The Seattle Sounders Academy U-16s and U-18s have qualified for the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Finals Week in July after finishing atop their respective groups in the first round of the Academy Playoffs.
After winning the first two matches of the group stage, the U-16s entered the final day needing only a draw against a talented New York Red Bulls side. Through collective defending and excellent organization, the young Sounders battled Red Bulls to a 1-1 scoreline to advance. Striker Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez opened the scoring in the fourth minute by finishing an excellent team goal, one which included an 11-pass buildup and culminated in an inch-perfect cross from Ben Huynh. The Red Bulls equalized in the 34th minute from the penalty spot, but the young Sounders held the result through grit and team defending.
“The U-16s’ match was a tight and tense affair,” said Academy Director Marc Nicholls, “but for such a young team they managed the game with great maturity.”
While the U-16s entered the final matchday in control of their destiny, the U-18s faced Beachside Soccer Club with all four teams in Group H level on points (three) and goal difference (zero). The young Sounders put BSC to the sword through a combination of free-flowing attacking moves and resolute defending to come away 3-0 winners.
Winger Shandon Hopeau, who led the team in goals for the 2016-17 USSDA season, opened the scoring in the 13th minute when he headed home Stirling Russell’s cross at the back post. Seattle doubled its advantage eight minutes later when BSC failed to clear a Paul Rothrock set piece. After pinging around the box, the ball fell to center back Jackson Ragan, who rifled a first-time shot into the top corner at the near post.
Hopeau put the game to bed in the 80th minute with a moment of magic. Striker Greg Sutton did well to settle a long punt from goalkeeper Trey Muse before finding the Hawaiian in space down the left channel. Hopeau cut inside, dribbled past his defender, shifted the ball to his right foot and unleashed a powerful shot to the near post that flew past the outstretched goalkeeper.
“The U-18s put in a very accomplished performance,” said Nicholls. “They played some great soccer and scored some wonderful goals.”
In the other match in Group C, the Red Bulls defeated reigning champions FC Dallas 3-2, but the Sounders won the group via head-to-head and goal difference tiebreakers.
With the group stage wrapped up, the USSDA announced the matchups for the national quarterfinals on Tuesday. The U-16s will travel to Vancouver, B.C., to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 6, while the U-18s will host Crossfire Premier the next day. Time and location for both matches are still TBA.
You can watch the full match for the U-16s here, and the U-18s here.
