Seattle Wolves Press Release - www.seattlewolvesfc.com
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
BREMERTON, WA – The Kitsap Pumas (10-0-2) defeated the Seattle Wolves Football Club (7-3-2) on Tuesday evening in a scrappy PDL Northwest Division match.
A raucous blend of Kitsap and Seattle fans packed Bremerton Memorial Stadium, anticipating the crucial Premier Development League clash.
Both teams came into the match atop the Northwest Division, with Kitsap in pole position with 29 points, and the Wolves in third place with 23 points.
The division has been highly competitive throughout 2009, as only three points separate the Wolves from Portland and Cascade. With the top three teams from the division eligible for the 2009 PDL National Playoffs, Seattle’s remaining fixtures are vital.
Kitsap sought first blood in the second minute, when forward Steven Phillips received a long ball from the Pumas’ backline. Phillips buried the ball in the back of the Seattle net, giving Kitsap a 1-0 lead.
The Wolves responded through Michael Strickland, as the holding midfielder pushed forward and fired a powerful attempt on goal. Strickland’s shot went wide of the far post but the run of play was open from that point onward.
Kitsap benefited from this fact in the 10th minute, when Phillips received another long ball and splintered Seattle’s central defense. The ball leaked past Wolves’ goalkeeper John Moore, giving Kitsap a 2-0 advantage.
The rivalry became increasingly spirited after Kitsap’s second goal, when Wolves fullback Brandon Zimmerman was booked for a challenge on Mark Lee in the 19th minute.
The Pumas countered with aggressive play of the own, when Tony Kerr hacked down Seattle midfielder Alex Klein five minutes later. Kerr was also booked for his efforts, as both teams continued to battle one another.
The 2-0 Kitsap lead stood until halftime, when the players vacated the pitch to make the necessary adjustments for the next stage of the match.
Needing a stronger offensive output, Wolves manager Seth Spidahl brought on winger Ely Allen and striker Casey Cunningham in the second half.
Kitsap continued to push for a third goal, and in the 61st winger Kyle Johnson penetrated Seattle’s right flank and fired an errant shot into the side of John Moore’s net.
The Wolves retained a great amount of possession, but Kitsap’s backline proved to be formidable once again. Centerbacks Max Lipset and Taylor Hyde anchored the defense well, willing the Pumas to win the majority of their aerial challenges.
However, the Wolves climbed back into the match in the 68th minute, when Allen completed a mazy run through the Kitsap defense. The winger rounded the opposing backline only to have a worthy attempt on goal deflected to safety.
Seattle won several corners throughout the second half, but Kitsap snuffed out each threat accordingly. In the end the Pumas extended their unbeaten run in 2009, leaving John Wedge’s side to play Portland on July 4.
The Wolves return to Starfire Stadium on July 3 to play host to the Victoria Highlanders Football Club (3-5-3). With only four matches remaining in their inaugural PDL campaign, Seattle must make the most of their opportunities to qualify for the PDL National Playoffs.
For tickets to the match and additional information, please visit
www.seattlewolvesfc.com
