Shadow Sees Tougher Test On Road Trip

After three consecutive conference contests that were virtually no contest for the Spokane Shadow, coach Sean Bushey thinks things will be different this weekend.

The second-year coach expects better competition as his team heads to Seattle.

First up tonight are the Seattle Hibernians, a first-year provisional team that plays on the grass turf at West Seattle Stadium. The Hibernians bring an 0-2 record into the game. In three previous games against start-up teams, Spokane (5-3 overall, 3-0 division) has outscored its opponents 17-1.

Saturday could be a different story.

The Shadow are expected to face their toughest conference competition to date when they meet the Seattle Bigfoot on artificial turf at Shoreline Community College.

The Bigfoot finished in fifth place last season with a 5-13 record, but are off to a 3-0 league record, 5-2 overall. In the U.S. Open Cup qualifying tournament, the Bigfoot beat the Shadow in a 2-1 shootout at home. Spokane leads the series 6-2.

The Shadow will play without leading point-getter Brian Ching.

Ching and teammates Craig Waibel and Andy Bruno are members of the U-23 state team that will compete at a regional tournament in Utah. The players will be looked at as possible selections for the national soccer program.

Ching, named to the Premier League team of the week for the second time this season, has 18 points overall and a division-leading 12. His five points also lead the NW Division.

Midfielder Mike Thompson, out with a separated shoulder suffered two weeks ago, is questionable, and reserve keeper Chad Beadell is sidelined after rolling an ankle in practice this week.

COMING UP Today: Spokane Shadow at Seattle Hibernians, 8 p.m. Saturday: Spokane Shadow at Seattle Bigfoot, 7 p.m. Radio: KKPL (630 AM)