CDC USA sign Burpo & Whitfield from Seattle Sounders

sounderfan · Mar 17, 2006

3/17/06:

BURPO, WHITFIELD SIGN WITH MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER’S CHIVAS USA

CHIVAS USA HEADS TO SEATTLE ON MAY 7TH FOR EXHIBITION MATCH

(Seattle, Wash.) - - The Seattle Sounders announced today, goalkeeper Preston Burpo and midfielder Brent Whitfield signed with Chivas USA of Major League Soccer (MLS) for the 2006 season. Burpo, the 2005 USL First Division Championship Game MVP and 2nd Team All-League selection earns his first opportunity with MLS after nine seasons with the Sounders.

“I'm excited about the opportunity to play in the MLS with Chivas USA,” said Burpo. “The club is moving in a positive direction after their first year in the league. They brought in a new coach, Bob Bradley and new players, Ante Razov, Jesse Marsh, Claudio Suarez, to turn things around.”

“I've had a fantastic nine years with the Sounders,” added Burpo. “The players, the management, the coaches, the fans, the friends I made and the city itself were first class. I wish the Sounders the best of luck in 2006.”

As part of the compensation for Burpo and Whitfield, the agreement between the two clubs includes a Chivas USA vs. Sounders exhibition match at Qwest Field on Sunday May 7th at 6pm. Tickets are available exclusively to season ticket holders through March 24th by contacting the Sounders office at (206) 622-3415.

Tickets go on sale to the public starting March 27th; prices for the May 7th match are $12 general admission and $17 for reserved seats. Groups of 15 or more people receive discounted ticket prices. Fans can purchase tickets by contacting the Sounders at (206) 622-3415 or online at www.seattlesounders.net.

"Chivas USA looks forward to playing its first-ever game in Seattle, against a highly competitive club at a first-class venue,” said Whit Haskel, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Chivas USA.

“With the addition of two championship-winning Sounders players in Preston Burpo and Brent Whitfield to our roster for the 2006 season, this has all the makings of a great match. We encourage Chivas fans from across the Pacific Northwest to come out and support their team."

Burpo currently holds several all-time Sounders goalkeeper statistics including, games played (143), minutes played (12,846) and shutouts (38). The Maryland-native is one of a handful of USL goalkeepers to record more than 500 career saves (631) and has a career goals against average (GAA) of 1.19. Solid play in the net by Burpo helped the Sounders reach the league championship match in two consecutive seasons, and capture a championship in 2005.

Consistently one of the top goalkeepers in the league, Burpo was ranked in the top four of several categories in 2005 - first in saves (124), second in GAA (0.851), second in shutouts (12), third in regular season wins (11), and fourth in goals allowed (23).

A first-year Sounder in 2005, Whitfield was the club’s second leading scorer connecting on six goals and three assists in 25 games. Instrumental during the 2005 playoff run, Whitfield scored a goal in Montreal to break the series tie and allowed the Sounders to play for the club’s third league championship.

The Sounders vs. Chivas USA match on May 7th wraps up Cinco de Mayo weekend festivities sponsored by the Washington State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WSHCC). With a handful of World Cup players, Chivas USA’s 2006 roster features four Mexican National team members - Francisco Palencia, Claudio Suarez, Juan Pablo Garcia and legend Ramon Ramirez. Chivas USA midfielder Ezra Hendrickson is the captain of the St. Vincent & Grenadines National team.

The Sounders kick off their USL First Division regular season schedule on April 23rd in Minnesota against the Thunder, and play their first regular season home match on May 13th against the Thunder at Qwest Field at 7pm.

For more information and statistics for Burpo and Whitfield, or for the Sounders 2006 schedule visit www.seattlesounders.net or call (206) 622-3415.

SeattleSupporter · Mar 17, 2006

Sad to see them go, but happy that they "moved up".

Chivas USA is getting a couple quality players.

Preston is a "STONE" between the posts, and Brent has speed to burn.

sounderfan · Mar 17, 2006

And Whitfield is also developing a nice shot. Video:

http://www.uslsoccer.com/docs/broadcastcenter/video/07-23-05 min-sea.wmv

Match-winner last July for Seattle.

sounderfan · Mar 17, 2006

Chivas USA Press Release 3/17

sounderfan · Mar 17, 2006

Burpo and Whitfield sign with MLS Chivas USA

SankaCofie · Mar 17, 2006

was el guzano not cutting it? or are they looking for depth?

District3Mom · Mar 18, 2006

Depth, and a wealth of experience and ability.

USvsIRELAND · Mar 18, 2006

Hopefully this Whitfield guy is good.

District3Mom · Mar 18, 2006

He can play and has some speed, something that was missing last year.

USvsIRELAND · Mar 18, 2006

District3Mom said:

He can play and has some speed, something that was missing last year.

Majorly missing. Sounds like this season could be good!

District3Mom · Mar 18, 2006

Seen 3 preseason games, much better ball movement, ball sense, and some of the old guys are coming out with different attitudes. Could be exciting, not predicting, but playoffs are very possible.

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