While the First Team was in Chicago maintaining their perfect start to the 2019 MLS season, all three Seattle Sounders Academy sides ventured south to take on their Cascadia rivals.
Recent Results
U-19
Sounders FC 6 vs. Portland Timbers 2 | March 16
U-17
Sounders FC 1 vs. Portland Timbers 2 | March 16
U-15
Sounders FC 5 vs. Portland Timbers 1 | March 16
The U-15s kicked off the derby day with a resounding 5-1 win over the Timbers. Forward Oscar Rincon, who entered the match with 12 goals and 11 assists from 18 appearances, stole the show against Seattle’s long-time foe, bagging four goals and an assist with a diverse array of finishes. The young Sounders dictated the tempo from start to finish with their hyper-coordinated and high-pressing scheme. Attacking midfielder Juan Alvarez pitched in a pair of assists, while wide midfielder Josh Hardin scored one and set up another.
The U-17s raced out to an early lead against Portland, as Austin Brummett, a 2004, pounced on an errant back pass that fell to Kevin Soltys, who calmly slid his finish into an empty net. Despite carving out some quality chances, the Timbers scored two unanswered goals in the second half as the Sounders suffered a rare loss.
The U-19s dominated their Cascadia derby fixture, with Tacoma Defiance forward Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez running riot all afternoon and recording a hat trick. Center back Blake Malone notched a goal from a set piece in the 68th minute to extend Seattle’s lead. Not done with the attacking fireworks, Gabe Threadgold iced the match in the 89th minute, smashing a shot in the top corner after a 12-pass buildout sequence, which started with goalkeeper Sam Fowler.
Upcoming Matches
March 23
Sounders FC U-15 vs. Crossfire Premier U-15 | 10 a.m. PT, Starfire Sports Field 11
Sounders FC U-17 vs. Crossfire Premier U-17 | 12 p.m. PT, Starfire Sports Field 11
Sounders FC U-19 vs. Crossfire Premier U-19 | 2:30 p.m. PT, Starfire Sports Field 11
Pass of the Week
An audacious bit of skill and vision, Rincon’s no-look through-ball was the top assist of the weekend for the young Sounders.
Goal of the Week
Ocampo-Chavez gets the nod for his second goal against Portland, which he struck on the half-volley while at a full sprint.
Moving on Up
Tacoma Defiance and United States U-17 national team winger Ray Serrano made his first appearance for the Sounders U-19s over the weekend. It didn’t take long for the Moses Lake, Wash., native to make his mark, as he scored his first goal for the older side in the 5th minute.
