All three Seattle Sounders Academy squads were in action over the weekend as they faced off against in-state rival, Crossfire Premier. It was an incredibly successful weekend for the Rave Green at Starfire Sports, with the hosts compiling a 2-0-1 record against a very direct opponent.
Recent Results
U-19
- Sounders FC 2 vs. Crossfire Premier 2 | May 26
U-17
- Sounders FC 2 vs. Crossfire Premier 1 | May 26
U-15
- Sounders FC 3 vs. Crossfire Premier 2 | May 26
The U-15s kicked off the weekend in resounding fashion, toppling Crossfire despite missing five key players, who were with the 2004s at the Manchester City Cup. Captain Edgar Serrano opened the scoring just two minutes into the match as he smashed a half-volley into the top-left corner from 25 yards out. The young Sounders doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute when Nico McMillan whipped in a free kick from the right-hand side, which Danny Leyva headed past the goalkeeper from a tight angle. Leyva then secured the three points with the game-winning goal in the 59th minute.
In the second match of the day, the U-17s raced out to an early lead courtesy of a ruthless counterattacking sequence. Striker Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez received a pass near midfield and subsequently played a through-ball into the path of S2 teammate Marlon Vargas. Driving in on goal, Vargas Cruyff-turned his defender and squared pass for Ocampo-Chavez, who slotted home from close range. The California native then turned provider for the decisive second goal, racing onto the end of Ethan Dobbelaere’s through-ball and pulling the ball back for Danny Robles to smash home.
Finally, the U-19s managed a 2-2 draw in an end-to-end affair. Striker Azriel Gonzalez got the Sounders on the board with a composed finish at the back post. The S2 prospect then turned provider for Dylan Teves, who guided a long-range effort into the bottom corner beyond the outstretched goalkeeper.
Upcoming Fixtures
June 2
- Sounders FC U-15 at Sacramento Republic U-15 | 9:30 a.m. PT, Elk Grove HS Stadium
- Sounders FC U-17 at Sacramento Republic U-17 | 11:30 a.m. PT, Elk Grove HS Stadium
- Sounders FC U-19 at Sacramento Republic U-19 | 2:00 p.m. PT, Elk Grove HS Stadium
June 3
- Sounders FC U-15 at Ballistic United SC | 11:00 a.m. PT, Patelco Sports Complex
Professional Pathway
When the U-17s took the pitch against Crossfire this weekend, they had three full-fledged professionals — Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, Marlon Vargas and Ray Serrano — in the Starting XI. With S2 enjoying a weekend off, the young Sounders were eligible to suit up for the Academy, and they stepped up with a dynamic attacking display.
Goal of the Weekend
Edger Serrano’s thunderous half-volley, assisted by Josh O’Brien, takes home the honors this week.
Coach’s Take
“We were quite pleased with the performances of the teams last weekend. I think we were the better team in the first two games and deserved to win. The U-19 match could’ve gone either way, so a draw was probably a fair result. The matches against Crossfire are always difficult because of their very direct style of play, so they pose us different problems.” — Director of Player Development Marc Nicholls
