United explores Northwest passage
By: Craig Stouffer
Examiner Staff Writer
June 17, 2009
Tom Soehn isn't quite ready to be impressed with Seattle Sounders FC's strong start on and off the field in its first season in Major League Soccer.
The D.C. United head coach was a member of the Chicago Fire during its inaugural campaign in 1998.
"I won a championship that year so nothing surprises me," said Soehn, who will lead D.C. United (5-2-7) into its first-ever regular season game in the Northwest. It will be United's second visit to Qwest Field, where it played Real Madrid in an exhibition match in 2006.
Wednesday night will be far from friendly, as the Sounders (5-3-5) have averaged a league-high 29,401 scarf-clad supporters per match, nearly double United's attendance at RFK Stadium (14,811).
"It's a great environment to go play in," said Soehn. "Some might think it's hard; I actually think it's fun for our team, who has been in a lot of competitions. It's an environment that brings out the best in you."
The fans have had plenty of reasons to cheer, including a 3-0 start to the year. The Sounders also boast an impressive attacking core that includes Colombian striker Fredy Montero (5 goals, 3 assists), Swedish superstar Freddie Ljungberg (2 goals, 3 assists), 6-foot-3 Nate Jaqua (2 goals, 3 assists) and top overall pick in the 2009 draft Steve Zakuani (2 goals, 3 assists). Central midfielder Osvaldo Alonso was a key player for Charleston against D.C. last summer in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final.
United goalkeeper Josh Wicks, who played two season with Vancouver and one with Portland in the United Soccer Leagues, knows the I-5 rivalry well -- one that will be rekindled when those two cities join MLS in 2011.
But his more immediate concern will be matching up against a childhood hero at the opposite end of the field, goalkeeper Kasey Keller.
"I was watching him as a little kid," said Wicks, "looking up to him and trying to be another great American keeper. It's almost an honor to play across from Kasey Keller. From what I hear, he's a great guy. He's an outstanding keeper."
