Tukwila, WA. – Sounders FC U-23 coach, Darren Sawatzky, is a man that wears many hats.  In addition to coaching the U-23 side, Darren is also the Washington State Youth Soccer EPD Director and Sounders FC Director of Youth Development.  As part of his duties as Sounders FC Youth Development Director, Darren spent this past weekend leading the scouting efforts for Sueño MLS 2012.

More than 400 aspiring young soccer players participated in the nationally-televised tryout Sueño MLS 2012 - presented by Allstate.  Field players battled for one of five invitations to a week-long trial with the Sounders FC youth system and a ticket to the exciting four-day "Final Event" which will be staged in the greater Los Angeles area and be hosted by MLS Argentine soccer legend Guillermo Barros Schelotto. The finals will include training sessions, scrimmages, guest celebrity scouts, and an opportunity to meet some of the league's biggest stars. The ultimate champion will be crowned on Sunday, May 13.

 "El Sueño represents a great opportunity for the young players in our area and across the country to chase professional soccer in the United States,” Sounders U-23 Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky said. “Our Sounders FC Academy staff was excited to help MLS evaluate players that could potentially wear an MLS full team jersey one day.”

The Sounders FC U-23 side returns to training this week and will host Bellevue Community College in an exhibition match on Thursday evening at Surprise Lake Middle School in Milton, WA.  The team opens PDL league play on May 11th against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.  The Sounders FC U-23’s first home game is May 25th against the Victoria Highlanders.  Kickoff for the historic home opener is 7:30 PM at Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma, WA.