2003 Apr 4

Preseason:
Seattle Sounders  3 - 1  Seattle University Redhawks
Poulsbo, WA

From the Sounders news release:

The Seattle Sounders began the 2003 exhibition season with a 3-1 win over Seattle University late Friday afternoon.

Jason Farrell started the Sounders scoring early in the first half after receiving a nice ball from Viet Nguyen. Getting the start at forward, Farrell blasted home a 10-yard strike.

The Sounders' second goal came off the foot of Darren Sawatzky who beat the Seattle U goalkeeper on a 6-yard bomb. After ping-ponging off several players, the ball landed on Sawatzky's foot and his shot found the back of the net.

Newcomer Alex Bengard rounded out the Sounder scoring in the second half with a brilliant header. He received a high cross and placed the ball just inside the right post.

Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said, "I saw some good things and some things we'll need to work on. We've only been together for three days but it's good to get out here and get the 2003 season started."

Schmetzer placed a starting lineup on the field that included: forwards – Jason Farrell, Darren Sawatzky; midfielders – Alex Bengard, Leighton O'Brien, Andrew Gregor, Viet Nguyen, Sean Henderson; defenders – Scott Jenkins, Danny Jackson, Mike Casale; goalkeeper – Preston Burpo.

Seattle U's lone goal came late in the first half when Sounder defenders and goalkeeper Preston Burpo nearly ran into each other. A seemingly harmless bouncing ball ended up in the back of the Sounders net.