With only four days left until Seattle Sounders 2 kicks off the 2017 USL season, they took a significant step toward filling out their roster. Seven players join the S2 roster ahead of Sunday’s opener against Sacramento Republic, including Academy product Shandon Hopeau and first round SuperDraft pick Brian Nana-Sinkham. Hopeau was with the team in Arizona and played mostly on the wing. Hopeau is the youngest player ever signed directly to S2.
"We are very excited to bring these players into our organization," Sounders FC Director of Player Personnel Kurt Schmid said in a team release. "These signings include young internationals and college standouts, plus an exciting player from our academy. After signing three S2 players to the First Team this offseason, we hope these players can develop on a similar path."
S2 called upon Rainbow FC from Cameroon for two more players with defender Rodrigue Ele and forward Felix Chenkam. The same club Nouhou Tolo and Mark O’ojong both were plucked from Rainbow FC last year. Neither player has reported to the club yet and should be here Sunday.
Nana-Sinkam stuck with the first team through pre-season as a CB and a RB and will likely deploy in the center with S2.
Filling out the rest of the roster is midfield Ray Saari and defenders Denso Ulysse and Riley Grant. Saari and Grant played as trialists (88 and 53 respectively) with S2 against Oregon State with Saari being one of the most improved playing in one of the center pivots. Grant was a forward who converted to midfield and now to a CB and one of his best qualities at this point is his passing out of the back. Irvin Parra, Lorenzo Ramos and Javorn Stevens had previously been announced.
The roster sits now at 10 total players with more signings possible and Academy products able to jump on. As of right the only position unfilled, goalkeeper, with Miller and Meredith likely splitting time with an Academy backup. There will also likely be players loaned down from the first team.
Defenders (4): Rodrigue Ele, Riley Grant, Brian Nana-Sinkam, Denso Ulysse
Midfielders (3): Irvin Parra, Lorenzo Ramos, Ray Saari
Forwards (3): Felix Chenkam, Shandon Hopeau, Javorn Stevens