Recent Results
U-18
U-16
U-14
- Sounders FC 1 at Breidablik 2
- Sounders FC 3 at Garenne Colombes AF 2
Neuville Sur Saone Tournoi International
- Sounders FC 2 vs. FC Villefranche 2
- Sounders FC 0 vs. FC Girondins de Bordeaux 0
- Sounders FC 1 vs. Servette FC 2
- Sounders FC 3 vs. Stade de Reims FC 2
- Sounders FC 0 vs. Montpellier 1
- Sounders FC 1 vs. Olympique de Marseille 1 (2-1 PKs)
Upcoming Matches
June 6, 2015
- Sounders FC U-18 at San Juan Soccer Club (11:00 a.m. PT, Mather Soccer Complex- South Field)
- Sounders FC U-16 at San Juan Soccer Club (1:30 p.m. PT, Mather Soccer Complex- South Field)
Last weekend the shorthanded U-18s suffered a 5-3 loss to Crossfire Premier, as the squad was without five players due to S2 call-ups for its road match against OC Blues FC. Down 3-0 at half, the squad began its quest to come from behind in the 72nd minute with a goal from Handwalla Bwana. Bwana quickly struck again in the 75th to keep the team in the match, but unfortunately the team suffered a PK just three minutes later, stretching the score to a two-goal deficit. The resilient Sounders continued to fight into the 87th minute when Nathaniel Tongovula converted a PK to keep the team within one. The Sounders would have one last effort in the 93rd minute, but with numbers committed forward the team was unable to thwart the counter-attack that would close out the match in a 5-3 loss. Despite the result, the squad has secured a playoff spot and will look to gain momentum going into playoffs with a result at San Juan Soccer Club this weekend.
The U-16s earned a critical 1-0 shutout win over local rival Crossfire. The lone goal began with great build-up play out of the back, giving defender Ivory Randle time and space on the wing to send a dangerous cross into the box. The cross deflected out to an on-rushing Bekele Dowty, who buried home the finish from close range. Disciplined defensive play and solid performances across the backline led by goalkeeper Tor Saunders secured the shutout. The U-16s need a result at San Juan on Saturday to control their playoff destiny.
The U-14s found tremendous success in the Academy’s first international tour. The squad opened friendly play against Icelandic Club Champions, Breidablik UBK. The U-14s matched their opponents’ speed and intensity for much of the match but ultimately fell 2-1. The team would then go on to play a final pre-tournament tune-up match at Parisian side Garenne Colombes AF. The 3-2 win gave the young squad the opportunity to sharpen its form, adjust to international play and gain some much-needed confidence going into the prestigious Neuville Sur Saone Tournoi International. Group play consisted of four 30-minute games, featuring a strong performance in a 2-1 loss to eventual tournament finalist Servette FC of Switzerland. Finishing group play with a notable 2-1-1 record, the Rave Green were poised to play another batch of elite competition, ending the tournament with an 11th place finish out of 20 teams after a close 1-0 loss to Montpellier and a resilient 2-1 PK victory over Olympique de Marseille.
Standout Performer
Recently-signed Handwalla Bwana made his debut for the U-18’s and capped off a fine performance with a pair well taken goals.
Biggest Moment
Cameron Martin’s last-second equalizer versus Villefranche earned the U-14’s a vital point and boosted the squad’s confidence in the first round of the Neuville Sur Saone Tournoi. The goal followed an excellent individual effort from Sam Catherall and an exquisite cross from Ben Huynh.
Play of the Week
U-18 goalkeeper Saif Kerawala made a huge save early in S2’s Third-Round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against Timbers 2. This set up S2 for its first Open Cup victory and a Fourth-Round matchup at MLS club Real Salt Lake.
In the Standings
- U-18s are currently third in the Northwest Division with 63 points (19-6-6)
- U-16s are currently fourth in the Northwest Division with 50 points (15-11-5)
- U-14s finished second in the U-15 Far West Regional League Northwest Division with 15 points (5-1-0)
Moving on Up
Six U-18 Academy players were called up to S2’s gameday roster for the squad’s Third Round U.S. Open Cup victory over Timbers 2 on May 27. Goalkeeper Saif Kerawala and defender Tosh Samkange each contributed solid performances in their full 110-minute debuts with the team, while Lorenzo Ramos and Kasey French also saw minutes in the match. Five U-18 Academy players were then called into the traveling squad for S2’s match at Orange County Blues FC on May 30. Midfielder Diego Silvas earned his first start and contributed 73 minutes in the 1-1 draw.
Due to S2 call-ups, U-14 Roger Pulido will be starting with the U-18 squad in this weekend’s match.
Coach’s Take
“It is a busy and exciting time for the Academy. We have players receiving unique opportunities each day. Whether it is training with the First Team or S2, playing for S2 in the Open Cup or representing the club in a prestigious foreign tournament, our players are making the most of the experiences.” – Sounders FC Academy Technical Director Marc Nicholls
Looking Forward
After this weekend’s match against San Juan SC, the Academy will turn its focus to the U.S. Soccer Playoffs and Showcase Event at Grand Park Sports Indianapolis, Indiana. The U-14 event will be held from June 19-22, while the U-16 and U-18 playoffs will take place from June 23-26.
