Academies Take LA

After splitting games against the LA Galaxy, the Sounders FC Academy teams both toppled Chivas USA to cap a strong weekend.

The Sounders FC Academy’s first weekend in MLS Academy play proved largely successful.  After the U-18 and U-16 teams split against the LA Galaxy on Saturday, they both fought out some tough victories over Chivas USA on Sunday to take nine points on the weekend.

The U-18 team came off of a 5-0 win over the Galaxy on Saturday and carried that momentum into Sunday’s match.  Darwin Jones registered a hat-trick against LA, but it was Sean Okoli who did all of the scoring on Sunday in a 2-1 Seattle win.

After Seattle went down 1-0 in the 57th minute, the Sounders Academy went on the attack and earned two late penalties to power into the lead.

In the 75th minute, Chivas was called for a hand ball in the box and Okoli converted the penalty to equalize.

Then Nick Palodichuk was taken down by the goalkeeper in the 88th minute to earn the second PK.  Okoli knocked home the second and Seattle finished with a 2-1 win.

While DeAndre Yedlin continued to impress with his overlapping runs from the right back spot, Jamael Cox drew praise from US Soccer with his great day on the flank.  Seattle’s U-18s improved to 2-0-0 in MLS Academy play.

The U-16s had similar success, bouncing back from a loss to the Galaxy with a 2-0 win to improve to 1-1-0 in the league.

Jesse Klug scored on a through ball from Jordan Thompson in the 12th minute, then added a second on a nice pass from Stefan Bangsund in the 78th for a 2-0 lead that stuck until the final whistle.

“The trip to LA was a solid trip for the Academy teams.  All four games were physical and the boys worked hard to gain points and further advance the development and culture within our academy,” Sounders FC Director of Youth Development Darren Sawatzky said.  “Dick (McCormick) and the coaching staff have done a great job in making sure all players are getting valuable minutes and contributing to the success of both teams.”