With just 23 players on the roster, the Seattle Sounders are going to be short players for their US Open Cup match against the San Jose Earthquakes (7:30 PM, ussoccer.com). Four players are away with Gold Cup duty. Clint Dempsey remains suspended from the competition. Seyi Adekoya is injured. Many of the older veterans are about to enter a rest phase during the season. For that reason, eight S2 players signed short-term deals to be eligible for Open Cup play.
Rodrigue Ele, Ray Saari, Francisco Narbon, Brian Nana-Sinkam, Charles Renken, Sam Rogers, David Olsen and Irvin Parra all signed the 4-day contract that allows them to play in non-league competition. If that list is familiar, it is because it is the same group that signed to face the Timbers in the previous round of the Open Cup, minus Felix Chenkam.
Here are the descriptions of their playing style from that previous post.
Rodrigue Ele is a 19-year-old centerback that came to S2 from Cameroon. Think of him as a replacement level Liam Ridgewell.
Ray Saari is a versatile central midfielder. Think of him as a replacement level Cristian Roldan.
Francisco Narbon is a defensive midfielder who already has two caps with the Panama National Team. Think of him as a replacement level Servando Carrasco.
Brian Nana-Sinkam won two titles with Stanford, including one with Jordan Morris. The versatile defender is in his first year as a pro and was Seattle’s first round draft pick in 2017. Think of him as a replacement level Jalil Anibaba.
Charles Renken used to be the next great hope for US soccer. He just signed with S2 recently. Think of him as a replacement level Marco Pappa.
Sam Rogers is just a month into his 18th year, the centerback is one of the best passers in the system. Think of him as a replacement level Brad Evans at centerback.
David Olsen is a former Sounders Academy and Seattle U forward now playing winger and as the #10 with S2. Think of him as a replacement level young Clint Dempsey.
Irvin Parra plays as a lone forward. He is in his second season with S2. Think of him as a replacement level Sammy Ochoa.