Sounders Academy U-16's advance to semifinals in ALKASS International Cup in Doha, Qatar 

The Sounders Academy U-16’s were invited to the prestigious 10th edition of ALKASS International Cup, taking place on the Aspire Academy pitches in Doha. With the opportunity for these young Sounders to face clubs such as PSG, Real Madrid, and Kashiwa Reysol, Development Director Wade Webber knew they had to accept the challenge.

“The Academy hasn’t had any international exposure in a few years due to COVID and changing age groups around in MLS Next,” remarked Webber. “This is not only an honor on the pitch to face these teams, but it’s a cultural opportunity most of our athletes might not get in their lifetime.”

The squad departed SeaTac for a direct flight into Doha. Once they made it to the Torch Hotel, almost a full day later, they quickly got settled and met with a team liaison who would help them as needed throughout the trip. After 14 hours of travel with an 11-hour time change, the first challenge was jet lag. The next was team training and match preparations for the group stage.

“[In terms of expectations] taking every game as it comes, but we’re more looking forward to giving the players the experience of playing against different playing styles, different cultures, and I think it’s a life changing event for the group,” said head coach Ethan O’Neill. “We’re hoping we can be very competitive.”

The U-16’s lost 2-0 in their first group stage match against Scottish powerhouse Rangers FC. Two goals conceded in the final 15 minutes sort of put an exclamation point on a frustrating second half for the squad. The first half was quite a different story, including an unfortunate VAR offside call on Callum Lyons. The young Sounders started with aggression and confidence, and it was good to see them perform with the level of belief they need to be successful at high levels.

A 3-0 win over Mohammed VA FA put confidence back in the Sounders and helped elevate them in the group standings. Mohammed VI Academy were, despite the scoreline, very comfortable in possession and threatened down both flanks, while VAR saved the Sounders side from an alleged handball call. Seattle struggled to establish possession in meaningful areas for long periods of time, but two transition goals in the first half from recently Tacoma Defiance signing Omar Hassan gave the Rave Green a lead to protect. Committed defending across the field, but especially in the box, was enough to see the game over the line. Following his explosive attacking performance, Hassan received the Player of the Match award.

The squad needed to beat the hosts, Aspire Academy, if they wanted to advance to the semifinal round. Hassan drew a penalty and then converted on the second attempt following VAR review to give the Sounders the lead. As the game wore on and legs tired, Seattle sank deeper and deeper and invited pressure. The young Sounders managed to bend but not break, holding on for the victory and securing passage to the knockout rounds. Defender Duncan Green was named Player of the Match by media covering the event.

With two wins and one loss, the young Sounders advanced as the top finishers in their group and will face Spanish giants Real Madrid CF at 4:30 a.m. PT on Thursday, February 20. You can livestream the match HERE.

*Denotes Defiance signed pro

^Denotes guest player for this tournament

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