Vote for the 2017 Sounder at Heart Young Player of the Year

This award is given by the readers of Sounder at Heart to the player under the age of 23 who had the best year in 2017. Members of the Seattle Sounders First Team, S2, the Academy, and Academy alums still within the organization (potential HGPs and/or Sounders U23 players) are eligible. Staff has reduced the list of potential winners to 10, with former winner Cristian Roldan up to repeat this recognition.

Previous winners of the Sounder at Heart Young Player of the Year award are Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan, DeAndre Yedlin (twice), Andy Rose, Servando Carrasco, Steve Zakuani and Fredy Montero.

This year’s candidates listed, in alphabetical order, are:

Nouhou (LB, First Team and S2): The 20 year-old earned his way from S2 to First Team in 2017, to include starting 14 games in MLS. He finished with one goal in all competitions.

Handwalla Bwana (AM, UW and OSA FC in NPSL): The all around attacker is one of the highest rated players currently in college. Bwana has the skill-type of Nagbe, but adds a potent free kick.

Paul Christensen (keeper, University of Portland and U23s): A Rimando-esque keeper, the senior at Portland may just get his shot at a pro deal after putting up good numbers at Keeper U.

Azriel Gonzalez (attacking mid, Academy and S2): Seattle’s youngest professional, Gonzalez is magical with the ball at his feet, but will have several years to refine his talents. He played 340 pro minutes in the year when he turned 16.

Nick Hinds (LB/LW, Akron): Recruited to the Sounders Academy and now with Akron, he’s following the path of Yedlin — blazing fast with no idea if he’s best on the wing or at fullback. With how the Sounders play now that probably means fullback.

Trey Muse (K, Academy and Indiana): Muse is also part of the USYNT picture, and burst on the scene as a freshman to help lead Indiana to the NCAA final. He was frequently on the S2 bench, but did not see time.

Sam Rogers (CB/DM, Academy and S2): One of four teens signed directly to a USL contract in 2017, Rogers also made the switch from defensive midfield to centerback, where he started 25 games.

Cristian Roldan (CM/DM/RB/RW, First Team): It’s easy to forget that Roldan is only 22. Seriously. He’s still got plenty of room to grow. See accolades here.

Paul Rothrock (AM, Academy and Notre Dame): A good passer who plays with his head up, Rothrock was the attacking leader on the U18s in 2017 before heading to Notre Dame.

Ray Saari (DM/CM, S2): It’s hard to separate Saari and Narbon. Together the two youngsters were a great engine on S2, and both could make the leap. Saari gets the nod for being a touch better moving the ball into the attack.

Henry Wingo (RW/RB/AM, S2 and First Team): One of seven players used at right back on the First Team this year, the former Husky ended the season as a regular in the 18. He offers speed and the will to go to goal, even though the preseason hype was all about him being a defensive specialist.