Kitsap side on Tuesday. In the last match between the two clubs, Kitsap triumphed 2-1 in a compelling affair at Starfire Stadium.
“We obviously know they are the division leaders, and the team to beat at the moment. But we have the talent and ability to play well on their home pitch. This team has really come together, there is great banter in the locker room, everyone is buying in, and we have each other’s backs.”
A former member of the Canadian National Team system, Chursky comes from strong football stock. His father Tony was a stalwart professional goalkeeper who earned 19 international caps for Canada.
The elder Chursky featured for the Seattle Sounders of the North American Soccer League in the 1970s, guiding his side to the 1977 Soccer Bowl final against Pele’s New York Cosmos.
The goalkeeper accumulated 145 NASL regular season appearances in his impressive career, and he even earned a trial with Glasgow Celtic Football Club.
Alex’s brother Ian has also enjoyed a successful sporting career, featuring for both Seattle University and Seattle Wolves FC.
The Chursky brothers played an integral role in Seattle University’s 2004 NCAA Division II National Championship, as Alex scored the deciding goal to propel the Redhawks to the final.
Alex enjoyed a successful career at Seattle University and he is currently fourth in career goals, fifth in assists and fourth in total scoring for his alma matter.
Chursky has combined these various experiences to become a vocal leader for the Wolves. The twenty-five year old believes that his team can challenge for the division’s top spot and more importantly that the club can progress in the PDL National Playoffs.
“We definitely have the talent to go far. This club is composed of a strong blend of youth and experience. We compete well, have guys that can score and our backline has been brilliant.”
Chursky continues, “Just look at our last match against Tacoma. The defense played with intensity and poise, allowing us to nick a point and remain in this title race.”
Unfortunately Seattle will be without captain Daniel Scott for the Kitsap match, as the striker was sent off against Tacoma for a challenge on the Tide’s Rory Agu.
Nevertheless, the Wolves certainly have enough talent to gain a result against their West Sound rivals. UCLA forward Fernando Monge is returning to health, while striker Casey Cunningham continued his fine form in Tacoma, notching his seventh goal of the campaign.
With only the top three teams from the Northwest Division eligible for the postseason, Tuesday’s contest is crucial in Seattle’s race for the playoffs.
The club is providing fan transportation from the ferry dock in Bremerton so that supporters can see the match and cheer on the Wolves. A large crowd is expected, and the two sides are certain to entertain the masses.
On Friday, July 3 Seattle returns to Starfire Stadium to play host to the Victoria Highlanders FC. For tickets and additional information, please visit www.seattlewolvesfc.com. 
