Sounders Academy midfielder Ethan Dobbelaere and Sounders FC Homegrown forward Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez have been called up to the United States U-17 men’s national team for the Four Nations Tournament in Assen, Netherlands, running from September 5-9.
Ocampo-Chavez enters the competition as the leading scorer for the team, bagging nine goals against the likes of Brazil, the Netherlands and England. Dobbelaere, who earned his first youth national team call-up to the U-17’s back in July, will hope to use the international event as a springboard for inclusion on the U-17 World Cup roster in October.
“Both have been involved pretty heavily with the Defiance in recent games and weeks,” said Tacoma Defiance Head Coach and Academy Director of Coaching Chris Little. “I think Alfonso’s performance levels have been very, very good. We though he looked really sharp against Phoenix Rising.
“Ethan has been training with us now pretty close to full time since he came back from the national team camp. He’s looked confident and sharp. We think he’s done well in our games.”
Ocampo-Chavez, 17, has played three matches for the First Team in MLS competition this season, including a start against the Columbus Crew on July 6. Further bolstering his professional resume, the young forward has two goals and an assist in the USL Championship this season.
A talented, creative midfielder for the Sounders youth teams, Dobbelaere’s stock has risen since a string of breakout performances at the Generation adidas Cup. After impressing against top international teams like River Plate (ARG) and Valencia (SPA), the Seattle United product has made three appearances in the USL Championship. He also scored a goal for the Stars & Stripes in a friendly against Orange County SC.
During the current cycle, seven players from the Sounders Academy – Ocampo-Chavez, Dobbelaere, Josh Atencio, Danny Robles, Ray Serrano, Alex Villanueva and Danny Leyva – have been called up to the U-17 national team.
“It speaks to how talented some of our players are,” said Little. “We think it’s a good age group. We’re continually excited by the growth and development they’ve shown in the USL this year.”
You can find more information on the U-17 mnt tournament here.
