Storm's Home Edge Rips Real Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Coach Valery Volostnykh knew what his club was up against in its Western Soccer League game against the Seattle Storm.

``It would be a dream to beat Seattle on their home field,'' said Volostnykh, during the week leading up to match.

Seattle (9-4) kept it that way at Memorial Stadium last night, sending the Californians home dreaming. The Storm scored a 3-0 victory before an estimated crowd of 3,700.

``We owed it to them,'' said Storm Coach Stuart Lee, whose club lost to Santa Barbara 2-0 earlier this season. ``Our guys were ready for the payback.''

The victory, Seattle's sixth consecutive, lifted the club back into first place past Colorado. It also kept the club undefeated in its past 11 league games.

``It's so much fun to play at home,'' said Peter Fewing, who assisted the Storm's second goal.

Halfway through the first half, the offense that had powered the Storm to 23 goals in the past five games had displayed its dominance.

Not only had it opened up a two-goal lead in a two-minute span, but its pressure put Santa Barbara's attack in reverse.

In the first half, Seattle outshot Santa Barbara (7-5) 10-2. If not for two outstanding defensive plays, the halftime score could have been 4-0.

``Before the game, we said were going to win every ball on defense first,'' said Jim Weber, who scored the second goal. ``From there, we just move forward.''

Seattle moved far enough forward to win the battle in scoring its first goal.

It came off the head of the smallest player on the field, Eddie Henderson.

Henderson rebounded Weber's shot, which headed off the goal line.

Weber got even two minutes later, grounding a cross from Peter Fewing into the left corner for a 2-0 lead.

The two goals were more than Seattle needed to ensure a victory.

Santa Barbara had seven shots, compared with 18 for Seattle. That defense exacted a small but rewarding price.

``I'm sore,'' said Fewing. ``And I know everybody else is sore, too.''

Seattle seeks to prove it's potent home play can travel.

Next Saturday the Storm meets the California Emperors, owners of the league's worst record at 3-10.

Next Sunday, the Storm will face the San Diego Nomads, last year's league champion. Seattle's record away from home is 1-4 this season.

Scoring: 1. Seattle - Henderson (unassisted) 21:26. 2. Seattle - Weber (Fewing) 23:30. 3. Seattle - Benedetti (O'Brien) 88:35. Shots: Seattle 18. Santa Barbara 7. Saves: Bell (Seattle) 3. Lehnert (SB) 6. Fouls: Seattle 9. Santa Barbara 7. Corner Kicks: Seattle 9. SB 3.