SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC 2 today announced that it is has signed midfielder Azriel Gonzalez. Gonzalez, who turned 16 in May, becomes the youngest player in club history to sign a professional contract. He joins teammates Sam Rogers, Shandon Hopeau and Lorenzo Ramos as current S2 players who have made the jump from Sounders FC Academy this season.
“Azriel is a very talented young player and we’re excited to have him in our organization,” said Sounders FC Director of Player Personnel Kurt Schmid. “Since joining the Academy, Azriel has embodied the type of players we aim to develop in our system. We are very excited in his long-term potential.”
Originally from Las Vegas, Gonzalez joined Seattle’s Academy when he was 13. After starring for Sounders FC’s U-16 and U-18 squads while playing above his age group, Gonzalez earned his crack at the professional ranks. In January, Gonzalez was invited to Sounders FC preseason, where the 5’9”, 145-pound teen participated with First Team players throughout camp. Since making his USL debut in April, Gonzalez has five appearances and recorded his first career assist in June.
“We have been very impressed with the way Azriel has taken advantage of every opportunity given to him,” S2 Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson said. “He is a gifted and motivated player with great instincts and technical abilities.”
Gonzalez has also represented the United States at the junior level. Last fall, he played for the Stars and Stripes’ U-16 squad during a tournament in France. He also participated in the International Dream Cup, a tournament that took place in Japan last month.
S2, currently in seventh place in the Western Conference with a record of 7-9-2, hosts Swope Park Rangers on Thursday, July 20 (7:30 p.m. PT / Live-streamed on Sounders FC.com).
TRANSACTION: Midfielder Azriel Gonzalez signed to S2’s roster on July 17, 2017
Name: Azriel Gonzalez
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-9
Weight: 145
Born: May 24, 2001
Citizenship: United States
Pronunciation: AZ-ree-el
Acquired: Signed to S2’s roster on July 17, 2017
S2’s current roster is listed below by positional breakdown.
CURRENT SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 2 ROSTER
Defenders (5): Rodrigue Ele, Riley Grant, Brian Nana-Sinkam, Sam Rogers, Denso Ulysse
Midfielders (5): Azriel Gonzalez, Francisco Narbon, Lorenzo Ramos, Charles Renken, Ray Saari
Forwards (5): Felix Chenkam, Shandon Hopeau, David Olsen, Irvin Parra, Javorn Stevens
