PAGE 22

August 2006

Sounders Fall to

INTRODUCING ...

Carolina, Knocked Out

Chris Eylander of U.S. Open Cup

Goalkeeper, Seattle Sounders I

n July the Seattle Sounders traveled to

Six minutes into overtime, Sounder

the east coast to face the Carolina

Midfielder Andrew Gregor gave the

Sounders a slim 2-1 lead on a penalty

Dynamo in the Third Round of the U.S.

Open Cup at Macpherson Stadium. In a

kick in the 96th minute of the match.

However, once again the Dynamo were

close match the Sounders fell 3-2 in the

second overtime period on a goal by

able to answer back just minutes later on

Dynamo  Forward  Darryl  Roberts.

a Ben Hunter goal in the 98th minute.

The Dynamo pulled out the victory

Scoring for the Sounders were Forward

Cam Weaver and Midfielder Andrew

as the club's second leading scorer

Forward Darryl Roberts, who has eight

Gregor. Both goals were go-ahead tallies,

but the Dynamo were able to respond

regular season goals, nailed the clincher

quickly.

in the second overtime period. Carolina,

who has yet to loose a match this season

The Dynamo had scoring chances

early but Sounder Goalkeeper Chris

to any opponent advanced to the Open

Cup's Fourth Round to face Major

Eylander made spectacular saves includ-

ing a punched header over the crossbar

League  Soccer  side,  the  Houston

to keep the score knotted at 0-0 through

Dynamo on August 2nd in Houston.

For the second consecutive season

the first half.

The flood gates were opened in the

the Sounders have been eliminated in

the Third Round of the annual tourna-

76th minute as the Sounders leading

scorer, Forward Cam Weaver netted his

ment. Last season the Sounders were

11th goal of the season to give the

defeated by the Portland Timbers in

Sounders a 1-0 lead. Serving the header

Portland, Ore.

For more on the U.S. Open Cup,

was Midfielder Jake Sagare who was

visit www.usopencup.com s

awarded the assist. Just two minutes

photo credit: George Holland

later the Dynamo's Michael Lahoud

responded with the equalizer forcing the

High School, where, along with sever-

nother product of WSYSA, Chris

A

match into overtime.

Eylander has done a fine job filling

al other honors, he was chosen

Gatorade State Player of the Year in

the shoes of former Seattle Sounder

goalkeeper,  Preston  Burpo,  who

2002.

Chris attributes much of his suc-

moved to MLS Chivas USA during the

2006 SCHEDULES

off season. To date, he has four

cess as a goalkeeper to Rob Walker,

shutouts and has kept the Sounders in

currently the Coaching Director for

FWSA and his college goalkeeper

many close games with spectacular

coaches. "Rob coached me when I was

saves.

young. He was the one who carved me

Coming out of an impressive col-

technically into the keeper I am today.

lege career with the University of

Washington Huskies, Chris was drafted

The University of Washington goal-

keeper coach who worked with me

and signed by the Seattle Sounders in

last year, Richard Reece, had a tremen-

January 2006. According to his Seattle

Date

Opponent

Time (PT)

dous impact on me as well."

Sounder player profile, "As a Husky,

Chris is very excited to be playing

Eylander clocked 4,472 minutes on the

Friday, August 11

Virginia Beach Mariners

7:00 pm

pitch in 49 regular season games. He

for the Seattle Sounders this season. So

far, his favorite game is the May 27th

finished his career among the best in

Saturday, August 19

Vancouver Whitecaps

7:00 pm

win against the Vancouver White Caps

several categories. He is fourth all time

at home. In that game, Chris recorded

in saves with 187; his 1.11 goals

Friday, August 25

Minnesota Thunder

7:00 pm

his second win and shutout in consec-

against average is fifth best, and he

Friday, September 1

Charleston Battery

7:00 pm

holds the third most shutouts in Husky

utive matches. During recent road

history with 18."

trips, he has discovered that he does

Friday, September 8

@ Vancouver Whitecaps

7:00 pm

"After the college season, I had a

not enjoy the humidity of the East

Coast.

tryout and got some looks from differ-

Saturday, September 9

Atlanta Silverbacks

7:00 pm

The future for Chris involves

ent teams, but nothing seemed to

work out. When the Sounders ended

working his way up into the MLS. "I

September 15, 17

First Round Playoffs dates

up drafting and then later signing me I

want to try to make it to the next level

September 22, 24

Second Round Playoff dates

in the next couple years. I would like

was really excited," explained Chris.

to continue playing for the Sounders,

Parents Mark and Debbie Eylander

September 30

Championship

but am trying to work my way into the

started Chris in soccer when he was 5

years old. He played for the Federal

MLS."

Way Storm, a team that he remembers

Chris's advice to youth players:

Listen to, respect, and work hard for

"won state championships and com-

your coaches. Put in the work on your

peted in Regional Championships a

own time to make yourself a better

few times." He was also selected for

player. And most important have fun. s

Washington State and Region IV ODP

teams. He played for Auburn Riverside

Visit the Sounders at

Congratulations

www.seattlesounders.net

and good luck, Chris!