Two corporate powerhouses, Microsoft and Starbucks, emerged victorious in the 2009 Puget Sound Corporate Soccer Challenge in front of approximately 500 to 700 fans at Qwest Field.
Expedia, who is essentially an expansion club, participated in the jamboree for the first time this year. In addition, veteran clubs Boeing, Microsoft and Starbucks again participated and dialed their play up a notch from a year ago.
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The soccer challenge and pre-match party generated approximately $15,000 in gross revenue. That netted the charity $13,000, $3,000 dollars above PSCSC Director Chad Mack's and RMDH Co-Director Vanessa Kirk Briley's target goal of $10,000.00. The net revenue will go to Ronald McDonald House.
In addition, the event raised awareness of the great work that RMDH is doing and hopefully will inspire more folks to get involved in the Charity in the future.
Planning for next year's event will start soon with hopes of possibly staging a reunion or celebrity match at the X-Box Pitch next year.
The Matches
Unlike last year, this year's match-ups were played in a major league venue in perfect conditions under blue skies with temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees.
Several fans from all clubs showed up in support, donning their favorite clubs' respective colors and corporate pride and spirit. The fans were engaged as they cheered their boys on during both hard fought matches.
In the first match, Boeing and Microsoft battled for midfield dominance, which Microsoft was able to ultimately achieve. With the midfield possession game established, Microsoft FC was able push up and stretch Boeing's defense and ultimately open up the scoring late in the first half.
Boeing, feeling the effects of the heat and pace, simply were not able to hold off Microsoft's potent attack and went down in sound defeat.
After a hard fought battle on the pitch, in a show of good sportsmanship and united toward a common cause, the players smiled shook hands and embraced at the center circle of the X-Box Pitch.
In the second match, Expedia, who had no shortage of heart and passion, were no match for the seasoned Starbucks FC, which boasts a cadre of talented adult league soccer players. Expedia did give it their best and their fans, who donned yellow Hawaiian leis in a show of solidarity, stood and saluted their players after the match and the players reciprocated in return as they applauded their fans before exiting the pitch.
If you missed the event... Here is a little sample of the sights and sounds courtesy of "SFI TV"
Reach Greg Roth - Sounders Fan Insider at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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