Keelin Winters vs. CO Rush on May 31 (photo by Jane Gershovich, SoundersWomen.com)

Tukwila, WA – Coming off of a crucial 4-0 victory against Santa Clarita, the Sounders Women are ready for their double header this weekend in Colorado.  The first game is on Saturday June 30th against the Colorado Rapids Women at 4:30 pm (MT). On Sunday, July 1st the Sounders will bounce right back to play the Colorado Rush at 1:00 pm (MT). 

The U.S. Olympic Team members, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Sydney Leroux, played their last game for the Sounders women and were sent off in style with the 4-0 victory.  These players played an essential role in the two previous victories against the two Colorado teams. 

Against the Colorado Rapids Women on June 4, the Sounders Women gained a 3-0 victory. The Sounders were able to score two of their three goals in the first 10 minutes.  Alex Morgan was a focal point for these first two goals. She scored the first goal then assisted on the second.  Stephanie Cox was able to ensure the win scoring a perfectly placed free kick in the 87th minute.  The Rapids were coming off a two game road trip from Canada so no surprise there were some tired legs against the Sounders. 

This will not be the case though on Saturday.  The Rapids will have had six days to prepare for this important match up.  The Rapids stand in fifth place in the Western Conference with a record of 3-3-2.  Coming off a devastating 2-1 loss against the Colorado Rush, on June 24th the Rapids were able to gain an important 2-0 victory against the LA Strikers. 

Surprisingly, the defender Erin Gunther is the leading goal scorer for the Rapids in the 2012 season cumulating four goals.  She is a dangerous player going forward and has been a solid and consistent player in the back line.  She has the potential to cause problems for the Sounders.  In the attack, forward Amanda McMullan is the player to keep an eye on.  McMullan has played for the revamped Colorado Force (now Rapids) for some time. The experienced forward has scored two goals and has one assist for the Rapids. 

The Sounders Women first regular season home match (May 31st) was a tough 2-1 victory against the young and talented Colorado Rush.  This was the first match where Hope Solo’s skills were really put to the test.  The Rush was able to put six shots on target forcing Solo to make three world-class saves.  Forward, Lyndsey Horan, scored the first W-League goal against the Sounders, but couldn’t find an equalizer. The game was physical, but with persistence and determination, the Sounders were able to come out on top.  

The Rush currently stand in 3rd place in the Western Conference with a record of 5-2-1.  Besides the Sounders, their other loss was against the current Conference leaders, Pali Blues.  The last two games for the Rush have been a 2-1 victory against the LA Strikers and another 2-1 victory against the Colorado Rapids. 

Along with Lyndsey Horan, who currently stars for the U.S. U-20 National Team, Brittany Brock will be a player to watch for the Rush. Also a U.S. Youth National Team product, Brittany Bock, is a key player to the Rush’s offense.  The midfielder, who played for the Western New York Flash in WPS, has scored three goals this season.  Another key player who currently plays for the U-17 U.S. National Team is Danica Evans.  She also has three and has added an assist.  These two players will look to combine with each other to try and break down the tough Sounders defensive line.

The Sounders will be lead by U.S. Olympic Camp talents, Keelin Winters (MF) and Stephanie Cox (D).  Their experience and natural leadership has really helped the Sounders success in this 2012 season.  In addition, Perez (MF) and Kate Deines (D) will look to continue their standout performances.  The U-23 U.S. National Team member, Deines, will need to continue to be the heart of the back line.  Perez’s hard work and determination to score will continue to be a key factor in the success for the Sounders road trip to Colorado. 

Tune in on KKNW 1150AM for the radio broadcast, or at 1150KKNW.com for the live radio feed.  The pregame show for each match will start 15 minutes before the Saturday, 3:30pm (PT) and Sunday, noon (PT) kickoffs.