As the Seattle Sounders prepare for the 2017 MLS season, there is a distinct local influence in preseason camp. In addition to Homegrown players Aaron Kovar, Victor Mansaray, Seyi Adekoya and Henry Wingo -- as well as new S2 signing Lorenzo Ramos -- four standouts from the Academy joined up with the reigning MLS Cup champions.
Holding midfielder Sam Rogers (U-18), winger Shandon Hopeau (U-18), striker Azriel Gonzalez (U-16) and goalkeeper Sam Fowler (U-16) were all invited to participate in the first week of preseason. Since the goal of the Academy is to produce future stars for the first team, the opportunity to train with established professionals and impress the first team coaching staff is a vital experience.