Now that NCAA conference play is all wrapped up, a number of Sounders Academy alums have received all-conference honors for their impressive performances over the course of the campaign. Across seven conferences, over a dozen youth team products were recognized for their stellar play.
Let’s take a look at some of the local products who have turned heads at the collegiate level in 2017.
Pac-12
Handwalla Bwana (University of Washington)
On the back of a breakout rookie campaign, in which he won Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, the Huskies’ star produced yet another tremendous season for the Huskies. After spending most of his first season out of the wing, Bwana was moved inside this year, first as a box-to-box midfielder and later as second forward, dropping into midfield and torching teams in the open field. With six goals (second in the conference), eight assists (third in the conference) and inclusion on the All-Pac-12 First Team, Bwana is certainly an exciting prospect for the Rave Green.
Saif Kerawala (University of Washington)
In his first year as a starter, the goalkeeper from Issaquah showcased composure and aerial dominance beyond his years. With excellent feet, solid positioning and a safe pair of hands, the former Sounders Academy standout collected Pac-12 Second Team honors, as well as a Pac-12 Player of the Week for October 23-29. His seven shutouts in the Huskies’ goal helped him record the second-best goals-against average in the conference.
Jalen Markey (Oregon State University)
The O’Dea High School grad wrapped up an impressive career with the Beavers by making the All-Pac-12 Second Team. A rock at center back, Markey added an attacking wrinkle to his overall game year, tallying his first career collegiate goal while also contributing an assist. Across four seasons with OSU, the local product went the full-90 in 60 starts, totaling 5,901 minutes.
Mid-American Conference
Nick Hinds (Akron University)
After making the MAC Second Team in his freshman season, the U.S. Youth National Team star worked his way into the conference’s First Team as a sophomore. For Sounders Academy, Hinds drew national plaudits for his two-way performances as a left back. But for college soccer powerhouse Akron, the Roosevelt High School alum has converted to an attacking midfielder. With six goals and four assists from just 11 starts, the positional change has certainly paid dividends.
West Coast Conference
Paul Christensen (University of Portland)
The senior goalkeeper finished off a fantastic college career with yet another eye-popping season. After leading the conference in shutouts for the second year in a row -- he also led the conference in goals against average -- Christensen etched his name in the Pilots’ record books among some of the all-time great American goalkeepers. He finishes his career with 20 shutouts and 283, both of which are fifth all-time in program, behind the likes of former Sounder Kasey Keller and Luis Robles of the New York Red Bulls. A stalwart with Sounders Academy, the Pilots shot-stopper made the WCC First Team, as well as being named Goalkeeper of the Year.
Sean Bowman (University of San Francisco)
One of the few forwards on this list, Bowman made the All-WCC First Team on the back of a nine goal, two assist season. The Jackson High School grad burst on the scene as a freshman, recording four goals and an assist, but saw his production and playing time fall off as a sophomore. But he burst back on the scene in 2017, putting up nine goals, two assists and making the All-WCC First Team.
Ben Willis (Gonzaga) and Satoshi Chaffin (Santa Clara)
Standouts for their respective teams, Willis and Gonzaga received Honorable Mention status in 2017. A redshirt junior, Willis climbed up the all-time records list in goal for the Bulldogs this season. He made 62 saves, good for a save percentage of 72.1%, and recorded a goals-against average of 1.36. His 127 saves and career GAA of 1.37 are good for fifth all-time in program history. Chaffin, an athletic forward, torched opposing back lines with his blistering pace. He even spent some time as an outside back, which could prove valuable if he pursues a professional career.
Western Athletic Conference
Habib Barry (Seattle University)
A defensive midfielder for Sounders Academy, Barry was moved up top this year by Head Coach Pete Fewing. With three goals and three assists from just two starts, and 14 appearances overall, it certainly paid off. His ability to hold the ball up and find the feet of Alex Roldan was an important facet of the Redhawks’ attack this season, earning him a spot on the All-WAC Freshman team.
Ivory Randle IV (Seattle University)
A teammate of Hinds and Bwana while in the Sounders Academy, Randle had a fantastic rookie campaign for the Redhawks, including a spot on the WCC Freshman Team. Randle is a dynamic, technical and hard-working outside back, equally capable of playing on the left or the right side a back line. After starting out at Youth Club Partner, Eastside FC, he spent five years in the Rave Green youth system. His 14 starts this season should serve as launching pad for a stellar college career.
American Athletic Conference
Jacob Hauser-Ramsey (University of Connecticut)
After leading the Huskies to a record eight shutouts, Hauser-Ramsey was named to the All-AAC First Team. An incredibly versatile defender, he spent plenty of time in both a back-three and back-four in 2017. His unique blend of size, speed, soccer IQ and technical ability proved pivotal this season, often initiating attacks by stepping into midfield, evading challenges and playing line-breaking passes.
Big Ten
Trey Muse (Indiana University)
What a historic season it has been for the 2016-17 USSDA Western Conference Player of the Year. The young goalkeeper, who spent three years in the Sounders’ youth system, joined up with the Hoosiers for preseason late after linking up with the U.S. U-18 National Team in August. But it didn’t stop him from winning the starting spot outright, and he went on to lead the nation in goals-against average (0.19), save percentage (92.1%) and shutouts (16). Goalkeepers tend to develop later than field players, but if Muse continues his meteoric rise with the Hoosiers, the sky is the limit.
Colonial Athletic Association
Neil Boyal (Drexel University)
Boyal was a fantastic talent for the Drexel Dragons in 2017. As the team’s lone defensive midfielder, he turned plenty of heads with his intelligent positioning, dynamism and explosive two-way play. He logged 1,183 minutes, featuring in 16 of 17 matches, and earned 15 starts in the midfield engine room. Boyal’s ability to ghost past challenges, combined with his technical acuity and range of passing, set the tempo for Drexel’s attack all season, earning him a spot on the CAA All-Rookie Team.
