SEATTLE, WASH. – Sounders FC today announced that it has signed forward Seyi Adekoya and midfielder Henry Wingo as Homegrown Players. Adekoya comes to Seattle following a standout career at UCLA, where he was a three-time All-Pac-12 selection, while Wingo joins the First Team after back-to-back All-Conference honors at the University of Washington. The pair of Sounders FC Academy products are set to join the First Team ahead of the 2017 Sounders FC preseason presented by adidas.
“We’re pleased to add two promising young players to our roster as we head into the opening of preseason training camp,” said Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “It’s vital that we continue to build from the Academy and we look forward to seeing what Seyi and Henry can bring to the table.”
Adekoya, 21, recorded 20 goals and eight assists in three seasons for the Bruins, including 12 tallies as a sophomore in 2015. The Seattle native was a three-time All-Pac-12 selection, including First Team honors in 2015, in addition to freshman All-American recognition in 2014. The Lakeside High School graduate previously played for Sounders FC Academy U-18 squad in the 2013-2014 campaign.
Wingo, also 21-years-old, spent three seasons at the University of Washington, making 56 appearances and earning All-Pac-12 Second Team honors in 2015 and 2016. The Shorecrest High School graduate played at least 18 matches in each of his three seasons with the Huskies, starting 35 of 37 of his appearances in 2015 and 2016. Prior to his time at Washington, Wingo spent the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 campaigns with the Sounders FC Academy.
Adekoya and Wingo join seven other players as Sounders FC Homegrown Player signings. U.S. National Team defender DeAndre Yedlin was the club's first Homegrown Player in 2012, making two MLS All-Star appearances before being sold to Tottenham Hotspur in England’s Premier League. The club then signed current Sounders FC midfielder Aaron Kovar and former forward Sean Okoli in 2013, before adding forwards Victor Mansaray and Darwin Jones in 2014. Last season, the Rave Green signed University of Denver midfielder Jordan Schweitzer and Stanford forward Jordan Morris to Homegrown deals.
TRANSACTION: Seattle Sounders FC signs forward Seyi Adekoya and midfielder Henry Wingo to Homegrown Player contracts.
Name:
Seyi Adekoya
Position:
Forward
Height:
5-11
Weight:
170
Born:
December 5, 1995 in Seattle, Washington
Hometown:
Seattle, Washington
Citizenship:
United States
College:
UCLA
Pronunciation:
SHAY ad-uh-COY-ah
Acquired:
Signed as Homegrown Player on January 18, 2017
Name:
Henry Wingo
Position:
Midfielder
Height:
6-0
Weight:
170
Born:
October 4, 1995 in Seattle, Washington
Hometown:
Seattle, Washington
Citizenship:
United States
College:
Washington
Acquired:
Signed as Homegrown Player on January 18, 2017