Seattle Sounders FC 2 put in a strong second half of the 2016 USL regular season, including a four-game winning streak that saw the side hit its stride in fine fashion. The late run fell short, though, of a second consecutive berth in the USL Cup Playoffs as Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson’s side finished four points out of the top eight in the Western Conference. Only a handful of players from that squad remain, however, as S2 overhauled its squad to push forward some top young talent.

Head Coach: Ezra Hendrickson
Stadium: Starfire Stadium
2016 results: 9-13-8, 35pts
2016 postseason: N/A

Goalkeeper: As a season ago, Seattle will likely pull its primary goalkeepers from the MLS side. Tyler Miller, who made 12 appearances for S2 last season, is joined by veteran Bryan Meredith, who last played for the San Jose Earthquakes. These two would bring an experienced head to the back line should one be available on loan, while Academy signing Trey Muse could also be in line for action over the course of the season.

Defense: S2 added one of the top defenders in the Premier Development League a season ago with the signing of former Burlingame Dragons FC player Brian Nana-Sinkam, who also claimed a pair of College Cups in his collegiate career at Stanford. Denso Elysse arrives after competing for Haiti at the recent CONCACAF U20 Championship in Costa Rica, and the squad could also be supplemented by those from the Sounders’ MLS squad, with Tony Alfaro and Jordy Delem both having played a major role a season ago.

Midfield: Lorenzo Ramos and Irvin Parra both return to S2, and both should be expected to see more action this year after finishing with just fewer than 500 minutes of action apiece in 2016. Ray Saari joins after featuring for the University of Tulsa, while Academy signings Kei Tomozawa and Jamie Dimitroff both saw action a season ago for the side. The addition on loan of the likes of Zach Mathers, who had three goals and four assists a year ago before signing an MLS deal, could help Seattle early in the season.

Forward: Antigua & Barbuda international Javorn Stevens was an early offseason signing for S2, and will likely lead the attack after the loan of 2016 USL 20 Under 20 selection Victor Mansaray to FC Cincinnati. Former Academy player Shandon Hopeau, who signed with S2 this week, could also be a player to watch this year, while 18-year-old Cameroonian Felix Chenkham brings experience from the country’s U20 National Team. 

Strengths: Once it found its footing, S2’s attack grew strongly over the course of the 2016 season, recording 27 goals in its final 18 outings to push the side close to the postseason. The cast of characters has changed, but the potential of players like Javorn Stevens and Shandon Hopeau could make the side entertaining, and dangerous, in the final third.

Weaknesses: S2 struggled early in 2016 because of a lack of USL experience in its squad, and that could be the case again as the club finds out if its youngsters will sink or swim against tough Western Conference opponents. Getting the right balance of experience from his loanees and youthful exuberance will be key for Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson.

Key number: 50 – S2 conceded 50 goals a season ago, and gave up two or more goals on 14 different occasions. Tightening up defensively will be crucial if the team is to make a second trip to the USL Cup Playoffs in three seasons.

Noteworthy matchups: Seattle kicks the season off at home against Sacramento Republic FC for a third consecutive year, with the March 26 clash at Starfire Stadium serving as a big test for the host. The side then meets its two Cascadia rivals, with Portland visiting Seattle on April 2, and S2 heading north to Vancouver on April 8. The reverse meetings also arrive on back-to-back weekends, as Seattle welcomes WFC2 on August 13 before heading to Providence Park to face T2 on August 18.

Coach’s view: “We've made a conscious effort to get younger. We are happy that three players from last year's team have signed First Team contracts, and we made the necessary adjustments in the offseason to continue to develop our young players.” – Seattle Sounders FC 2 Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson

Current roster (updated: March 22, 2017):
Goalkeepers: Trey Muse
Defenders: Brian Nana-Sinkam, Denso Ulysse, Rodrigue Ele, Riley Grant, Sam Fowler, Jake Morris, Sam Rogers
Midfielders: Ray Saari, Irvin Parra, Lorenzo Ramos, Kei Tomowaza, Jamie Dimitroff, Jackson Ragen, Azriel Gonzalez, Georg Armstrong, Paul Rothrock, Stirling Russell
Forwards: Felix Chenkam, Shandon Hopeau, Javorn Stevens, Milo Barton