SOUNDERS FC: Sounders FC competing with their hands full in Spain

Dating back to last week, Sounders FC has been participating in the La Manga Cup in Murcia, Spain. After a disappointing 3-0 loss in the opening round to Rosenburg BK, the current Norwegian Premier League champions, Seattle bounced back in a consolation match with a 2-0 win over Stabaek IF, another contender from Norway.

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Freddie Ljunberg is setting his standards high for the upcoming MLS season setting up both goals and earning two assists before halftime.

The first occurred in the 30th minute which Ljunberg collected a pass from Osvaldo Alonso on the right side of the Stabaek net, setting up a well-executed cross to striker Freddy Montero for an easy tap-in goal.

The Sounders earned their second in the 42nd minute when Roger Levesque, an alternate in 2009 making a case for a starting role in 2010, headed a Ljunberg corner kick into the net to the near post.

Debuts occurred for two Sounders FC players, including Steve Zakuani’s preseason debut returning from offseason shoulder surgery.

Secondarily, defender Jeff Parke started the second half and played the full 45 minutes. Parke, an invitee to training camp, was selected by Seattle in the 2008 expansion draft from the New York Red Bulls, but defended the initial offer to explore potential playing options in Europe.

The La Manga Cup is an international club exhibition tournament featuring teams from Europe and North America. This year, the tournament features eight clubs with Seattle introduced as the sole non-European club participating. The remaining seven include teams from the Danish Superliga and Norwegian Premier League, featuring the aforementioned Norwegian champions Rosenborg BK.
Sounders FC has one remaining match competing for fifth place, scheduled for Thursday February 25th against Norwegian club SK Brann, whom won their respected league in 2007.

Reach Jacob Kehle at nextseasonsports@gmail.com