The MLS NEXT season is in full swing as the U-17 and U-15 Sounders Academy teams head into week six of matches at Starfire Stadium.
Recent Results
MLS NEXT Flex
U-15
Sounders FC 1 vs Sacramento Republic 1 | September 30
Sounders FC 3 vs Diablo Valley Wolves 1 | October 1
Sounders FC 2 vs Real Salt Lake 1 | October 7
U-17
Sounders FC 1 vs Sacramento Republic 2 | September 30
Sounders FC 1 vs Diablo Valley Wolves 2 | October 1
Sounders FC 0 vs Real Salt Lake 4 | October 7
The U-15's continue to showcase dominance in their age group as the team heads into this weekend unbeaten since the start of the season.
The team currently holds a 4-0-1 record after closing out last weekend with a 2-1 away-match victory over Real Salt Lake, behind a brace from Omar Hassan.
“This is a very high potential group,” said VP of Player Development Henry Brauner. “I think you can see that right away through their ability to attack and individual moments.”
As for the U-17’s, the team is in an adjustment period as several players are learning to adapt to a higher level environment after competing in the U-15 age group the previous year.
While the U-17’s remain winless after five matches, Brauner is confident in what the future holds for the Academy team.
“They've adapted pretty well to the methodology in the style of play that we want to put forth,” he said. “They understand that it's going to be difficult at times because they're a younger group, but in that difficulty, they know that in the long run, they're gonna be better for it.”
The U-17’s and the U-15’s continue the season this weekend where they’ll face De Anza Force and Silicon Valley SA from their designated age groups on Saturday and Sunday at Starfire Stadium.
For Club and Country
Three U-17’s — Etienne Veillard, Mohammed Shour and Snyder Brunell — returned this week from the U-16 Youth National Camp while U-15 player Omar Hassan is headed to the U-15 Youth National Camp.
Looking ahead
The U-15's and U-17's finish out the month of October with five matches each, four of which will be at home at Starfire Stadium. Along with the two teams' matchups between De Anza Force and Silicon Valley SA this upcoming weekend, they will also go head-to-head against three more Northern California teams Sacramento United (away), San Jose Earthquakes and Ballistic United.
Upcoming Fixtures
MLS NEXT Flex
October 14
Sounders FC U-15 vs De Anza Force U-15 | 12:30 p.m. PT, Starfire Stadium, Field 1
Sounders FC U-17 vs De Anza Force U-17 | 10 a.m. PT, Starfire Stadium, Field 1
October 15
Sounders FC U-15 vs Silicon Valley SA U-15 | 12:30 p.m. PT, Starfire Stadium, Field 1
Sounders FC U-17 vs Silicon Valley SA U-17 | 10 a.m. PT, Starfire Stadium, Field 1
You can view the full Academy schedule HERE
