The Sounders FC offseason is busier than ever as the team is tasked with fielding a whole new set of players for its new USL PRO team, S2. On top of selecting players in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft in January, Sounders FC is hosting its own open tryouts and player combine in Las Vegas this weekend in search of players to supplement its roster and build a successful team in S2.
Following the MLS Expansion Draft yesterday, Sounders FC Head Coach Sigi Schmid looked to the events in Vegas as an effective way to start building on last season’s team, which dominated the league with a record 20 wins, a Supporters’ Shield and the team’s fourth Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
“Usually out of our combine we find someone beneficial to our team,” said Schmid. “[Head Scout] Kurt [Schmid] has done a great job getting players to sign up and I think we’ll have a good group of players to look at this year.”
Sigi cited Andy Rose as a perfect example for finding quality talent through player combines. Rose scored five goals for the Sounders across all competitions in 2014, including a late winner against Real Salt Lake on September 12.
On Saturday, players will participate in open tryouts at University of Nevada, Las Vegas in front of S2 Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson and others from the Sounders FC technical staff. At least one player from the tryout will be guaranteed a trial opportunity with S2.
"We owe it to ourselves to be as thorough as possible in our scouting process and open our eyes to as many players as possible,” said Hendrickson. “I'm looking forward to evaluating the players that this tryout has to offer.”
The tryouts will act as a proving ground, with players from across the country competing for positions on the S2 roster going in to the team’s inaugural season. The roster will be made up of independent S2 signings, select First Team players looking for more game experience and promising Academy athletes.
“With this tryout our aim is to attract a wide range of players and fill the S2 roster with the best possible talent,” said S2 General Manager Andrew Opatkiewicz. “It’s a great way for us to expand our reach outside of the Northwest, as well as an incredible opportunity for new players to earn a spot within this organization.”
