After the first training session of 2017, Sounders FC head coach Brian Schmetzer told the media that increased integration of Sounders Academy, S2 and the first team is a priority for the club moving forward. Just a few weeks into preseason, that sentiment has become a reality as several Academy players have featured prominently as the team prepares to defend its MLS Cup title.
For the first week of preseason in Tukwila, Wash., four prospects from the Academy -- winger Shandon Hopeau (U-18), midfielder Sam Rogers (U-18), striker Azriel Gonzalez (U-16) and goalkeeper Sam Fowler (U-16) -- were invited to train with the squad. Considering the ultimate goal of the Academy is to develop players for the first team, the composed and mature performances from the youth team prospects are extremely encouraging.
“I think the [Academy] guys have been doing really well, we’re lucky to have the talent in the Academy to be able to bring guys up [to the first team and S2]”, said S2 head coach Ezra Hendrickson. “We don’t want bring guys up to make up numbers, we want to bring in guys that we’ve identified that have that special ability that one day could propel them to the first team.”
Both Hopeau and Rogers traveled with the squad to Tucson, Ariz., for the second phase of preseason, where they were accompanied by teammates Trey Muse and Jake Morris. The pair missed the first week of training as they were with the United States U-18 Youth National Team in Bradenton, Fla., and joined up with the first team upon completing their international commitments.
Despite having represented the Stars and Stripes at the U-20, U-19 and U-18 levels, Morris feels this experience is the most influential one of his budding career. “Going to Tucson was the biggest opportunity I’ve had in my life,” said Morris. “Being able to play with so many big names just makes me a better player, and I’ve really enjoyed having the chance to show myself at the next level.”
Several youth team prospects were rewarded for their impressive performances in training with appearances in friendlies against Portland Timbers and San Jose Earthquakes. Hopeau started the second half against Timbers and turned plenty of heads with his skill and willingness to take on defenders, while Morris came off the bench to replace the injured Harry Shipp. The trio of Hopeau, Morris and Rogers entered the fray in the 60th minute of the scrimmage against the Earthquakes.
“The boys have acquitted themselves nicely and have and represented the Academy very well,” said Academy Technical Director Marc Nicholls. “In the scrimmages, I was particularly impressed with their composed and mature performances, as Sam [Rogers] played intelligently and Shandon [Hopeau] had some good individual moments.”
The presence of youth-team prospects in preseason is indicative of the strides that Sounders Academy has made in developing quality players. The mere notion of three prospects making their first team debuts while still in the Academy would be unfounded even five years ago, and the promising performances displays from these young talents symbolize the youth system’s growing influence at the club.
