March to the match? Some Sounders had to run

  • By John Boyle Herald Writer
  • Wednesday, March 25, 2015 6:29pm
  • SportsSports

TUKWILA — Soccer players running is a completely normal and expected sight on the field. Soccer players running through the streets of downtown Seattle during the evening commute is not, however.

Yet, thanks to the overturned semi-truck that closed Highway 99 and in turn crippled traffic in and around Seattle Tuesday night, a few Sounders players were forced to get to their game by foot.

Players were supposed to be at CenturyLink Field for Tuesday’s 7 p.m. game by 5:30, and when goalkeeper Stefan Frei realized traffic wasn’t moving and that he was running out of time, he parked at the Westin Hotel and jogged the remaining 1.5 miles.

“I got from my house to the Westin, five blocks, in 45 minutes of driving,” he said. “I was like, ‘I’ve got to park the car.’ Took me like 15, 20 minutes to run.”

Some fans noticed players like Frei, Lamar Neagle and Chad Barrett heading to the game on foot and mentioned it on Twitter. As the Twitter account for KOMO News noted, the “March to the match” was probably the most efficient means of getting to Tuesday’s game.

“I got a couple of tweets that were like, ‘Oh, we just saw Frei run past us,’” Frei said. “It’s a bit embarrassing. I’m actually lucky they let me into the stadium, because I came in from the north side, and had to go through security and they’re like, ‘Whoa, whoa, slow down.’ I said, ‘I’m a player, please let me in.’ It worked out, so that’s good.”

Frei caught a ride back to his car after the game from Brad Evans, so he at least avoided a foot commute home. According to Sounders coach Sigi Schmid, Barrett walked more than two miles from lower Queen Anne to the stadium.

“It’s a good warm-up, might not have helped his game,” Schmid quipped.

As is normally the case a day after a game, Wednesday’s practice was a light session to allow players to recover, something that Frei joked he could really appreciate after some extra running.

“That’s about as much fitness as a goalkeeper should be doing,” he said. “That’s why I chose that position, right?”

Injury update

The Sounders could have Osvaldo Alonso on the field for the first time this season when they face Dallas this weekend, which would provide a big boost to their midfield. Alonso, one of the team’s three designated players, has not played yet this season while recovering from groin surgery. But he practiced Wednesday and Schmid sounded optimistic that he, as well as right fullback Tyrone Mears (hamstring) will be available.

“They went through training today, and both came through no issues,” Schmid said. “We’ll make our decisions later today on them about the Dallas game, but we feel pretty good about both of them.”

Schmid had no new update on Clint Dempsey following Wednesday’s practice, though he confirmed the forward is out for Saturday’s game. Dempsey suffered a hamstring strain while training with the U.S. national team in Switzerland Monday, an injury estimated to keep him out two to three weeks according to a press release put out by U.S. Soccer. Dempsey returned to Seattle Tuesday, and while he’ll be out this week, Schmid indicated after Tuesday’s game that it shouldn’t be a long-term injury.

“I talked to him last night,” Schmid said Tuesday. “…He feels that it’s not that bad.” Schmid added that he talked to U.S. national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann, and that Klinsmann thought Dempsey might have had a chance to play next week’s game against Switzerland, but didn’t want to push it for a friendly.

Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.