Upcoming Matches
January 17, 2015
Sounders FC U-18 at Chivas USA U-18 (10:00 a.m. PST, Bell Gardens-Field 5)
Sounders FC U-16 at Chivas USA U-16 (12:30 p.m. PST, Bell Gardens-Field 5)
January 18, 2015
Sounders FC U-18 at LA Galaxy U-18 (10:00 a.m. PST, Stub Hub Center-Field 5)
Sounders FC U-16 at LA Galaxy U-16 (12:30 p.m. PST, Stub Hub Center- Field 5)
Sounders FC Academy U-18s and U-16s return to action this weekend after a month-long break following the USSDA Winter Showcase. The squads will kick off the second half of the 2014-15 USSDA League season in southern California against Chivas USA and LA Galaxy.
The U-18s will look to narrow the four-point gap on Northwest Divisional leaders Vancouver Whitecaps FC, but face a strong LA Galaxy squad that captured the 2013-14 U-16 league championship. The U-16s hope to earn key points to remain in playoff contention, trailing the third-place San Jose Earthquakes by six points.
In the Standings
- U-18s are currently second the Northwest Division with 31 points (10-3-1)
- U-16s are currently fourth in the Northwest Division with 21 points (6-5-3)
One to Watch
U-18 leading scorer Sean Bowman will look to add to his 12 goals this season, as he approaches the league’s top-five goal scorers (currently tied for sixth).
Moving on Up
U-14 defender Roger Pulido and midfielder Cameron Martin will participate with U-16s this weekend. Pulido and Martin each received significant minutes in both U-16 victories at the USSDA Winter Showcase.
Coach’s Take
“It’s a great way to start the year. Both LA Galaxy and Chivas have very good programs. There is always an extra edge to the games against fellow MLS clubs and the boys are looking forward to competing once more.”
-Marc Nicholls, Sounders FC Academy Technical Director
Looking Forward
All three Academy teams will be back in action next Saturday, January 24, hosting Whitecaps FC at Valley Ridge Park. The U-18s and U-14s will each kick off at 1:00 p.m. PST with the U-16s to follow at the conclusion of the U-18 match.
Off the Field
With new hire Junior Gonzalez on board as the new U-14 Head Coach, the Academy has organized a busy winter/spring season. The U-14s will travel to Iceland and France, the U-16s compete in the Generation Adidas Cup, and the U-18s look to continue their fine fall form in addition to being integrated into S2, Sounders FC’s new USL PRO side that begins play this March.
