Sounders to face Kitsap Pumas in fourth round of US Open Cup

While the date and location for the Seattle Sounders' first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match of the season was set weeks ago, their opponent was not revealed until Wednesday, when the Kitsap Pumas knocked Sacramento Republic FC out of the tournament with a 3-1 win in Sacramento.

The Bremerton, Washington-based Pumas currently play in the Premier Development League (PDL), which isn't considered to be a professional league by US Soccer (its official site even calls it a "stepping stone" for players). Kitsap is the lone pro team in the PDL. The Pumas' victory is impressive, considering that Sacramento Republic FC plays in the United Soccer League (USL), officially the third tier of professional US Soccer.

The Sounders organization is very familiar with the Pumas, as S2 played against them in last year's Open Cup, winning 4-2 in extra time. The Sounders U-23 team also competes in the PDL with the Pumas; their one clash so far this season resulted in a 1-0 win by Kitsap.

Several Pumas have Seattle and/or Sounders ties. Former Academy player Ian Lange has 302 league minutes and played 90 in the Open Cup win. Hamza Haddadi played at Seattle U scoring 25 goals with 11 assists in his four years. Mike Ramos is a star with the Tacoma Stars (also a short loan stint to S2 in 2015). He scored a goal and assisted another in the upset win over the Republic.

The fourth round matchup between the Sounders and Pumas will be on June 15 at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila.