Sounders Academy grads earn Pac-12 honors

Ahead of the NCAA men’s soccer tournament, the Pac-12 has announced the All-Conference honors, and a number of former Sounders Academy players are basking in the glory. In total four players were named to the All-Conference First and Second Teams, while another earned honorable mention.

Four players from the University of Washington were recognized. Dylan Teves, a junior who played a major role in the Huskies midfield as he contributed 7 goals and 5 assists, was named to the Pac-12 First Team. The Second Team boasted two Huskies, midfielder Lucas Meek (a redshirt junior) and sophomore goalkeeper Sam Fowler, while junior forward Gio Miglietti earned honorable mention. The four players were among 10 honors earned by the Huskies team that finished the season in second place in the conference and was ranked as the 7 seed for the NCAA College Cup.

Oregon Sate University’s Joe Hafferty was also named to the All Pac-12 First Team. Hafferty is a former Sounders Academy player who was drafted in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by Inter Miami and acquired by the Sounders in exchange for a 2022 second round draft pick. He is a defender who has largely played as a left center back in a three- or five-back setup, but has also seen time as a fullback or wing back on either side of the field, and should provide needed depth if or when he joins the club.

For those interested in watching these players during the NCAA Tournament, both UW and OSU begin play on Sunday, May 2 at 1 PM PDT. UW will face Grand Canyon University, coincidentally the team that knocked Seattle University out of the WAC tournament, and OSU will take on Virginia Tech. Either game should serve as an enjoyable appetizer before the Sounders host the LA Galaxy at 6 PM.