Prematch notes: Azira on Battery, Sounders FC practice corners

Friday's media lunch down in Charleston, South Carolina was an opportunity for those locals to meet Seattle Sounders FC. Seattle delivered Sigi Schmid, DeAndre Yedlin and the four players that have history with both clubs - OsvaldoAlonso, Micheal Azira, Alex Caskey and Lamar Neagle.

Azira indicated to CHSSoccer.net that he will play for the Charleston Battery in the match between the two sides on Saturday. His coach there makes it seem like something more than just talent will determine if Azira is a Sounder in 2014.

But when I asked Mike Anhaeuser whether Azira would be wearing Rave Green during the final two matches of the CCC, he said he didn't know. Discussions are ongoing. So color the matches after Saturday "I don't know" when it comes to Azira's participation.

Azira is under contract with the Battery for the upcoming season.

Seattle also practiced today and the club provides some info about their many sessioned training. Set-plays got an extended look.

The second half of training, Schmid took the first team to one side of the field and coached them extensively on corners. Pappa was the man sending them in with the big bodies of Chad Marshall, Kenny Cooper and Andy Rose waiting in the middle. That trio could be a big handful for opposition defenses this year.

Tomorrow's match is at 4:15 Pacific and will be streamed on the Battery website and via their YouTube channel.