The Seattle Sounders FC U-17 squad takes on the New York Red Bulls in the Generation adidas Cup Premier Division final at 3:30 p.m. PT on Saturday. Topping Group A with Columbus Crew SC, New England Revolution and Japanese side Matsushida Yamaga, the young Sounders advanced to the championship match by defeating the Montreal Impact 2-1 in the semifinals.
After beating the Revolution and Matsushida Yamaga by a combined score of 9-2, the Sounders faced a stern test against Crew SC, advancing 3-2 on penalties. But the Academy staff believes that by playing consecutive high-pressure matches against the Crew and the Impact, the boys are well prepared for playing against the Red Bulls in a tournament final.
“When you’re playing in a knockout game, and the last two have been knockout games, it’s important to find a way to get through,” said Sounders FC Director of Player of Development and Academy Director Marc Nicholls. “Against Columbus, where we weren’t our best, we were able to find a way to win. It can almost be a catalyst for you to improve and progress, and I think you saw signs against Montreal that we were back to more of our brand of soccer.”
Danny Leyva dribbles through a pair of Silicon Valley SA players in a recent USSDA match at Starfire Sports Complex | Quinn Width Photography
That brand of soccer, which revolves around high-pressing opponents, quick combinations in the final third and building possession from the back, should be on full display against New York. And while the two sides play differing styles, the two organizations possess several similarities.
More specifically, both Seattle and New York place an emphasis on developing elite talent in their respective academies, progressing those players up to their USL sides, and eventually, moving the top players up to the First Team. Throughout that process, every player is indoctrinated in the club’s unique, progressive playing style.
“I have a lot of respect for Red Bull and Jesse Marsch, it’s no surprise to me that he’s taken the whole system to new heights,” said Nicholls. “As you can see it’s really taking shape.”
Many of the players in this current U-17 group are on that trajectory, using their stellar performances in the youth system to earn minutes with S2. Two of the top performers, forward Azriel Gonzalez and winger Ray Serrano, have already signed professional contracts with the USL side.
In addition to the full-time professionals, several members of the U-17s have elevated their standing within the club by turning in elite showings at GA Cup. Winger Marlon Vargas and attacking midfielder Danny Robles have been dynamic going forward, while center-backs Leo Burney and Blake Malone have put in some dominant defensive shifts. In the middle of the park, Josh Atencio and Peter Kingston have turned plenty of heads with their high energy, two-way displays in the double-pivot.
Up against some of the top youth sides in the world, the Academy staff is pleased with how the boys have fared so far at GA Cup. Though it’s no surprise, as the bulk of the Starting XI have played in finals of international tournaments, such as the Youdan Trophy, which bodes well for their long-term professional development.
“We’re always seeking these opportunities for competition,” said Nicholls. “When you think about MLS, it’s playoffs and the final that decide your fate. So it’s really important that academy players are in this environment where the winner takes all.
“Clearly right now we’re proving, as an Academy, that we have players on par with the best of the country.”
