The U-16’s lost 2-0 in their first group stage match against Scottish powerhouse Rangers FC. Two goals conceded in the final 15 minutes sort of put an exclamation point on a frustrating second half for the squad. The first half was quite a different story, including an unfortunate VAR offside call on Callum Lyons. The young Sounders started with aggression and confidence, and it was good to see them perform with the level of belief they need to be successful at high levels.

A 3-0 win over Mohammed VA FA put confidence back in the Sounders and helped elevate them in the group standings. Mohammed VI Academy were, despite the scoreline, very comfortable in possession and threatened down both flanks, while VAR saved the Sounders side from an alleged handball call. Seattle struggled to establish possession in meaningful areas for long periods of time, but two transition goals in the first half from recently Tacoma Defiance signing Omar Hassan gave the Rave Green a lead to protect. Committed defending across the field, but especially in the box, was enough to see the game over the line. Following his explosive attacking performance, Hassan received the Player of the Match award.