The Seattle Sounders Academy shows early promise as two Alumni were selected to the United States National Team's U-20 Camp in January. Forward Sean Okoli, currently with Wake Forrest, and rightback Deandre Yedlin, of Akron, will both get to prove themselves to coach Tab Ramos. While the Sounders have a very tight roster for 2012 it is clear that they hold some cards from within their own Academy.
Okoli and Yedlin are two of 15 college players who will join with 12 pros from MLS, Bundesliga, Mexican and Norwegian Premier leagues. This includes one time University of Washington commit Villyan Bijev. There are also nine current Academy players on the roster.
As the Sounders continue to recruit and track potential pros down to the U-11 level they can point to the recognition of players like Okoli, Yedlin and others who get the call to perform in not just the green and blue but also our nation's colors.
Jalen Markey of the Sounders U-16s is called into US U-18 camp as well.