Sounders 2 Player Profiles: The guys who are coming back

This is the first of three groups of Sounders 2 Player Profiles which are broken out by players that are coming back, academy players, and players who are not coming back or have at least not been announced as coming back/on trial. Only players that have been announced as signed or offered a trial with the MLS side are on this list. Overall players with fewer than 100 minutes, except for a few exceptions, are listed. Players who started the season on the MLS roster are excluded as they get their own player profile with the First Team.

#8 Carlos Patino

Patino played 74 minutes and got off one shot, not really a major player during the 2015 season but he has been signed for 2016, so he makes the list. The Colombian did have one goal in 10 appearances with the Kitsap Pumas before he came in on loan.

#7 Ashani Fairclough

Fairclough came to S2 in a trade from the Wilmington Hammerheads that saw Qudus Lawal go the other way. Playing less than other S2 center backs, Ashani was still able to make an impact with the club in 12 appearances. He didn't do anything to really stand out but he showed he is consistent and a solid developing player, at least enough to earn an invite to the First Team again.

#6 Tyler Miller

Miller, a draftee who left to go play in Germany for the first half of the year and while he under performed there, he came back and played one match and earned a two-save shutout. Miller then went out with surgery for the remainder of the season but his college play, practice, and 90 minutes of USL action was enough to earn not just a pro-invite but an MLS contract this offseason.

#5 Myron Samuel

Another injury here, Myron Samuel signed and suited up his first week with the club. He started. He scored twice and assisted once in 45 minutes but then left with a broken foot that required surgery. He spent the rest of the season rehabbing from it but his two-goal appearance was enough to earn another USL contract and he'll be back next year.

#4 Amadou Sanyang

Sanyang captained the club almost every match he played and saw the most minutes of players that are coming back. Just under 1600 minutes in 19 appearances, he was probably the most consistent midfielder and provided the defensive backbone in the S2 midfield. Sanyang is only 24 but started his career in 2007 providing a steady veteran but still at quite a young age. He'll be a solid leader and contributor again next season in S2's Rave Green.

#3 Sergio Mota

Sergio provided moments of pure brilliance with tactical skill and offensive decision making. He also made some, well I'll put it politely, "questionable" decisions on the field. He needs to get his attitude under wraps and avoid reacting the way he did against Los Dos but if he does that and pushes into improving his game, he'll be fighting for MLS minutes and starts in a year. Sergio hasn't officially been brought back to S2 as he will be fighting for a spot with the First Team in camp.

#2 Andy Craven

The first signing direct from S2, Craven played 14 matches before moving up and then getting injured and missing the rest of the season. In his 12 starts, and 14 total appearances, he scored five goals and picked up five assists. The club already announced the former Tar Heel will be signed with the first team again next season. Though we may see him still loaned back and start for S2 expect him to get his chances for MLS minutes. He showed he can play in the center or out wide, alone or with support, and as the speedy forward or the hold up man. He won't steal minutes from Martins, Dempsey, Valdez, or Morris but he will take all of Barrett's minutes for sure.

#1 Oalex Anderson

Anderson wins top returning player, four goals in 16 matches (seven starts) and while that isn't the most prolific scoring on the squad, he sure looked good doing it. Add to it, Oalex picked up three goals with the St. Vincent and Grenadine's National Team, including one against the USMNT. He can play on the wing or up top, he's got great speed and can take on defenders. There were definitely matches he disappeared from but there were plenty of times he took over a match. He earned his First Team camp trial and I would expect him to earn an MLS contract or be a final cut at worst.