Morris Leaves H.S. as Midfielder, Joins Academy As Forward

Jordan Morris already has a goal in Academy and in Reserve Play. Last year he was merely the best high school player in the state.

Photos courtesy of L.M. Parr / Portland Timbers

TUKWILA, Wash. - Last year the USSDA changed to a full-time academy system and eliminated the ability of players to play in both the Academy system and high school systems. Players would have to choose. Some went back to school, others stayed in the Academy. For the 2012-13 season those choices needed to be made again. This time one of Washington state’s best, according to ESPN THE BEST, chose the Sounders Academy (they had a part in that too). Jordan Morris is in his first year with the Sounders Youth Academy and has already demonstrated his potential impact in a Reserve Game against the Portland Timbers Reserves.

Morris is making the transition from his wide midfield role up top where his scoring touch will be featured. That penchant for scoring led him to scoring 31 goals in his three year prep career. His ball skills earned him 26 assists. He dominated that level.

Mercer Island High School Coach Steve Newman (one time NASL Sounder, yes that’s a theme in Puget Sound soccer circles) supplied this profile of Jordan via email, “Wonderful player with tight ball skills and knows how and when to lay the ball off. Not selfish, thought this may change with his move upfront. Great turn-on speed.” Strong dribbling skills developed as a midfielder should help during an adjustment to a forward role.

With the Seattle Sounders Youth Academy in only its third year there will be a transitionary period during which players like Morris will find the right fit for them and the club will find players like him. Morris will manage the transition while a senior and verbal commit to Stanford. But it is his speed, creativity in scoring and ability to get past multiple defenders on the dribble that will draw the eyes of Sounders fans.

On Saturday Seattle Sounders fans can see Morris and the rest of the Academy at Starfire Sports Complex play their first home match against the Portland Timbers Academy who are in their first year in the USSDA system.

Sounder at Heart is a blog about the Seattle Sounders FC, with occasional forays into Democracy in Sports, Roster Management, Tactical Analysis, Soccer Statistics and Life in Puget Sound.

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