Down in the USL with Sounders FC 2, Sam Rogers had a rather remarkable year. He committed to Villanova, broke into the squad as a regular centerback after transitioning from defensive midfield, signed a pro contract and graduated from Ballard High School. Once he signed that pro deal he lost his scholarship to Villanova. His educational path could have terminated. Instead, the Seattle Sounders and Rogers found a new path — tuition assistance to the University of Washington.
Rogers was one of five S2 talents signed directly to USL deals rather than playing for the lower division side while Homegrown Players.