As the Sounders prepare for their 10th consecutive appearance in the postseason, they enter the competition with arguably the deepest roster since the club’s MLS era began in 2009.
While a consistent lineup and return to health of key players have been integral to the Sounders compiling the best half season in league history, the team’s early struggles,and the resulting experience thrust upon youngsters on the roster, could be a boon entering the playoffs.
“Obviously our goal as a developmental program in the Academy and S2 is to prepare players for the First Team,” said Sounders FC Director of Player Development and Academy Director Marc Nicholls. “They have to earn that right, but sometimes they also have to be ready for any opportunity that might come their way. I think you’ve seen that with a couple of players.”
Through a combination of injuries, international call-ups and fixture congestion, the team’s young core — Alex Roldan, Jordan McCrary, Henry Wingo and Handwalla Bwana — found themselves consistently starting matches at the start of the season. The young First Team players likely would have spent the spring gaining match fitness and professional experience with the club’s USL outfit, S2. Instead, the quartet instead amassed a combined 23 MLS starts, with a further 28 appearances off the bench.
When the First Team embarked on its 12-match unbeaten streak, which was propelled by the return of the likes of Osvaldo Alonso, Nicolás Lodeiro and Víctor Rodríguez, the young players continued their development with S2, combining for 1,983 minutes in the USL.
With that MLS and USL experience under their belts, the youngest members of the First Team could be an X-factor for the Rave Green as they prepare for the Western Conference Semifinals.
“I think you find out about young players’ character and their ability to handle pressure,” said Nicholls. “Young players often surprise you when you give them a chance. In Handwalla’s case, he’s contributed with some very important goals in Toronto and in Orlando, both at critical times of the season. He’s not just a getting a few minutes here and there, he has the potential to change the game.”
Alex Roldan earned an assist in Seattle's 2-2 draw with Sporting KC on April 15 | Nick Smith
On Sunday, with a potential No. 2 seed on the line as the Sounders trailed the Earthquakes 1-0, Head Coach Brian Schmetzer made his first substitution in the 75th minute, bringing on Bwana for Kelvin Leerdam. The exciting Academy alum made an immediate impact as he drove at defenders, bringing more attacking verve to the game. Four minutes after entering the fray, the Sounders grabbed the equalizer from his side of the pitch.
“Well, I think you guys saw why I put him on the field,” Schmetzer said in his post-match press conference. “The game was OK. We were creating some chances. But he provided a very big spark off the bench.”
Ultimately, players need professional minutes to develop. Thrust into the limelight during the first half of the season, the experience gained by the youngest members of the Sounders roster has put them in a position to make positive contributions as the club chases a third consecutive trip to MLS Cup.
