The Seattle Sounders will be welcoming soccer history and tradition when the team hosts Preston North End FC of England in an exhibition match this Monday, July 23 at 7pm at Qwest Field.

Seattle comes into the match riding the high of a 3-1 upset victory over Chivas USA of MLS to advance to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2003 and a thrilling 3-2 victory in Rochester against the Raging Rhinos.

Defense has been a key part of the Sounders success this season. Goalkeeper Chris Eylander and the rock solid Sounders defense have recorded seven shutouts on the year and have been key in the squad;’ eight victories by a single goal.

French sensation Sebastien Le Toux has ignited the Sounders offense with 11 goals for the Sounders in all competitions.. In addition, strike partner Roger Levesque returned to the starting lineup with a goal and two assists against Chivas USA and a goal against Rochester, providing Coach Schmetzer with another dangerous option in attack.

Preston North End FC is currently in England’s second division and finished one place out of a playoff berth and potential promotion to the Barclays English Premier League last season.

The ‘Lilywhites,’ as the club is known, was one of the founding members of the English Football League in 1888 and has had its fair share of fame over its long and illustrious history. The club grabbed both the first League title and the FA Cup title in the 1888-89 inaugural season. English soccer legend Bobby Charlton’s two year stint as manager in the 1970s and David Beckham’s brief appearance with the club in 1994-95 adds to the club’s mystique.

Midfielder Paul McKenna and defender Graham Alexander lead the club on the pitch. McKenna, who has over 350 appearances for the club, anchors the midfield and was voted the 2004-2005 League MVP. Scottish international Alexander is a deadly free kick taker and has scored over 100 goals in his professional career.

Preston North End will also be bringing 16-year-old English prodigy Dominic Collins on its preseason tour of North America that includes matches against Portland Timbers and Monterrey of Mexico.

The Sounders match against Preston North End FC marks the third consecutive year the Sounders have hosted an English club. In 2005, Seattle fell 1-0 to Premier League side Sunderland in front of 8,502 fans. The Sounders then drew 1-1 against Cardiff City from Wales of the English Championship last year.

The Sounders next travel to Vancouver on July 27 to face the Vancouver Whitecaps at 8pm in a nationally televised game on Fox Soccer Channel.