Pacific Northwest Connections

Plenty on this Gold Cup roster, starting with both current and former Sounders. Brad Evans patrols the middle for the newest MLS franchise, while Gold Cup winner Brian Ching spent the summer of 2002 with the A-League version of the local club. The Hawaiin native also matriculated at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., and discusses a very personal Seattle connection in tomorrow's edition of Studio 90.

There's also a trio of alumni from the University of Portland, starting with defender Steve Cherundolo, who is back in the U.S. squad for the first time since a hip injury sidelined him in October of 2008. Heath Pearce and Luis Robles crossed paths while playing for the Pilots. Coincidentally, all three ply their professional trade in Germany. And then there's 'Super' Dave Andrews, a longtime U.S. trainer who hails from Gig Harbor.

What does all this add up to? A boatload of ticket requests...