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2000 News Archive

Dec 11 - WUSA news: Theresa Wagner (Edmonds, University of Washington senior, played for the Seattle Sounders Select Women) was drafted in the 9th round of the inaugural WUSA draft by the Bay Area CyberRays. US National player Justi Baumgardt (originally from Federal Way) was drafted in the 10th round by the Washington Freedom. Ex-National team star Michelle Akers (originally from Shoreline) has been allocated to the Carolina Tempest.

At a gala event held in Rome, Italy Akers was honored as the FIFA Women Player of the Century.

Dec 6 - The Sounders boys U-14 and U-16 development teams recently returned from a week of training with SV Werder Bremen in Bremen, Germany. The lucky lads attended a Bundesliga match and saw Bremen beat Stuttgart 1-0 in front of 30,000 fans. Sounders Scott Jenkins and Kei Kinoshita served as coaches for the two development teams and spent the week training with the Bundesliga team.

Nov 16 - Postseason accolades give a hint as to which college graduates are most likely to continue their soccer careers in the professional ranks. College seniors with local ties are most likely to sign with the Sounders. The following seniors in Washington have been recognized by their respective leagues (alphabetical order):

• Mike Casale -- UW defender from Redmond, All-Pac-10 Second Team. 1 assist.
• Jared Dickerson -- SPU defender from Thornton, CO, PacWest All-Conference Second Team. 4 goals and 2 assists.
• Dana Garner -- SPU forward from Mountlake Terrace, PacWest Player of the Year and All-Conference First Team. 16 goals and 12 assists. Led the league in goals.
• Dave Green -- WWU goalkeeper from Bellevue, PacWest All-Conference First Team. 1.78 GAA.
• Mark Hogenhout -- UW midfielder from Olympia, All-Pac-10 Second Team. 3 goals and 1 assist.
• Rob Schaper -- WWU forward from Bremerton, PacWest All-Conference Second Team.  goals and  assists. 5 goals and 3 assists.
• Sean Standley -- WWU midfielder from Bothell, named to the PacWest All-Conference First Team. 6 goals and 6 assists.
• Vadim Tolstolutsky -- SPU forward from Vancouver, USA, PacWest All-Conference First Team. 9 goals and 15 assists. Led the league in assists.
• John Yamauchi -- SU defender from Redmond, PacWest All-Conference First Team. 2 goals and 5 assists.

Nov 13 - The A-League have announced the alignment for the 2001 season, and there are substantial changes:

Gone from the 2000 A-League are:

• Bay Area Seals (dropping to D3)
• Orange County Waves (dropping to D3)
• Boston Bulldogs (dropping to D3 or PDL)
• Hampton Roads Mariners (probably to D3)
• Raleigh Capital Express
• US Pro-40 Select (dropped out of USL league play)

The structure for the 2001 playoffs isn't clear yet, but we have been promised 2-match, aggregate goal series for all rounds except the finals, and the home goals tiebreaker has been eliminated.

Oct 30 - The Seattle P-I has a report on Sounders CEO Neil Farnsworth's plans for the next three years. Mentioned are:

• An MLS team, which would assume the name Sounders, playing in the new football/soccer stadium which is rising from the ashes of the Kingdome. An unnamed ownership group is taking shape and has talked to MLS executives.
• The A-League team would continue, changing their name to Sounders Premier.
• The PDL team Sounders Select would continue.
• The youth development teams are called Sounders United.
• All of the above would be based in Farnsworth's planned new soccer complex in Fife or Marysville.

Sep 30 - The Rochester Raging Rhinos claimed the A-League championship with a home 3-1 win over defending champions Minnesota Thunder.

Sep 28 - Neil Megson was named A-League Coach of the Year. The 5-2-3 lineup pitched by Megson was a joy to watch, with all backs attacking at times and everyone defending when the opponents had the ball. The late-season 9-match win streak resulted in a first-place finish in the Pacific Division. We appreciate the league's recognition of Megson, as we know that several other A-League coaches had to have been strongly considered as well.

Sep 27 - Greg Howes was named A-League Rookie of the Year.

Sep 22 - A-League All-League Teams were announced. Darren Sawatzky was named to the First Team as a forward. Greg Howes was named to the Second Team as a forward and was also acknowledged for sharing the Goal Scoring Leader award with Charleston's Paul Conway and Minnesota's rookie John Menyongar.

Sep 17 - The Sounders were eliminated by Milwaukee in the second round of the 2000 playoffs.

Sep 10 - Sounders player/assistant coach Bernie James announced his retirement as professional soccer player effective at the end of the current season.

Sep 4 - The Sounders finished the 2000 regular season in first place in the A-League's Pacific Division.

Aug 9 - Fife Flounders? An article in the Tacoma News-Tribune said that the Sounders are seriously considering putting an 80-acre soccer complex in Fife. The source for the article is Fife city officials. Features of the privately-funded, to the tune of 20 to 30 Mbucks, facilities would be:

• 5,000-seat stadium, expandable to 15,000
• 7 training pitches
• Living quarters for some players
• 23 youth soccer pitches covering 40 acres

The site would reportedly be used as a training facility by Seattle's MLS team, should Seattle win a franchise in the first division.

Aug 6 - The Yakima Reds won the PDL Western Conference Championship, defeating the host Spokane Shadow 2-0 in the semifinal match and downing the San Fernando Valley Heroes 1-0 in the final. Yakima advance to the PDL national championships to take on the host Mid-Michigan Bucks in a semifinal match.

Jul 28 - The Seattle Sounders Select finished the season with a win at the Spokane Shadow, but fell just short of making the playoffs.

Jul 20 -MLS Seattle update: According to MLS commish Don Garber, MLS will expand to New York (a second team in that state) and either Atlanta or Philadelphia in 2002, then add two more in 2004. In the running for 2004 are either Atlanta or Philadelphia (whichever didn't get a franchise in 2002), Seattle, Rochester and Houston.

Jul 18 - Portland will join the A-League next year with an expansion franchise. Like the Sounders did, Portland will resurrect their old NASL name, the Timbers. Bobby Howe, who currently lives in Seattle, will take the head coaching job. Howe has served as assistant coach for the NASL Seattle Sounders (1977-83), coaching director for Washington State Youth Soccer Association, a coach in the US youth national team program, and most recently as director of coaching education for US Soccer.

Jul 17 - Joining the Sounders Select beginning with last Saturday's match was Sounders draft choice JP Capodanno, a Federal Way native who played at Oregon State University with Sounders rookie Greg Howes.

Jul 13 - Craig Tomlinson today had arthroscopic surgery for a torn miniscus in his left knee. The Sounders brought in young defender Tim Steidten from Werder Bremen for the rest of the season.

Jul 5 - The Sounders have released their two youngest players, Rashid Utush and Brian Wood, both 20 years old. Utush is rumored to be headed back to The Netherlands where he played last season. Apparently NEC of the Dutch 1st division are interested in him.

Jun 14 - The Sounders were eliminated from the US Open Cup in a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy. The match was shown live via a video webcast at allwebsports.com.

Jun 9 - The Sounders partnered with allwebsports.com to do live video webcasts of Sounders matches!

Jun 7 - 20-year-old Gabe Provenza (Seattle native, Seattle Sounders Selects last year) has turned pro after two years at Fresno State and is now playing at Hvidovre IF (Denmark first division).

May 24 -Both Ali John Utush and Craig Waibel played the full 90 for the Colorado Rapids in an exhibition match against the Tennessee Rhythm in Nashville. Colorado won the match 6-2.

May 23 - How close did the Sounders Select come to qualifying for the US Open Cup? They finished in a first-place tie with San Gabriel Valley in PDL Group 1. Both teams had 14 points, a 3-0-1 record, and 7 goals against. San Gabriel took the qualification berth based on 10 goals for vs. 9 for the Select. The best 2nd-place team from the three PDL groups also advanced, but that berth went to Mid-Michigan with a 3-0-1 record and 15 points (one more Bogus Point than the Select).

May 22 - The Sounders introduced an ambitious new youth development program, the Sounders United FC. The club will form six teams for summer training and development: boys and girls U-14, U-16 and U-18. The Seattle Sounders club now has a fairly comprehensive development system, with the A-League Seattle Sounders and the Seattle Sounders Select Women at the top, and the U-23 PDL Seattle Sounders Select and the Sounders United FC supporting the higher programs. The Sounders' 1999 agreement with SV Werder Bremen of the German Bundesliga 1 supports the whole Sounders club structure. A remarkable player development system is taking shape in front of our eyes!

May 2 - The Sounders qualified for the US Open Cup with a win over the Bay Area Seals.

May 17 - Sounder Craig Waibel traveled to MLS New England to help the Colorado Rapids win on the road 4-3. Waibel came on in the 33rd minute with Colorado down 1-0. He was called up by Colorado to help them while regulars were on the injured list. On April 29, Waibel played the last 5 minutes in a match against the visiting Kansas City Wizards, coming on only after host Colorado were down 5-0.

May 10 - MLS in Seattle? An article in the Seattle Times explains the current situation: investors needed!

Apr 28 - The Sounders have signed three veterans who should help balance the numerous U-25s on the roster. Signed is ex-Sounder (from the 1995-96 championship seasons) midfielder Dick McCormick, Jamaican and ex-Tennessee Rhythm forward Craig Tomlinson, and ex-Colorado Rapids midfielder Darren Sawatzky. Sawatzky, a Pacific Northwest native, was rumored to have been set to play for the Sounders last season before being taken by Colorado in the MLS supplemental draft.

Defender Craig Waibel has been called up to the Colorado Rapids this weekend to bolster their injury-riddled lineup. Waibel joins Sounders goalkeeper Preston Burpo, still with Colorado while their rookie 'keeper Adin Brown is with the USA national U-23 team for Olympic qualifying (see April 19 news item).

Apr 21 -The Seattle Sounders are starting a women's amateur team called the Seattle Sounders Select Women. The team will play an exhibition season this summer along with three other new Pacific Northwest teams: Portland Rain, Spokane Chill and Vancouver Lady 86ers. The team plans to play in the USL's W-League in 2001.

Apr 19 - Goalkeeper Preston Burpo has been called up by the MLS Colorado Rapids through May 3 while their #1 'keeper, rookie Adin Brown, is with the US national U-23 team for Olympic qualifiers. Burpo will back up #2 Colorado netminder David Kramer.

Apr 16 - Three Utush brothers (Rashid, Ali John and Hamid) played in a preseason match against the Skagit Valley Marlins. The first two are signed, while Hamid was trying out.

Apr 14 - The Sounders announced the signing of four young newcomers: Andrew Gregor (M, age 24), Brian Wood (M, 20), and brothers Ali John "AJ" Utush (D, 22) and Rashid Utush (M, 20). That brings the average age of the team way down!

Apr 12 - The Sounders today announced the re-signing of Craig Waibel, Kieran Barton, Preston Burpo and Bernie James. Cleaning up loose ends, they announced the trade of Anthony Farace and Michael N'Doumbe to the Orange County Waves for cash.

Apr 7 - The Sounders today announced the trade of Jason Annicchero to the San Diego Flash as well as the release of Randy Mann, Ralph Robertson, Oliver Heald and George Singh.

Apr 4 - The Sounders today announced the return of four players from last season: Bill May, Viet Nguyen, Scott Jenkins and Sean Henderson.

Apr 3 - Signed by the Sounders but not yet in camp is Jamaican speedster Craig Tomlinson, who played last season as a rookie for the Tennessee Rhythm. He led the Rhythm in goals (12). Tomlinson played college soccer at Ohio State University and Fresno State University. He is currently playing indoor in the NPSL with the Wichita Wings, where ex-Sounders James and Jason Dunn are playing.

Apr 1 -First preseason match: Seattle Sounders 3 - 1 Vancouver 86ers. Midfelder Dick McCormick has returned to the Sounders! Signed newcomers who saw action include 20-year-old midfielder Brian Wood and 24-year-old midfielder Andrew Gregor.

Mar 30 - The Seattle PI had a good article about prospects for a Seattle MLS team. Sounders CEO and Co-Owner Neil Farnsworth give some good clues as to the likely makeup of a Seattle MLS ownership group. Hint: it probably won't include Paul Allen.

Mar 26 - The Kingdome was collapsed this morning (articles, photos) to make way for a new football/soccer stadium with natural grass. The new stadium is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2002, making possible a Seattle MLS expansion franchise. While a 70,000 seater is a bit of overkill for MLS, the stadium will instantly become one of the best stadiums for hosting the USA national teams. We're hoping for a USA-Mexico World Cup qualifier circa 2005.

Mar 23 - The Sounders today made their first announcement regarding a player signed for the 2000 season. Midfielder Kei Kinoshita has been signed. Kinoshita played for the Sounders in 1997-98, but did not play professional soccer last season.

Mar 14 - Goalkeeper Johann Noetzel from SPU (home town Seattle) has signed with the Dallas Burn to back up their #2 'keeper Matt Jordan while the #1 Mark Dodd is recovering from an injury. Noetzel travelled to France with the Burn and got some playing time there, apparently impressing the coach. Noetzel was one of the Sounders' draft picks this year.

Mar 7 - The Seattle Sounders Select have announced changes for the 2000 season as well as naming Gerry Gray as head coach, replacing 1998-99 coach Paul Hurme. Expect Sounders head coach Neil Megson to work closely with Gray as the building blocks of a comprehensive player development system are falling into place. Somebody around here has a vision and some passion for the beautiful game! We suspect it is Sounders Co-Owner and CEO Neil Farnsworth, who has purchased a co-ownership position in the Sounders Select along with the previously sole owner, Bill Hurme.

Mar 2 - The Sounders have officially announced that they are returning to Seattle Memorial Stadium for the 2000 season.

Feb 25 - 14 players with local ties are currently on 9 of the 12 MLS preseason rosters:

• San Jose Earthquakes: F Ian Russell (Seattle, UW, ex-Sounder) and F Esmundo Rodriguez (ex-Sounder by loan).
• Los Angeles Galaxy: D Joe Franchino (UW).
• Colorado Rapids: M Wes Hart (rookie out of UW).
• Kansas City Wizards: D Brandon Prideaux (Renton, UW, ex-Sounder), M Vicente Figueroa (ex-Sounder) and M Chris Henderson (Everett).
• Dallas Burn: M Brian Haynes (ex-Sounder).
• Columbus Crew: M/F Jason Farrell (Seattle, SPU, ex-Sounder) and M Brian Winters (Tacoma, rookie out of Portland U).
• Miami Fusion: M Henry Gutierrez (ex-Sounder).
• Tampa Bay Mutiny: M Dominic Kinnear (ex-Sounder) and D Chad McCarty (UW).
• DC United: D Geoff Aunger (ex-Sounder).

Feb 10 - The Seattle Sounders Select will compete in the Northwest Division of the USL Premier Development League (PDL). The team was called the Seattle Sounders Selects last season and have lost the last "s". This season, the Select are looking more like a Sounders development team. Sounders head coach Neil Megson will be helping to coach the Select, and the A-League and PDL sides may practice together. We like the plan -- it reminds us of the way European pro sides develop players.

Feb 6 - Sounders draft picks from today's A-League College/High-School Draft:

• 1st round, 8th pick (from passing in the territorial round): Greg Howes, 22, midfielder, 5'11", 185#, home town Tacoma, Oregon State University, previously Tacoma Community College, PDL Willamette Valley Firebirds.
• 1st round, 31st pick: J.P. Capodanno, 23, forward, 5'9", 155#, home town Federal Way, Oregon State University, PDL Willamette Valley Firebirds.
• 1st round, 35th pick (from San Diego in the Mark Baena trade): Johann Noetzel, 22, goalkeeper, 6'0", 185#, home town Seattle, Seattle Pacific University,previously Highline Community College, Seattle Hibernian and Caledonian FC.
• 2nd round, 2nd pick (from San Diego in the Mark Baena trade): Jay Gomez, forward, 23, 5'9", 160#, home town Alta Loma, CA, University of Washington, previously Cal-State Fullerton.
• 2nd round, 5th pick: Manuel Ruiz, 22, forward, 5'8", 150#, home town Tacoma, Seattle University, previously Tacoma Community College, PDL Seattle Sounders Selects.

The only other player with local ties that we spotted was Morgan McCoy (defender, 22, 5'10", 170#, home town Woodinville, University of Washington), picked in the 8th pick of the 2nd round by Orange County.

Players with local ties picked in today's MLS draft, which immediately preceded the A-League draft, are:

• 1st round, 7th pick: Colorado Rapids picked Wes Hart, forward, 22, 5'7", 155#, home town Littleton, CO, University of Washington.
• 3rd round, 9th pick: Columbus Crew picked Brian Winters, midfielder, 22, 5'11", 170#, home town Tacoma, University of Portland.
• 5th round, 4th pick: San Jose Earthquakes (a.k.a. Clash) picked Ian Russell, forward, 24, 5'10", 165#, home town Seattle, Seattle Sounders. Russell played at the University of Washington two years ago.
• 6th round, 3rd pick: New England Revolution picked Tom Hardy, defender, 24, 6'2", 185#, home town Seattle, Vancouver 86ers. Hardy played at Seattle University two years ago.

Jan 15 - In a letter addressed to the faithful who have laid down a deposit for 2000 season tickets, the Sounders have announced that 2000 home matches will return to Seattle Memorial Stadium.

Jan 5 - Sounders defender Jason Annicchero has travelled to Germany to train with Werder Bremen of the Bundesliga 1 through Valentine's Day.

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