Pumas perfect, ready to play host

YAKIMA — The Kitsap Pumas, playing their second regular-season match, beat the Yakima Reds 2-0 at Marquette Stadium May 9.

After a scoreless first half, Pumas defender Taylor Hyde opened the scoring in the 50th minute off an assist from Stephen Phillips.

The Pumas’ second goal, in the 74th minute, came off a Tony Kerr penalty kick after he was taken down in the box on a breakaway. It was Kerr’s second goal this season.

The Pumas (2-0-0) have yet to allow a goal, outscoring their opponents 7-0. Dustyn Brim has registered both wins in goal.

The win counted toward qualification for the U.S. Open Cup and kept the Pumas atop the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League (USL PDL) Western Conference’s Northwest Division.

“We’re over the moon,” assistant coach James Ritchie said. “This was a hard fought match. The boys came out with a deserved win ...”

The Pumas play their first game at Bremerton Memorial Stadium at 7:30 p.m. today against the Tacoma Tide.

The Pumas and Tide will play for the Narrows Bridge Bell. The clubs are scheduled to square off twice this season with the winner taking the bell.

The Tide finished 11-4-1 last year, good for first in the Northwest Division.

To purchase tickets, visit www.kitsapsoccerclub.com, www.brownpapertickets.com or call Kitsap Soccer Club at (360) 377-6008. Tickets also can be purchased at the gate.

As part of its stadium agreement with the Bremerton School District (BSD) to play its home games at Memorial Stadium, the club installed a video scoreboard that will be used for a live game for the first time today.

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