A trio of Seattle Sounders were selected to the USL First Division Team of the week after last week’s victories over Atlanta and Charleston saw Seattle reclaim first place in the USL First Division.

Chris Eylander, Taylor Graham and Leighton O’Brien were the players honored.

Eylander posted two shutouts this week and is currently tied with Portland’s Josh Wicks for the league lead in shutouts and wins. He is the USL First Division saves leader and has not allowed a goal in the last three matches.

Graham received recognition in large part for his defensive work in front of Eylander. The Sounders have allowed only seven goals in 10 matches since Graham joined the squad on July 3rd. He’s also contributed on the offensive side of the ball with two league goals and one against Colorado in the US Open Cup quarterfinal.

O’Brien had his goal against Atlanta overruled and turned into an own goal by the league, but still tallied an assist in the match and has been a dominating force in the Sounders midfield. O’Brien’s work as the team’s field general has provided the platform from which the offensive duo of Roger Levesque and Sebatien Le Toux work.

Playoff Update

The Sounders have all ready clinched a playoff spot and need six points from their final three matches to win the USL First Division Regular Season Title and claim the number one seed in the playoffs.

Eight teams will qualify for the USL First Division playoffs this season and no team will be rewarded a first round bye. The top seed overall also means that the Sounders would have the right to choose their schedule for the home and away playoff series throughout the post season.

The first round of the playoffs will be held on the weekend of September 14th.

The Sounders are also preparing to play FC Dallas in the US Open Cup Semifinals on September 4th at Qwest Field. Reserved seating is selling quickly. Get your tickets today by calling 206.622.3415 or through SeattleSounders.net.