Three Sounders Academy players have been called into the final United States U15 Boys National Team camp of 2016, taking place November 5-12 in Bradenton, FL. Of the 36 players chosen for the camp, all have Development Academy ties; in addition to Seattle’s three, four are from NYCFC and three from Lonestar Soccer Club.
Josh Atencio (U14), a local kid, operates all over the Sounders’ midfield, although he thrives in a deeper-lying defensive role. He most recently impressed while playing two levels up in the first round of qualifying for the Generation adidas Cup with his ability to shield the back four, and he pulled out a beautiful assist that brought the Sounders back into their game against the LA Galaxy.
Danny Robles (U14), an attacking midfielder, is a product of the Sounders Discovery Program. This summer, he was named Youdan Trophy Player of the Tournament after leading his team to the tournament title. Robles also had a key goal in the Sounders’ turnaround second half during the 1st round of the qualifying for the GA Cup.
Alfonso Ocampo Chavez (U14) is a striker who has consistently challenged defenses. Ocampo Chavez recorded five goals and three assists in just three matches against the Galaxy, Portland Timbers and San Jose Earthquakes at the GA Cup.
The invitations continue the 2016 trend of Sounders Academy prospects being called up to United States National Teams at every age level.
Sota Kitahara, a winger in the U13 age group, recently received his first call-up to the U14 Boys national team.
Striker Azriel Gonzalez traveled to France with the U.S. U16s where they took 3rd place in the Val-De-Marne Tournament.
Right back Ben Huynh returned to the Sounders after spending the spring semester with the USYNT U17 residency program in Bradenton, FL.
Kei Tomozawa, Stirling Russell, and Sam Rogers were called into the U18 national team camp in January after impressing at last year’s edition of the GA Cup. Starting goalkeeper Trey Muse recently received his first national team invitation to play with U18s.
Left back Jake Morris (U18) and central midfielder Habib Barry (U18) impressed in a recent tournament for the U19 National Team. Recent Sounders signee Milo Barton was called into the U19s for his first international involvement as well.
Homegrown striker Victor Mansaray has represented the United States at every level since the U18s and registered an assist in a match for the U20s against the Netherlands. University of Akron freshman defender Nick Hinds has also played for the U.S. U20s.
The recognition at the international level is indicative of the success of Sounders Academy’s scouting and youth programming.