Sounders return from training camp to check out new home pitch
Feb 27, 2012, 4:44 PM | Updated: Feb 28, 2012, 9:57 am
After a three-week training camp in Arizona and Florida, the Seattle Sounders FC are back in the chilly Pacific Northwest. The “rave green” got a look and feel of the new synthetic turf comprising the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field.
“Turf is turf, but this feels pretty nice to me,” Sounders defender Jeff Parke said. “The fake grass is a little bit fluffier, so the ball moves better.”
The old surface installed in 2008 was worn and matted down from all the soccer and pro and college football games. The new field turf “Revolution” system still consists of the black rubber pellets to provide a spongy feel.
It should create a safer environment for the athletes, according to Seattle head coach Sigi Schmid.
“It’s still hard underneath, but it’s definitely easier on the body for the players. There are a lot of unplanned cuts in soccer,” he said. “Having a softer, more consistent surface should take the wear and tear off the guys.”
New Sounders forward Eddie Johnson enjoyed his first steps in his new home stadium. Johnson returned to the United States after five years in Europe.
“My last time playing on synthetic turf was for Fulham against a Russian team in the Europa League,” he said. “This surface is much better. The stadium crew did a great job in the offseason getting it ready for us.”
Sounders FC resumes the preseason schedule with the annual Community Shield match Wednesday, Feb. 29. Seattle takes on Mexico’s Jaguares de Chiapas on the Xbox Pitch at 7 p.m. The match is free admission with donations benefiting the club’s community partners.
