Player Profile: #26 Jimmy Ockford

Last year Seattle Sounders FC did not have a USL PRO team. That meant finding ad hoc loan partners. For Jimmy Ockford that meant a trip to Long Island and the New York Cosmos. There is put in 827 competitive minutes in 10 league appearances and 3 in Cup play with 11 times on the bench, unused. Mostly a centerback, his most notable trait is that he's a scoring threat on set-pieces. Ockford scored twice in NASL play and once in the Open Cup.

Offense:

Ockford is a bit prone to the long ball. He needs to develop better short passing, though Coach Savarese is confident in that development. On set-pieces he is aggressive on goal and can convert in crowded places. Best with head, but can also pick up scrap balls and score.

Defense:

A pure centerback that plays both broad and quick. Needs to improve in his reading of the game, but a decent interceptor and tackler. Strong in set-piece defense.

Physique:

Good leaper. Not particularly fast over distance, but good quick movements. Well developed frame and willing to tackle hard.

Best Case 2015:

Jimmy should not be on loan in 2015. While only a rotational CB with the Cosmos he showed enough that he could do the same at the MLS level. Probably has a lower peak than some other young defenders on the squad, but is ready to be a rotational right now.