Haley Scheer
As the Seattle Sounders FC draws ever closer to the postseason, the chances look good for qualifying for the playoffs. In 11 previous seasons, no Major League Soccer expansion team has qualified for the playoffs.
The Sounders maintain the strongest potential to do so since 1988. With three loses in a row, the Sounders finally broke their losing streak with a monumental win against the defending MLS cup champion Columbus Crew on Saturday October 3. With a previous 22-home match winning streak, the Crew was beaten at their home field by the Sounders 1-0.
Though the Sounders won the game, the Crew still holds the top record in MLS, and maintains their 46 point standing. The win against the Crew earned the Sounders an extra three points, moving them up to 41 points.
The Sounders’ next game will be away on October 17 against the Kansas City Wizards.
Sounders news continues to look up with a hopeful postseason approaching and a prospective second visit to the Island from Sounders starting forward Nate Jaqua. Several weeks ago, Jaqua made a volunteer appearance on Vashon Island. He spent several hours at the McMurray field, signing autographs and talking to several Island soccer teams about his professional soccer career. Jaqua answered questions kids had about how he came to be so successful and what is was like to be a Major League Soccer player. Freshman Taylor Knowles reflected on meeting him:
“My impression of him was that he isn’t what you think a famous athlete would be like; he isn’t stuck up. I learned that he is very friendly and he could talk to you about soccer all day,” said Knowles.
With a turnout of several Island soccer teams as well as an off-island team, the day was very productive but also low-key, in an attempt to make it manageable. Hopes are high that he will make a second visit to the Island in the future.
Advisor: Greg McElroy | Web Editor: Abby Smith
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