Recent Results
U-18
- Sounders FC 0 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 (1/23/16)
U-16
- Sounders FC 2 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0 (1/23/16)
Upcoming Matches
January 30
- Sounders FC U-18 vs. De Anza Force Academy U-18 (11:30 p.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
- Sounders FC U-16 vs. De Anza Force Academy U-16 (2:00 p.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
January 31
- Sounders FC U-18 vs. Santa Cruz Breakers Academy U-18 (10:30 p.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
- Sounders FC U-16 vs. Santa Cruz Breakers Academy U-16 (1:00 p.m. PT, Starfire Sports)
The Seattle Sounders FC Academy took the pitch at Starfire Sports over the weekend for a pair of matches against Cascadia rivals Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Despite the fact that the U-16 team was missing three players with national team duty and fielded a particularly young roster featuring eight high school sophomores, one freshman, and an eighth grader, its effort was too much for the northern adversaries. However, the band of young Sounders put in a valiant effort and grabbed an impressive 2-0 result against Vancouver.
Attacking midfielder Dylan Teves opened the scoring against Vancouver from a perfectly executed set piece. Center back Oscar Zepeda whipped a dangerous ball into the box, and Teves duly applied the finishing touch with a well-struck half volley in the 28th minute. After taking the lead mid-way through the first-half, the Sounders were forced to stay organized defensively in order to withstand waves of pressure from Vancouver.
The Rave Green’s disciplined defensive shape and high intensity pressing paid off with a second goal in the 58th minute. While the first goal came from a set piece, the second came courtesy of an excellent bit of build-up play. Holding midfielder Cam Martin made a powerful run and burst into the box before playing in Shuma Katori for the goal.
With a two-goal lead and only thirty minutes remaining, the young Sounders were forced to absorb pressure and protect their lead for the remainder of the match. The back four, with Alec Zimmerman and Cam Martin sitting in front of them, defended resolutely and denied Vancouver from creating clear-cut chances. Goalkeeper Chase Fjetland supplied several crucial saves throughout the match to help the U-16s maintain the shutout.
Coach’s Take
“It was a very good and important result for us [U-16 team] against one of the best Academy programs. We were missing a few key players, and we had a lot of young players featuring for us. The whole group stepped up and played a great game as a team.” – U-16 Head Coach Sean Henderson
Standout Performers
Cam Martin provided a phenomenal two-way performance in one of Seattle’s two holding midfield slots. In addition to creating the second goal, effectively winning the match, he covered a lot of ground in an effort to shield the Sounders defense.
Looking Forward
The U-16 and U-18 Sounders Academy teams will each next play a pair of matches against California Academy teams.
