Back in October, the Sounders Academy staff opted to move numerous players from the U-14s up to the U-16s. Their performances within their own age group warranted a move up to an older age team in order to accelerate development.
The success of that group formed the foundation for an important philosophy that permeates the club: if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
That philosophy has been on full display in recent weeks. Impressive performances and noteworthy results have vindicated the Academy staff’s decision to immerse hyper-talented prospects in a more testing environment.
Recent Results
U-18
- Sounders FC 2 vs. Real So Cal 1 (5/6/17)
- Sounders FC 4 vs. Arsenal FC 0 (5/7/17)
U-16
- Sounders FC 2 vs. Real So Cal 1 (5/6/17)
- Sounders FC 3 vs. Arsenal FC 0 (5/7/17
U-15
- Sounders FC 2 vs. Eastside FC U-17 0 (5/7/17)
In the first match of the weekend, U-16 center back Sakari Carter found the equalizer for the U-18s against Real So Cal in the 35th minute from a powerful header off a corner kick. Striker Milo Barton came on at half time and scored the go-ahead goal in the 72nd minute courtesy of a moment of a world-class assist from winger Paul Rothrock. With dominant performances from two U-16 center backs, goal-scorer Carter and Khai Brisco, the Rave Green held onto their narrow advantage to secure all three points.
Later that day, the U-16s defeated the Southern California side by the exact same scoreline with a starting XI featuring five players brought up from younger teams. Alec Diaz, a star for the U-15s, collected a brace with a pair of excellent finishes. The first came from a quick 1-2 exchange with Cam Martin that put Diaz through on goal. Winger Camilo Santiago set up the match-winner with a clever cut-back pass from inside the box in the 65th minute.
The U-18s opted for another U-16 center-back pairing for the second match of the weekend against Arsenal. This time, Roger Pulido replaced Khai Brisco while Carter retained his place in the back line and found the back of the net for the second match running in the 7th minute. Paul Rothrock on assists from Barton, Neil Boyal and Azriel Gonzalez. U-15 midfielder Dylan Teves, who started both matches for the U-18s, rounded out the scoring in the 36th minute with a clever one-touch finish.
The U-16s swept aside the same opponent later that day 3-0 with four guys playing up in the starting lineup, including U-13 defensive midfielder Sota Kitahara. Keeton Heggerness opened the scoring in the first half with a composed finish from a lovely pass by Diaz. Martin doubled the lead in the 60th minute before two substitutes from the U-14s, Danny Robles and Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, linked up for the final tally just five minutes later. With the win, the U-16s moved into first place in the USSDA Northwest Division.
Upcoming Matches
May 13
- Sounders FC U-18 vs. Sacramento Republic U-18 (10 a.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
- Sounders FC U-16 vs. Sacramento Republic U-16 (12:30 p.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
May 14
- Sounders FC U-18 vs. Real Salt Lake AZ U-18 (9 a.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
- Sounders FC U-16 vs. Real Salt Lake AZ U-16 (11:30 a.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
Moving On Up
Below is the full list of guys who played up at the weekend, including position, minutes played and noteworthy statistics.
U-18
- Khai Brisco (U-16): 90 minutes at center back.
- Sakari Carter (U-16): 180 minutes at center back. Scored two goals. One shutout.
- Dylan Teves (U-15): 150 minutes at right wing. Scored one goal.
- Azriel Gonzalez (U-16): 65 minutes at striker. One assist.
- Roger Pulido (U-16): 90 minutes at center back. One shutout.
- Esai Easley (U-16): 35 minutes at left back.
U-16
- Alec Diaz (U-15): 114 minutes at striker. Two goals and one assist.
- Elias Katsaros (U-14): 160 minutes at center back. One shutout.
- Marlon Vargas (U-15): 77 minutes at left wing. One assist.
- Josh Atencio (U-14): 100 minutes at central midfield.
- Danny Robles (U-14): 87 minutes. One goal and one assist.
- Sota Kitahara (U-13): 80 minutes at defensive midfield. One shutout.
- Ray Serrano (U-14): 53 minutes at right wing.
- Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez: 27 minutes at striker. Two assists.
Standout Performers
Diaz and Carter both enjoyed breakout performances while playing up at the weekend. Diaz has been in scorching form of late with six goals and two assists in his last six appearances for the U-16s. Carter, making his sixth and seventh appearances for the U-18s, held his opponents to just a single goal and managed to find the back of the net twice at the other end.
Coach’s Take
“We were really pleased with the performances of our players this weekend. We’ve been able to offer significant matches and experiences to many young players. This isn’t a token gesture in the last five minutes of the game. We have U-13s playing whole matches with the U-16s. We had six U-16s playing with our U-18s. The vast majority of our U-16s are playing up. This is player development.” -- Academy Technical Director Marc Nicholls.
