Sounders pre-season update

The boys have been out practicing already, and officially report to camp on March 17th. It is going to be an eventful pre-season with many players from overseas coming in for tryouts.

Here's a preview from the desk of Adrian Hanauer.

Players expected to trial with Seattle from France are Jean-Martial Kipre, Yannick Boumsong, Yannick Blanchard and Samir Imessad.

From China: Chen Liang and Wang Hong Liang.

From Nigeria (Hanauer adds hopefully): Adama Adah
("He was supposed to be traveling in the US with the Nigerian U-23's, but I haven't caught up with his agent in about a week, so I don't have up to the minute detail on him.")

More from Hanauer:

"Probably a player that I can't mention from a team in Peru.
We are also speaking to agents of players from Mexico, Japan, Ghana, Columbia, Costa Rica, and a few other countries.

Many domestic players will also be here, starting March 17.

In addition, Chris Henderson and I will be spending part of April in South America and part of May in Africa, trying to find players, set up scouting networks, build relationships, etc....
If we can bring players in before the roster freeze this summer, we might consider this, given the opportunity those players will have to earn MLS contracts.

Jimmy Gabriel will be added back to the assistant coaching team. Darren is working with the team in March and April, but will be transitioning into his new role as Youth Development Director, as the year rolls on.

Yes, the guys are out training. Players are required to report on March 17, but they have been together training for several weeks already. It is a long, brutal season in USL 1, so Brian and I try to pace the build-up to the season so that the players are peaking at the right time."

Sound Transit new kit sponsor for 2008

The 4-Time Champion Seattle Sounders today announced Sound Transit as Title Sponsor for the 2008 season. A long-time partner with the Sounders, Sound Transit will join the Sounders in their last season in the United Soccer Leagues (USL).

Tim Healy, Marketing Manager for Sound Transit, said, “Sound Transit is proud to join with the Sounders as they enter their final season in the USL and continue their fine tradition of building community while bringing exciting soccer action to the Pacific Northwest. ”

Full story here.