The 2009 Premier Development League season is one of numerous unknowns and questions. The new season brings new players to meld in with the veterans, it brings new challengers to the Tide’s NW Divisional crown, and it brings new rivalries. Wednesday night at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, WA, the Tide began to answer those questions.
In the pouring down rain, a Tide starting 11 that had never played together (not even in practice), controlled a game in the heated rivalry. Both teams created decent chances, but in the end, a draw seemed a fair result.
The most prominent story for the beginning of the 2009 seems to be the combination of youth with the wisdom of experience. Players like Machael David, Ruben Orozco, and Machael David return for another season of development in the yellow jersey, while newcomers Greg Howes, Leighton O’brien, Adam West, and Nick Besagno highlight the list of professional veterans. So how will these players work in combination? If Wednesday night against the Wolves is any indication, the season could be a bright one. Time and time again, the Tide built up with possession to create chances on the Wolves goal. The only piece of the puzzle remaining was the final finish. This seemed just a touch away all night due to the unfamiliarity amongst the squad.
Just when it seemed the Tide might break through for the 3 points, Chase Tangney found himself passed a mistimed offside trap. In the 83rd minute, Tangney, a sub at the halftime break, made a perfect first touch to put himself directly at the top of the box for a 1 on 1 with Wolves keeper, Chris Blais. Tangney tried to tuck the ball just below Blais to the keeper’s left, but Blais got a fingertip on the shot and found it tucked under his back side for the game saving save. Tangney had Greg Howes streaking to his right for a possible pass, but the forward could certainly not be blamed for the good decision to take the chance himself.
Jordan Jennings earned another shutout in the Tacoma Tide nets, and of course, his first of the ’09 PDL Season. Jennings was awarded the MVP Physical Therapy Man of the Match on the Comcast On Demand TV broadcast that is still available for FREE on Comcast On Demand. Watch the game by turning to Channel 1, then Get Local, Local Sports, and finally Tacoma Tide.
The Tide’s next match is Friday against the Kitsap Pumas. The rivalries keep coming for Tacoma as they’ll take the short trip to Bremerton Memorial High School Stadium for the 7:30pm kickoff. The first home match for Tacoma comes on Sunday, May 17 @ 3:00pm vs the Cascade Surge.
