Charles Renken getting another chance to reboot once-promising career

At one point Charles Renken was the next big thing. He was calm on the ball, with passing vision and dribbling technique that changed games. Injuries dampened the hype. Seattle Sounders 2 announced the signing of the former Vancouver Whitecaps Academy, 1899 Hoffenheim U19, Portland Timbers Reserves, Gimo IF FK, Arizona United, and St. Louis FC attacking midfielder.

Renken earned 30 appearances with St. Louis over the past two seasons, but 25 of those were in 2015. With S2 he has the opportunity to reboot his career, again.

"Charles is a skilled player and we are excited to bring him in with the club," said Sounders FC Director of Player Personnel Kurt Schmid via press release. "He brings a wealth of experience that improves the quality of S2's play, and hopefully we provide an opportunity for him to flourish within the organization."

The Zambian-American is not just with Sounders 2 to regain his former glory - which may be difficult due to his injury history. In spite of his young age, Charles also has the opportunity to be a veteran influence as a result of his becoming a pro at such a young age. Of the direct-to-USL signings, Renken and Parra are the oldest, both 23 and with experience playing overseas.

S2 plays Sacramento Republic at 2 PM on Sunday. That match is immediately followed by a Sounders U23 game against TSS FC Rovers.

CURRENT SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 2 ROSTER

Defenders (4): Rodrigue Ele, Riley Grant, Brian Nana-Sinkam, Denso Ulysse

Midfielders (4): Francisco Narbon, Lorenzo Ramos, Charles Renken, Ray Saari

Forwards (5): Felix Chenkam, Shandon Hopeau, David Olsen, Irvin Parra, Javorn Stevens

The following Academy players are eligible to play for S2, as well:

Goalkeepers: Sam Fowler and Trey Muse

Defenders: Joe Hafferty (RB), Ethan Lotenaro (RB), Jake “With The Good Hair” Morris (LB/CB), Jackson Ragen (CB)

Midfielders: Georg Armstrong (CM/CDM), Jamie Dimitroff (CM/CAM), Sam Rogers (CDM/CB), Kei Tomozawa (CM/LM)

Forwards: Milo Barton, Azriel Gonzalez (F/LM/RM), Paul Rothrock (F/RW), Stirling Russell (F/RW/RB/LB)