The Sounders’ U-16 and U-18 Academy squads will play their first home matches of 2017 this weekend against their Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers Academy. Supporters are encouraged to attend. Included below is all the information you need to know to cheer on the young Sounders, as well as few storylines to keep an eye on.
WHEN AND WHERE
Both matches will take place at Starfire Sports located in Tukwila, Wash., on Saturday, Jan. 21. The U-18s kick off on Field 11 at 1 p.m. PT, while the U-16s will play on the same field at 3:30 p.m. PT.
FOR CLUB AND COUNTRY
Several players on the U-18 and U-16 teams have earned call-ups to various United States Youth National Teams for their impressive performances during the 2016-17 USSDA season.
Sounders U-18: Trey Muse (GK), Milo Barton (FW), Habib Barry (CM), Jake Morris (LB), Sterling Russell (RB)
Sounders U-16: Danny Robles (CAM), Alfonso Ocampo Chavez (FW), Josh Atencio (CM/CDM), Azriel Gonzalez (FW/LW). Ben Huyhn (RB)
TURNING TO YOUTH
With the youngest team in the nation in their age group, the Sounders U-16s enter the match against Portland flying high, having recently collected wins against two of the top 10 ranked teams on the road in California. Striker Azriel Gonzalez and midfielder Cam Martin got on the score sheet in a 2-1 win over the ninth-ranked LA Galaxy, with both goals assisted by attacking midfielder Dylan Teves. Captain Khai Brisco led a resilient back line against the Galaxy, and put in another imperious display the next day in a 3-1 win over No. 3 FC Golden State.
S2 PREVIEW
Can’t wait for the S2 season to kick off? Well, Sounders Academy matches can offer a sneak preview of some of the prospects who might make their name in USL this season.
The 2016 USL campaign saw a total of 11 Sounders Academy players make appearances for S2, including the team’s most recent signing, former Sounders U-18 captainn Lorenzo Ramos. With only three players currently on the second team roster, a number of Sounders Academy players could garner significant time with S2. Of the players who will feature against the Portland Timbers, the following have already made their USL debut: Kei Tomozawa, Shandon Hopeau, Jamie Dimitroff, Milo Barton and Jake Morris.
