All three Seattle Sounders Academy squads were at home last weekend, hosting FC Golden State and fellow MLS side LA Galaxy in a series of USSDA league matches. Although the results didn’t match the performances, the young Sounders still managed a 2-2-2 record. The U-17s had already locked up first place in the USSDA Western Conference, while the U-19s’ massive 3-1 win over FC Golden State saw them remain firmly in the playoff places.
Recent Results
U-19
- Sounders FC 0 vs. LA Galaxy 1 | May 19
- Sounders FC 3 vs. FC Golden State 1 | May 20
U-17
- Sounders FC 1 vs. LA Galaxy 2 | May 19
- Sounders FC 1 vs. FC Golden State 0 | May 20
U-15
- Sounders FC 1 vs. LA Galaxy 1 | May 19
- Sounders FC 1 vs. FC Golden State 1 | May 20
The U-15s kicked off the weekend with an impressive 1-1 draw against the Galaxy, who are the top academy side in the country. Up against a forward line that has scored more goals than any team in the USSDA, the Seattle back line held together and severely restricted chances for the visitors. Right back Angel Martinez, 13, was imperious on the day despite playing two years up. Captain Edgar Serrano, who joined this season from Club Partner Northwest United, bossed the midfield all afternoon, setting the tempo of the match with his elite vision and excellent passing range. A rising star for both Seattle and U.S. youth national teams, Danny Leyva rounded out a complete, two-way performance with fantastic goal.
After a disappointing loss to the Galaxy, the U-17s rebounded by beating FC Golden State 1-0 on Sunday. S2 attacker Ray Serrano scored the lone goal for the Sounders, which was his 17th from just 17 starts in the league. Goalkeeper Bobby Harraka, who has developed into well-rounded ‘keeper throughout the season, secured the three points with a shutout.
Entering halftime down 1-0 on Sunday, the U-19s roared back after the break and went on to win 3-1 behind a hat trick from U-17 striker Alec Diaz. Center back Elias Katsaros, who turned 16 two months ago, made his 13th start of the campaign for the U-19s.
Upcoming Fixtures
May 26
- Sounders FC U-15 vs. Crossfire Premier U-15 | 9:30 a.m. PT, Starfire Sports Field 11
- Sounders FC U-17 vs. Crossfire Premier U-17 | 11:30 a.m. PT, Starfire Sports Field 11
- Sounders FC U-19 vs. Crossfire Premier U-19 | 2:00 p.m. PT, Starfire Sports Field 11
Hat-trick Hero
In just his third appearance for the U-19s, striker Alec Diaz, 16, fired the Rave Green to a win with a second-half hat trick against FC Golden State. Across all competitions in the 2017-18 season, the Pac NW alum, who has spent three years in the Sounders youth system, has tallied 25 goals from just 1,638 minutes of action.
Pro Debut for Saku
With the absence of starting center backs Sam Rogers, who was with the U.S. U-20s, and Rodrigue Ele, Sounders U-19 standout Sakari Carter was drafted into S2’s Starting XI for a road match against Reno 1868 FC. Tasked with marking a pair of professional strikers, Saku kept the Reno forwards in his back pocket all afternoon, winning numerous aerial duels and producing several crunching tackles.
Manchester City Cup
The 2004 Sounders Discovery Program team is in San Diego, Calif., this weekend for the Manchester City Cup. Back in 2017, the Sounders U-15s, led by Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, Josh Atencio and Serrano, finished in third place, beating the likes of Man City and Tottenham Hotspur.
