Sounders U-23 to Host First Exhibition Match at Sumner's Sunset Stadium

Seattle Sounders U-23, the premier development league for the Seattle Sounders, will host its first exhibition match with Gonzaga University at Sunset Stadium in Sumner this Sunday, April 15.

Kickoff is at noon.

"The Gonzaga game gives us an opportunity to evaluate players for the U23’s and see the progress of our former academy players,” said Darren Sawatzky, Sounders U-23 head coach, in a press release on the U-23 website. “We also want to make sure we give local college programs quality spring games."

The Sounders U-23 will play 8 PDL, regular season matches in addition to multiple preseason games. For the 2012 Season, the Sounders U-23 will partner with local youth clubs and showcase the team at various locations in the South Puget Sound. Regular season home venues include Franklin Pierce High School and Cheney Stadium.

Cheney Stadium will host two matches for the 2012 calendar. The first soccer game in the newly renovated Cheney Stadium will be played on May 30 with the Sounders U-23 matching up against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The second Cheney matchup will be against local PDL rivals, the Kitsap Pumas, on June 15.

To watch the Sounders U-23 play this season, purchase tickets at SoundersU23.com. Season tickets are on sale now. Single match tickets are also available.

Sounders U-23 season ticket holders will be allowed free admission to the stadium as part of their ticket package. Season tickets start at $80 for the entire season and are available for purchase at SoundersU23.com. Other fans in attendance for the Gonzaga exhibition will be asked for a $5 donation to support the Sounders U-23.