Sounders 2 signs two Academy products for 2019 season

Seattle Sounders 2 have made two early signings for their second season at Cheney Field in 2019. Alec Diaz and Danny Robles will both continue as Academy Players for the remainder of this season, but will suit up for a renamed S2 side as professionals next season. This continues the trend of Sounders Academy players bypassing college to join the Sounders USL developmental side.

The two new signings have a lot in common; both are Puget Sound natives, Diaz from Issaquah and Robles from Burien, both came to the Sounders Academy through the club’s partnership with the Pacific Northwest Soccer Club, both are 16 years old, both are forwards and both were instrumental in the Academy U17s winning a National Championship this year.

Diaz has a blistering goal scoring record with the Academy, scoring 36 in 38 games, and has played 108 minutes with S2 on an amatuer contract. He came close to scoring his first S2 goal over the weekend but had his effort turned aside by a spectacular save. Robles has given the Academy 14 goals in 44 appearances and played 45 minutes with S2. He played a bit deeper than Diaz in his S2 appearance and may switch to midfield at some point.

S2 Head Coach John Hutchinson said of the two signings, “Alec and Danny are talented goal-scorers that will add a great punch to our group of forwards next season. They have already impressed us with their contributions to the team this season, and we’re excited about the future.”

Both players are likely at least 2 years away from First Team consideration, but for the moment these signings give S2 some much needed forward depth next season and assures that the organization can do what they believe is best for their development as soccer players for years to come.