The Sounders Academy U-18s and U-16s strung together another strong weekend in USSDA action against two of the top clubs in the West, Sacramento Republic and Real Salt Lake AZ, thanks in large part to the performances of young prospects playing up an age group.
Several U-16s started both matches for the U-18s and managed a well-deserved win over Sacramento before grinding out a 1-1 draw with RSL. In fact, U-16 midfielder Dylan Teves scored a crucial goal for the U-18s against RSL to ensure the squad remains unbeaten in seven matches.
Recent Results
U-18
- Sounders FC 1 vs. Sacramento Republic 0 (5/13/17)
- Sounders FC 1 vs. Real Salt Lake AZ 1 (5/14/17)
U-16
- Sounders FC 1 vs. Sacramento Republic 1 (5/13/17)
- Sounders FC 0 vs. Real Salt Lake AZ 2 (5/14/17)
The U-18s kicked off the weekend with an important victory over Sacramento. With the Rave Green controlling the play for most of the first half, winger Paul Rothrock continued his goal-scoring heroics with a strike just before the break. Midfielder Kei Tomozawa picked out the run of striker Greg Sutton, who scored a ball for Rothrock to tap in.
Later that day, the U-16s shared the spoils against the same opponent. Striker Alec Diaz opened the scoring in the 13th minute from a corner kick, taking his tally to seven goals and two assists in his last six appearances for the U-16s. The Republic equalized shortly before the break from a fortuitous deflection. Despite dominating the run of play in the second period, the Rave Green were unable to break the deadlock.
The U-18s followed up their impressive win over Sacramento with a 1-1 draw against RSL. Midfielder Dylan Teves, a standout for the U-16s this season, made his fifth consecutive start for the U-18s and scored the lone goal. With RSL looking to keep possession and build from the back, the young Sounders carved out several clear-cut opportunities on the counter but were unable to find the back of the net.
That all changed in the 58th minute, when a lovely pass from Sutton put Teves through on goal. With a burst of speed and a clever first touch, Teves evaded his marker before rifling a shot past the goalkeeper.
Both squads will face in-state rivals Crossfire this weekend. For the U-16s, the match will represent a top-of-the-table clash as Crossfire and Sounders Academy hold the top two spots in the Northwest Division.
Upcoming Matches
May 20
- Sounders FC U-18 vs. Crossfire U-18 (9 a.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
- Sounders FC U-16 vs. Crossfire U-16 (11:30 a.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
May 31
- Sounders FC U-18 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-18 (5 p.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
- Sounders FC U-16 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-16 (7:30 p.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
Standout Performers
All three center backs from the U-16s who played up on the U-18s — Sakari Carter, Roger Pulido and Khai Brisco — performed admirably against bigger, faster opponents. With regular starters Jackson Ragan and Sam Rogers featuring heavily for S2, the young defenders from the U-16s have done an excellent job of stepping into their shoes and anchoring the back line.
Moving On Up
Below is the full list of guys who played up at the weekend, including position, minutes played and noteworthy statistics.
U-18
- Dylan Teves (U-16): 160 minutes at right wing. One goal.
- Sakari Carter (U-16): 180 minutes at center back. One shutout.
- Khai Brisco (U-16): 90 minutes at center back. One shutout.
- Roger Pulido (U-16): 90 minutes at center back.
- Keeton Heggerness (U-16): 38 minutes at forward.
- Gabe Threadgold (U-16): 38 minutes at right wing.
U-16
- Elias Katsaros (U-14): 160 minutes at center back.
- Alec Diaz (U-15): 127 minutes at striker. One goal.
- Marlon Vargas (U-15): 95 minutes at attacking midfield.
- Atencio (U-14): 145 minutes at center midfield.
- Danny Robles (U-14): 105 minutes at right wing. One assist.
- Sota Kitahara (U-13): 70 minutes at defensive midfield.
- Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (U-14): 58 minutes at striker.
One to Watch
Dylan Teves has been a valuable addition to the Sounders’ youth system since joining from Homegrown territory Hawaii. Teves, who grew up playing on the islands with Sounders Academy product and S2 signing Shandon Hopeau, is a key member of the hyper-talented U-16 team. He recently began training with the Sounders’ first team and has been instrumental in the U-18s’ recent success despite playing up.
