Mikkelsen just misses Sounders Super Search MLS roster spot

TUKWILA, Wash. - Former Sandpoint soccer standout Chase Mikkelsen made the final cut last weekend, but came up just short in the Sounders Super Search, as Vinicius Oliveria won the contest and a roster spot on the MLS expansion Seattle Sounders FC soccer team.

Mikkelsen was one of 10 finalists from more than 600 players who participated in open tryouts, and after a scrimmage on Sunday following the Super Bowl, made the cut to the final four players. Those four played in a 2 v. 2 match, before a selection committee made the final choice.

Mikkelsen has plans to pursue a professional career abroad, joining his brother Halvor Mikkelsen in Norway. Chase, a Gros Ventre Indian, was hoping to become the first Native American to play in the MLS.

Oliveria, a 20 year-old from Brazil, is off to Los Angeles to begin practice with the Sounders FC. He starred at Sammamish High School in Washington.