With preseason all wrapped up, Seattle Sounders FC Academy kicked off the 2016-17 season in strong fashion last week, going 3-2-1 across all competitions.
Recent Results
U-18
Sounders FC 3 at Crossfire Premier 1 (9/10/16)
U-16
Sounders FC 0 at Crossfire 1 (9/10/16)
U-15
Sounders FC 2 vs. Washington Premier FC U-16 2 (9/11/16)
U-14
Sounders FC 6 vs. Alaska ODP U-15 1 (9/10/16)
Sounders FC 2 vs. Seattle United U-15 4 (9/11/16)
While the U-16 Academy squad suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Crossfire on a goal in the 29th minute, a couple of players put in strong displays to open the season. In an effort to claw back into the game, midfielder Dylan Teves dropped into a deeper role, linking play going forward and breaking up passing movements on the defensive side.
U-14 standout and Youdan Trophy Player of the Tournament winner Danny Robles came off the bench for the 16’s and provided a spark with his ability to take on defenders and link play going forward.
The U-18’s also fell behind to a goal within the first half hour of the game, but managed to score three unanswered goals en route to a season-opening victory.
Shandon Hopeau leveled the score in the 34th minute with a fantastic individual effort. The tricky left winger received the ball on the left end line, blew by a pair of defenders, and unleashed a thunderous shot from outside the box that nicked the underside of the crossbar before settling in the back of the net.
The Rave Green then took the lead in the 54th minute. Left back Jake Morris whipped in a dangerous free-kick that found the run of Alex Mejia, who redirected the ball beyond the opposition goalkeeper. The 18s wrapped up the scoring courtesy of another set piece goal in 80th minute. Holding midfielder Alec Zimmerman chipped the ball into the box where Hopeau provided a moment of magic to strike a spinning, measured volley with the back of his right heel to complete his brace.
Meanwhile, the U-14’s defeated the year-older Alaskan ODP squad in convincing fashion behind a talismanic performance from Ray Serrano. The diminutive attacking midfielder turned the tie on its head with a brace, as well as two assists, that saw the young Sounders run out 6-1 winners.
Upcoming Matches
Sept. 17
- Sounders FC U-14 at Greater Seattle Surf U-15 (4:25 p.m. PT, Meadowdale High School)
- Sounders FC U-15 at Greater Seattle Surf U-16 (6:20 p.m. PT, Meadowdale High School)
Sept. 24
- Sounders FC U-18 vs. Strikers FC U-18 (10:00 a.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
- Sounders FC U-16 vs. Strikers FC U-16 (12:30 p.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
- Sounders FC U-15 vs. PacNW U-16 (Time and Location TBD)
- Sounders FC U-14 vs. PacNW U-15 (Time and Location TBD)
Sept. 25
- Sounders FC U-18 vs. Pateadores U-18 (10:00 a.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
- Sounders FC U-16 vs. Pateadores U-16 (12:30 a.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
Coach’s Take
“It’s a very long season. There were lots of things that we took away from the weekend that will be useful for us as we move into the next phase of the season. We got the first game out of the way and did well, but the most important thing is to improve over the coming months.” – U-18 head coach Wade Webber.
Standout Performers
Shandon Hobeau stole the show against Crossfire with two superb goals to beat Crossfire on their own turf. A trio of players from the U-15’s – Woody Banum, Brady Minor and Ethan O’Brien – performed admirably in the draw with WPFC.
Looking Forward
The U-14 and U-15 squads will continue Far West Regional Play with a couple of games against older opposition in Greater Seattle Surf. The older Academy teams, however, will have two weeks to prepare for doubleheaders against California academy sides Pateadores and Strikers FC.
