For the first time in club history, both the Sounders FC Academy U-16s and U-18s won their respective groups at the U.S. Soccer Development Academy playoffs. The U-18s then defeated in-state rival Crossfire Premier 3-2 in the quarterfinals, making them the first Sounders Academy squad to appear in a USSDA national semifinal, where they’ll face LA Galaxy on Friday.
With the U-18s on the brink of a first appearance in the national championship game, people throughout the organization are reflecting on the momentous occasion at hand, and ultimately, what it portends for the future of the club.