The Seattle Sounders were crowned champions of the United Soccer Leagues First Division after defeating the Richmond Kickers 4-3 in the penalty kick round of the USL First Division Championship match Saturday night at Qwest Field. In his final game as a Sounder, defender Scott Jenkins scored the winning penalty kick before Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale hit the crossbar in the seventh round of penalty kicks to give the Sounders their third USL title.
An intense match saw a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation. Richmond midfielder Sascha Gorres bagged a brilliant goal in the first half to put the Kickers up 1-0, and Seattle forward Maykel Galindo got a much-deserved equalizer midway through the second. Both sides were reduced to 10 men late in regulation after Seattle midfielder C.J. Klaas and Richmond midfielder Joey Worthen were shown red cards following a tussle in the Seattle penalty area.
Sounders goalkeeper Preston Burpo was named the game’s most valuable player for an outstanding performance in regulation and for a huge save during the decisive penalty kick round.
|
Comments:
Thanks for covering the Sounders! It was an intense match followed by much celebration! http://SounderCentral.com
What about Seattle being awarded a MLS franchise for the 2009 season?