The Seattle Sounders have earned three wins and three draws from 10 matches so far in 2007, a record that acknowledged by the team and management to be below par for one of the most successful franchises in Seattle. While there are some points that have gotten away through the first ten matches, the Sounders have come away with some difficult points that they failed to get in 2006.

Seattle earned a point in Puerto Rico for the first time in franchise history on a difficult early season road trip that saw them play in Miami on the same weekend. In 2006 they returned home from the same trip, mid season, with nothing to show from their effort.

The Sounders have also all ready earned a point from the Rochester Raging Rhinos in 2007, which is something they failed to do against the USL First Division runners-up in 2006.

Roger Levesque has tallied three goals for the club all ready this season and leads the team in offense with 7 pts so far on the year. Sebastien Le Toux has two goals and two assists in just seven matches and has combined well with Levesque and veteran Greg Howes, who also has two goals on the campaign. Newcomer Nathan Knox has also tallied two goals, giving the Sounders attacking options and depth that they missed in 2006.

Danny Jackson and Zach Scott have played every minute of every match so far this season and midfielder Kevin Sakuda has missed only three of the 900 minutes available for play.

Prior to the home match against the Carolina Railhawks, a hard fought 2-1 win for the Sounders, head coach Brian Schmetzer switched to a 3-5-2 formation. Jackson become a holding midfielder alongside Sakuda and the defense was anchored by Noah Merl in the middle with Scott on the left and third year man Jake Besagno on the right.

The Sounders are unbeaten in two league matches since the strategy change and have looked more confident going forward with the presence of Jackson further up the pitch.

Player/assistant coach Leighton O’Brien missed seven matches with an early season hamstring injury. His return has coincided with the Sounders current two match win streak in league play. He’s remained healthy, but will miss the match in Charleston while serving a one match suspension for a red card received in the California match.

The Sounders will also be without Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, who provided three early season assists and a goal for the club before suffering an Achilles injury that has kept him out of the last two matches.

Josh Gardner has been a valuable addition on the left side of the field. His left footed play has led to two assists and 19 shots on the season.

Kenji Treschuk has logged minutes in nine of the Sounders 10 early season matches. His versatility has allowed him to provide either defensive cover or an offensive spark in the second half depending on the situation. He broke into the starting 11 against Puerto Rico and provides valuable injury cover for a variety of positions.

Chris Eylander has recorded 36 saves and two shutouts in nine matches for the Sounders. He’s currently serving a two match suspension for a violent conduct foul against Carolina. That’s given Ben Dragavon his first start as a Souder and his first win in California.

Seattle plays six of their next 10 matches on the road with two trips to Rochester and one to face the Defending USL First Division Champion Vancouver Whitecaps highlighting the schedule.

25% of the Sounders matches on the season (seven of 28) will be played against either Rochester or Vancouver, making it critical not only to earn full points against teams sitting lower in the table, but also important to eventually earn full points in matches against the two title contenders from 2006.

The Sounders next regular season home match is June 23 at Qwest Field against the Montreal Impact. The Impact are currently the only undefeated team in the USL First Division with a record of 4-0-4. Tickets are available through SeattleSounders.net or ticketmaster.com.