2010 XTREME Cup charity: water Project Finally Complete!

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The 2011 Starfire XTREME Cup delivered more than just great soccer. The tournament also helped raise awareness among youth soccer players about a crisis that kills more people than all forms of violence, including war. This crisis is the lack of access to clean, safe water, and it affects nearly one billion people.

Along with the soccer champions in our midst, we had youth players that were champions of this important global cause. The highest earning team, Stingrays BU15s, collected over $200 and even contributed some of their money. Together with participating teams, we were able to raise over $5,000, which was enough to build a well for an entire Malawi village and contribute to a second larger project in Ethiopia. Learn more about the projects the XTREME Cup helped make a reality.

 

Malawi Project, fully funded by the XTREME Cup Campaign

[wpcol_1third id=”” class=”” style=””]H. Mazengera 1[/wpcol_1third] [wpcol_1third id=”” class=”” style=””]H. Mazengera 2[/wpcol_1third] [wpcol_1third_end id=”” class=”” style=””]H. Mazengera 3[/wpcol_1third_end]

Ethiopia Project, partially funded by the XTREME Cup Campaign

[wpcol_1third id=”” class=”” style=””]Kebado 1[/wpcol_1third] [wpcol_1third id=”” class=”” style=””]Kebado 2[/wpcol_1third] [wpcol_1third_end id=”” class=”” style=””][/wpcol_1third_end]

Sounders Reserves Come Back Strong!

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It was a lovely evening for the Seattle Sounders Reserves to return to Starfire Stadium. They played a challenging match against the Chivas USA Reserves. The Sounders were hopeful for redemption, after a rough (3-2) loss against the Colorado Rapids Reserves last Monday. Fortunately, the Sounders put up a solid fight and were successful.

From the start of the match through the end of the first half, both teams struggled to control the possession of the ball. After much back and forth between both teams, the Chivas were able to fight off the Sounders’ defense in the 33rd minute of play and Forward #6 Jose Manuel was able to send one past the Sounders’ Keeper. In the 37th minute, Chivas’ Manuel was successful in scoring a goal off of a free kick that flew into the top right corner, just out of the Keeper’s reach. The Sounders were really starting to feel the pressure. Luckily, the Sounders’ offense did an excellent job of picking up the slack. Chivas’ Keeper #24 Patrick McLain was quick on his feet and did an excellent job of tending the goal; however, a break-away by Forward #16 David Estrada in the 43 minute resulted in an outstanding goal by Forward #22 Eriq Zavaleta. The Sounders finished the first half trailing the Chivas, with a score of 2-1.

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As they entered the second half, it was apparent that the Sounders had increased their intensity and focus. Immediately, the communication was clearer and the passing game was improved. They were able to regulate the possession of the ball and make smarter plays. In the 61st minute, Sounders Midfielder #23 Servando Carrasco scored off of a penalty kick and was able to tie up the game. The Sounders continued to push hard and play smart. In the 80th minute, Zavaleta was able to score once again and help the Sounders push ahead. The final score was 3-2, Sounders.

The Sounders Reserves will return to Starfire Stadium on August 26tth at 7:00 PM to play the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Seattle Reign Triumph over Chicago Redstars, 4-1

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It was another beautiful Thursday evening at Starfire Stadium, as the women of the Seattle Reign were ready to encounter the women of the Chicago Red Stars. After a tough loss against FC Kansas City on July 20th, the Reign were looking to come back strong. As the fans settled down and the teams filed in, we were ready for the start of what would become a very exciting game.

There was a bit of a slow start on both ends, but eventually the Reign were able to take control. With the help of midfielder #15 Megan Rapinoe, the Reign absolutely dominated the possession of the ball for the entire game. Rapinoe was also responsible for a strong goal off of a free kick in the 6th minute of play. Following the goal by Rapinoe was an incredible play by midfielder #6 Kaylyn Kyle. In the 21st minute, Kyle scored off of a penalty kick fired into the top right corner, just out of reach for Red Stars’ keeper Erin McLeod. With all of this momentum and energy, the reign kept the upper hand and had a flawless first half.

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As they returned to the field, the Reign were able to regain the control they previously had. Once again, Rapinoe took the lead and launched a fabulous shot right past McLeod in the 72nd minute. Directly following this goal was one of the twelve tremendous saves made by keeper #1 Hope Solo. Solo stopped a penalty kick in the 73rd minute and almost maintained a perfect game. Unfortunately, Chicago was able to sneak a goal past Solo, yet our Seattle Reign were able to continue to push ahead. A fourth and final goal was scored by #5 Liz Bogus in the 82nd minute. There were high fives all around, as both fans and players celebrate another strong win for the women of the Seattle Reign. The final score was 4-1, Reign.

Fans should be sure to come out and support the women in their final home game against the Portland Thorns FC on August 17th, here at Starfire Stadium. Single tickets are still available, so grab them quick!

Aggressive Game, yet Tough Loss for Sounders Reserves

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It was another beautiful and sunny Sunday down at the Starfire Stadium, as the Seattle Sounders Reserves prepared to faceoff against the Colorado Rapids’ Reserves. Fans of all ages began to pile in and fill up the stadium, eager to watch a great match. Following kickoff was an aggressive start on both ends, with high intensity and focus that lasted throughout the match.

The Colorado Rapids offense put some serious pressure on the Sounders defenders from the very start, allowing them to score a tough goal in the 6th minute of play. Fortunately, the Sounders were able to fight back with all they had and did an excellent job of sending some pressure right back at the Rapids defense. After three shots on goal, the Sounders were able to score in the 12th minute with a stellar goal by Forward #22, Eriq Zavaleta. Zavaleta did a great job leading the offense in the first half with numerous of shots on goal. Unfortunately the Sounders were unable to keep this momentum up, as the Rapids fought back and drove down the field, only to score in the 12th minute as well. The Rapids ultimately maintained greater possession of the ball and conquered the passing game in the first half, leading 2-1.

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At the Start of the second, Sounders offense came back strong, absolutely dominating the overall possession and really put the pressure on the Rapids defense. Forward #16, David Estrada did an absolutely magnificent job of controlling the offense and putting pressure on the Rapids’ keeper with shot after shot on target and a great assist. In the 72nd minute of play, Estrada broke away down field and assisted in a beautiful goal scored by #4, Patrick Ianni.
Despite their dominant second half, unfortunately the Sounders were unable to come out with a win. The final score of the match was Rapids 3, Sounders 2. Be sure to come out and support your Sounders Reserves as they kickoff on Monday, July 24, at 7 pm against Chivas USA, right here at Starfire Stadium.

Seattle Reign continue their winning streak!

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The Seattle Reign returned to Starfire Stadium Sunday night to continue their unbeaten streak of five games.  The match would be televised live, the first for the league, on Fox Soccer.  In anticipation for the game, tickets sold out with over 3000 fans in attendance.  With the sun shining and a full stadium the Reign came ready to play.

The Washington Spirit entered the pitch with high intensity and dominated the first five minutes of play peppering Hope Solo with shots.  In the 9th minute the Reign made an attacking run forward and earned the team a corner kick. Megan Rapinoe placed a lovely corner low and to the near post where the Spirit defender had to clear the ball out and denied Seattle of a goal.  A short few minutes later there was a collision in the Reign penalty box and the referee awarded the Spirit a penalty kick.  The Spirit converted and took the lead 1-0.  In the 25th minute the Reign scored a lovely goal off a through pass from Fishlock, but they were unfortunately offsides and the goal was revoked.  In the 30th minute Jessica McDonald fought for the ball, took a shot, and got a deflection off a defender for an own goal.  McDonald was given credit for the goal and the Reign was back in the game! In the minutes following the first goal the Reign had found confidence and rhythm and they were putting a lot of pressure on the Spirit defense.  In the 33rd minute Jessica McDonald again found the net off a header from Harris.  With a 2-1 lead the Reign looked to keep possession of the ball and they did so magnificently.  The Reign would go into half time with a 2-1 lead.

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In the opening minutes of the second half the Reign had a few chances to score but the Spirit defense was able to clear the ball off the goal line to keep the game within reach. In the 57th minute Kaitlyn Kyle went up for a header and collided heads with Spirit Keeper Ali Kreiger.  Both were able to stand up and walk off, but Krieger was later checked for concussions as it was a tough collision.    With back and forth possession between both teams the scoring opportunities were equal amongst each other.  In the 66th minute Rapinoe was able to find a small amount of space a rip a shot that just went wide of the upper right corner.  The Spirit did not test Solo with any overly difficult saves in the second half and the entire team was able to preserve the 2-1 lead.  The game would end in favor of the Reign and they would continue their winning streak in hopes of making the playoffs.

The Reign will travel to Kansas City this week for a mathc on Saturday July 20 against FC Kansas City. Check out the website for more details about how to follow the match live!

 

Reign come from behind to win!

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With the anticipation of having Abby Wambach, Megan Rapinoe, and Hope Solo all at Starfire Stadium fans poured out to Starfire to watch some of the national team perform.

As the sun was setting the Western New York Flash and Seattle Reign both took the field in front of a full crowd.  Early on in the 5th minute Carli Lloyd of Flash ripped a shot that Hope Solo had to react quickly and smother  .  A short two minutes later Jess Fishlock recieved the ball in the attacking third and noticed that Flash goalkeeper Adrianna Franch was off her line, Fishlock tried to take advantage of the setting sun and attempted to chip Franch.  Fishlock was denied and the game remained at zeros.   In the 10th minute a Flash defender played a long ball to center forward Wambach who out ran Kyle of the Reign. Wambach remained calm and squeezed the ball by Solo to put Flash in the lead.  Reign responded well and in the 14th minute Fishlock found the ball in a scramble in front of net and ripped a shot into the net to bring the game to ones.  The Reign kept peppering the Flash goal with shots but were unsuccessful in taking the lead until the 44th minute.  Flash keeper, Franch had a poor clearance that found its way to Rapinoes’ feet.  Rapinoe skillfully placed the ball into the net to put the Reign in the lead 2-1.  The game would go to half time in favor of the Reign 2-1.

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With the Flash being down a goal they came into the second half with great intensity.  Right away they were testing Solo who had to tip the ball over the crossbar in the 46th minute.  In the 48th minute Kaitlyn Kyle of the Reign drug down Wambach in the eighteen-yard box. The Flash was awarded a penalty kick, which Wambach took, and successfully finished.  With the game even at 2-2 both teams were looking to find the third goal to take the lead.  In the 67th minute McDonald of the Reign had a fabulous header but Franch came up big with a big save to keep the game tied.  In the 82nd minute Nairn intercepted a pass from the Flash defense and found her teammate Reed who came streaking in at the back post.  Reed remained composed and placed the ball into the net to take the lead for the Reign.  In the 88th minute Reed who put her team in the lead, was able to keep her team in the lead with an amazing save off the goal line.  The Reign remained calm and maintained their 3-2 lead.  The game would end in favor of the reign 3-2.

The Reign return to Starfire Stadium on Sunday at 5:30 pm to take on Washington Spirit.  The game will be nationally televised on Fox Soccer but come experience the game live at Starfire Sports!  Click here to buy your tickets for Sunday.