Sounders Women Face the Redhawks

Friday night’s game against the Seattle University Redhawks should be a more defensive battle. Last season the Redhawks had seven shutouts, thanks in large part to a veteran back line. They finished their season with a 12-6-1 record. They are largely a second half team, which should be interesting against the likes of Sydney Leroux and Alex Morgan. They are NOT second half players, and should be able to break down the back line in the first half. The Redhawks keeper is untested, since their previous starter was a senior for last season. Talk about trial by fire.

A list of players to watch on the SU team should start with Stephanie Verdoia. She is a young forward (should be wearing #24), that started all 19 games last season. She is one of the leading scorers with 4 goals, and 4 assists last season. I’m sure she will be looking to test Hope Solo and our back line.

Ava Ames is a 5’11" MF/FWD that has 4 goals. She played 15 games, but only started 6. Her height could pose a problem with our back line. She should be wearing jersey #5. She has a knack for slicing through the back line.

Megan Daniels (#2), is also a scoring threat on the front line. She played in all 19 games, but only started 13. She has 3 goals and 3 assists. Julia Besagno is a solid midfielder that wears #12 and has 2 goals and 1 assist in 19 games. She is a workhorse that started all 19 games.

Emma Levy (#21), started 15 games out of the 18 that she played last season. She has 2 goals and 1 assist. She is a 5’1" forward. She is a veteran on this team, and could play a leading role for the Redhawks.

Arriving in town from Denmark this week for the Sounders Women is Megan Manthey. She should be available for this game. As I have pointed out in past articles, she has played in the Premier League in Denmark for the last seven seasons. Her style of one touch footy should be entertaining once she adjusts to her new team.

Megan Rapinoe will not be available for this game. Keelin Winters will be back in town for this game, although, her time with the Sounders may be limited by other commitments.

Tickets are still available for this match, although they are going fast, get them here. If this game is anything like Monday’s 5-0 win over SPU, it will a great night of soccer. I’m hopeful that the fans will be a little less timid when cheering with The Aux. Arrive early to avoid some of the traffic mess outside the Starfire complex. While you're walking into the stadium stop and purchase your Sounders Women Scarf. Game time is 7:30, parking is $5.00. See you there!