The Seattle Sounders Academy split its two most recent matches against the rival Portland Timbers last weekend, with the U-18s falling while the U-16s earned a shutout victory.
Recent Results
U-18
- Sounders FC 1 vs. Portland Timbers 2 | January 21, 2017
U-16
- Sounders FC 1 vs. Portland Timbers 0 | January 21, 2017
SDP U-12 (Phase 3)
- Sounders FC 3 vs. Pateadores 0 | January 22, 2017
It was a tale of two matches for the Sounders U-18s and U-16s at home last weekend against the Portland Timbers. Despite creating several goal-scoring opportunities early on, the U-18s fell behind against the run of play before leveling shortly after the break. They continued to push forward in search of a winner with Paul Rothrock and Stirling Russell carving out a host of chances down the right flank before a set-piece goal in the 90th minute gave Portland all three points.
While the U-18s lost the match in the closing seconds, the U-16s scored the would-be winner in the first minute. The team’s two USYNT strikers created the chance as Azriel Gonzalez (U-16) found Alfonso Ocampo Chavez (U-15) for a first-time finish in the box. The double-pivot of Woody Manum and Josh Atencio snuffed out any attacks, while their combined ability on the ball provided the foundation for Seattle’s dominance in possession. Although the match finished 1-0, the Rave Green could have easily scored a few more if not for some impressive saves and wayward finishing.
The third phase of the Sounders Discovery Program 2016-17 cycle began on the Jan. 16 and the new U-12 group played its first match against Pateadores over the weekend. SDP allows the most talented young club players in the region to train twice a week with the Academy staff in an effort to develop technical, intelligent soccer players. With the U-12 victory by employing expansive, attacking soccer, building possession from the back and unbalancing opponents, this new cycle is off to a flying start.
Upcoming Matches
All four Sounder Academy sides have the weekend off. The U-14s and U-15s will return to action the first weekend of February, while the U-16s and U-18s will recommence USSDA league play the following weekend.
Moving on Up
Four players from Sounders Academy U-16s and U-18s — Sam Rogers (CDM), Shandon Hopeau (LW), Azriel Gonzalez (LW/ST) and Sam Fowler (GK) — will train with the first team during MLS preseason.
Standout Performers
Holding midfielder Woody Manum put in yet another tireless display for the U-16s against Portland. His ability to win the ball back and keep things ticking in possession allows the team to play inventive soccer while remaining defensively sound.
