Thursday, July 15, 2010

SOUNDERS FC: Seattle to host second friendly against the Celtic FC


By Andi Williamson and Galen Helmgren

With a rocky record so far this season, the Sounders welcome a friendly match against Scotland’s Celtic FC this Sunday, July 18th as a chance to test themselves against a worthy international opponent. Celtic (pronounced “sell-tick”), based out of Glasgow, Scotland, is on a US tour of friendly matches in preparation for their upcoming season that begins in just over a month.

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This will be Celtic’s fourth visit to Seattle. The team was founded in 1887 and currently holds the record of 34 Scottish cups and 42 League Championships. In 1967 they became the first British, and the only Scottish team, to win the European Cup. Celtic players to look out for next Sunday are forward Georgios Samaras and Robbie Keane, midfielders Scott Brown and Marc Crosas and defender Stephen McManus, though don’t be surprised if the team they field is mostly reserves.

Sounders general manager and co-owner Adrian Hanauer said the franchise promised the fans a “diverse flavor of international soccer” this season and are excited to have the Scottish team here. Hanauer said they wanted to make sure the teams they chose for the friendly matches would not be missing any key players due to the World Cup in order to deliver the best opportunities to the Sounders and the fans.

The friendly is the second of two international matches hosted by the Sounders this season; the first was against Boca Juniors on May 28. The Sounders won 3-0. Celtic will be boasting their well-known green and white jerseys while the Sounders will be in the new “electricity yellow” jerseys.

Seattle is 1-2-0 overall in friendly matches after defeating Argentina’s Boca Juniors 3-0 on May 26. In their inaugural season the Sounders lost both friendly matches against Spain’s Barcelona and Chelsea of the English Premier League. A third friendly match may still be announced for this fall.

Tickets for the match went on sale on June 1 and are included in the season-ticket holder package or can be purchased through the Sounders Web site, the Qwest Field Box Office, or by calling 800-745-3000. Prices range from $25 to $95. Kick-off is at 12 p.m. at Qwest Field on Sunday, July 18.


Reach Galen Helmgren and Andi Williamson at nextseasonsports@gmail.com