Recent Results
U-18
Sounders FC 2 vs. De Anza Force 2 (January 31)
Sounders FC 3 vs. Santa Cruz Breakers 0 (February 1)
U-16
Sounders FC 1 vs. De Anza Force 1 (January 31)
Sounders FC 3 vs. Santa Cruz Breakers 1 (February 1)
U-14
Sounders FC 7 vs. Washington Soccer Academy 0 (January 31)
Sounders FC 4 vs. PAC NW U-15 0 (February 4)
Upcoming Matches
February 8
Sounders FC U-14 at Issaquah Soccer Club (11:00 a.m. PST, Central Park Issaquah Highlands Field 4)
February 14
Sounders FC U-14 at Northwest United (12:00 p.m. PST, Mount Vernon High School Stadium)
U-16 Generation Adidas- Carson, CA
February 13
Sounders FC U-16 vs. Chivas USA U-16 (4:00 p.m. PST, Stub Hub Center Track)
February 14
Sounders FC U-16 vs. Real Salt Lake U-16 (2:30 p.m. PST, Stub Hub Center Field 4)
February 15
Sounders FC U-16 vs. LA Galaxy U-16 (9:00 a.m. PST, Stub Hub Center Track)
The U-18 and U-16 Academy teams fought hard in last weekend’s matches, as both battled from behind to earn draws against a strong De Anza Force opponent, then came away with improved performances the following day against the Santa Cruz Breakers. The U-18s battled back from a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw, thanks to late goals from striker Sean Bowman in the 88th and 93rd minutes. The U-16s went down a goal in the 35th minute before going down a man in the 49th. They never relented, however, as the team’s strong defensive discipline and high pressure led to a terrific equalizing goal by Bekele Dowty.
Both groups rallied the following day by earning victories in high scoring affairs against the Santa Cruz Breakers. The U-18s earned their 13th win of the season in a decisive 3-0 result, thanks to goals from John Magnus, Khalil Ibrahim and Bowman. Bowman’s three goals over the weekend put him at 17 on the season, second in USSDA and just one shy of the top spot. The U-16s earned their eighth win of the season after defeating the Breakers 3-1 with goals coming from Joseph Hafferty, Sam Johnson, and Dowty.
The U-14s came away with a decisive 7-0 victory over Washington Soccer Academy. Forward Sam Catherall tallied four goals and Midfielder Peter Kingston contributed 3 assists. In a Far-West Region League match the U14’s put in a fine performance against PACNW U-15s. Khai Brisco led the defensive line very well and made several key passes to set up some excellent attacking sequences. Borislav Stoyanov scored 2 goals with neat finishes. Sam Catherall scored another and Ben Huhynh scored his first of the year with a measured chip in the 4-0 victory.
Next week the U-16s will head to Carson, California to participate in the Second Leg of the Generation Adidas Cup. The squad will need to earn points from each match to remain in top-flight contention for the National Finals in Dallas at the end of March. The U-14s will continue their Spring Season with two matches, visiting opponents Issaquah Soccer Club and Northwest United.
In the Standings
- U-18s are currently second in the Northwest Division with 41 points (13-4-2)
- U-16s are currently fourth in the Northwest Division with 28 points (8-7-4)
- U-14s are currently first in the U-15 Far West Regional League with 12 points (4-0-0)
Standout Performers
- U-18 Lorenzo Ramos’ disciplined play as a holding center midfielder in both matches allowed for a strong performance from the group. Khalil Ibrahim had an impact on both games with some tricky wide play.
- U-16 Henry Baldwin put in two solid performances over the weekend as he showed his versatility as both central defender vs. DeAnza and as a midfielder vs. Santa Cruz.
- Roger Pulido contributed to both the U-16 and U-14 squads over the week. His consistent play has been key to the recent defensive improvement of both squads.
Biggest Moment
The most exciting play of the weekend came from Sean Bowman’s 1st goal v DeAnza. The play began when Lorenzo Ramos battled for possession and found Bowman in front of the back four. Bowman’s quick turn set up a forceful run at the defense. Bowman’s powerful run took him into the box and his shot powered in off the underside of the crossbar.
Play/Highlight of the Week
The U-16s relied upon some crafty play to draw the equalizer against DeAnza Force. After a quick combination play down the flank, Tyler Black hit a diagonal ball that found Bekele Dowty slashing in behind the backline. Dowty notched the equalizer with a quality finish to the back post.
Tactical Focus
“The primary focus of training for this period has been progressing the attack from the back. It has been pleasing to see some end product from this with positive play that has resulted in goals scored and chances created.”
-Marc Nicholls, Sounders FC Academy Technical Director
One to Watch
Defender Henry Baldwin has made a significant impact with his return to the U-16 squad after injury, giving the group a defensive boost as they head into Generation Adidas Cup play.
Moving on Up
Roger Pulido and Cameron Martin will participate with the U-16s in the Second Leg of the Generation Adidas Cup in Carson, California from February 12-16.
Off the Field
The Sounders FC Development Program returns to training on Monday of next week, as over 40 young players will be participating in the program designed to develop the best talent in the area. The Sounders staff, who has observed players in their local club and EPD environment, partners with top local clubs and coaches in order to identify players for the program. The Sounders FC Development Program gives the coaching staff an opportunity to work with players in the ‘01, ‘02 and ‘03 age groups.
