Recent Results
U-18
- Sounders FC 1 at LA Galaxy 5 | January 14, 2017
- Sounders FC 0 at FC Golden State 1 | January 15, 2017
U-16
- Sounders FC 2 at LA Galaxy 1 | January 14, 2017
- Sounders FC 3 at FC Golden State 1 | January 15, 2017
U-14
- Sounders FC 5 vs. River Plate SC U-15 0 | January 13, 2017
- Sounders FC 2 vs. Westside Timbers U-15 1 | January 14, 2017
Three of the four Sounders FC Academy squads returned to league play after several weeks off for winter break.
The U-18s suffered a pair of losses in Southern California against some tough opposition. Despite the dropped points, the oldest members of the youth system still sit in 2nd place in the USSDA Northwestern Division.
Meanwhile, the U-16s enjoyed an excellent return to USSDA league play with a pair of victories over two sides that are ranked top 10 nationally: LA Galaxy (#9) and FC Golden State (#3).
Striker Azriel Gonzalez and midfielder Cam Martin handed Seattle a 2-0 lead over their MLS counterparts, while center back Khai Brisco kept the opposition attackers in his back pocket with an imperious defensive display. In the next match against FC Golden State, the Rave Green lined up in an unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation. The boys responded well to the tactical adjustment with some resilient defending and managed to look dangerous whenever they broke forward.
The Sounders U-14s completed a weekend double with wins over a pair of older teams from Oregon in Far West Regional League play. The young Sounders won the first match 5-0 with midfielder Ethan Dobbelaere pulling the strings in front of the back four. Just 24 hours later, the group collected a 2-1 victory over Westside Timbers behind a goal and an assist from Alec Diaz.
Upcoming Matches
January 21
- Sounders FC U-18 vs. Portland Timbers U-18 (1:00 p.m. PT, Starfire Sports - Field 11)
- Sounders FC U-16 vs. Portland Timbers U-16 (3:30 p.m. PT, Starfire Sports - Field 11)
Moving on Up
Goalkeeper Holden Crook and USYNT midfielder Sota Kitahara were both pulled up from the SDP squad to the U-14s and helped keep a clean sheet against River Plate. Forward Marlon Vargas was brought up from the U-15 squad and managed to score the match-winner for the U-16s against FC Golden State.
Standout Performers
Attacking midfielder Ray Serrano scored four goals over the weekend, with a hat trick against River Plate as well as the game-winning goal versus Westside Timbers. Center back and captain Khai Brisco commanded the back line with aplomb in both victories for the U-16s.
Looking Forward
Both the Sounders U-16s and U-18s will square off against Cascadia rivals, Portland Timbers, at Starfire Sports this upcoming Saturday. Supporters are encouraged to attend the matches, and further information can be found here.
