Six Players Trial for MLS Academy through 'Homegrown' Partnership with Seattle Sounders FC
WAILUKU, MAUI – On October 11-14, six Hawai‘i players were on trial with the MLS Academy – Seattle Sounders FC. The 2005-2007-born players earned the opportunity to compete for a roster spot after impressing Seattle Sounders FC Academy Director, Gary Lewis at the Hawaiian Football Showcase of Talents held on Maui.
Zyan “Slim” Ha-Ahu (Hawai‘i Rush SC; Hilo, Hawai‘i Island)
Masen Heu (Albion SC Hawai‘i; Makawao, Maui)
Kekoa Kiesling (Hawai‘i Rush SC; Wailuku, Maui)
Kai Martin (Hawaiʻi Rush SC; ‘Ewa Beach, Oʻahu)
S. Parker Patterson (Hawai‘i Rush SC; Hilo, Hawai‘i Island)
Logan Zaa (Hawai‘i Rush SC; Honolulu, O‘ahu)
The Hawaiian Football Showcase – held on July 9-11 – was the culmination event assembled through the selection of top 15- and 17-Boys who attended Ke Kikowaena Lauaki (Talent Centers) on Maui, Hawai‘i Island, and O‘ahu between November 2020 and June 2021. Talent Center invites were powered by Hui Kanaka Pōwāwae
(“Hawaiian Football Federation”) Partner Leagues – the Major Island Soccer Organization Junior League on O‘ahu; and the Hawai‘i Soccer Federation and Hawai‘i Futsal on Maui, Kaua‘i, and Hawai‘i Island. Four of the six players called into trial are Native Hawaiian.
“When you look across the U.S., I’m delighted we got to choose Hawaiʻi – in terms of the outdoor lifestyle that you have, life balance, agility, and now, the way that soccer is changing in Hawaiʻi. It gives us a real kind of hope that we can bring more and more players over to be successful with the Sounders organization.”
The elite player program and high-performance pathway to experience the professional football environment was provided by Kanaka Pōwāwae and the Seattle Sounders FC at no charge – excluding the cost of travel – based on the program’s founding principle that player identification and development should be free.
Showcase activities included a virtual presentation with Hawaiian Football coaches, players, and parents on the Sounders’ vision, methodology, and professional pathway.
GARY LEWIS | ACADEMY DIRECTOR, SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC:
It’s a privilege to be involved with the Hawaiian Football organization. When I spoke with Vernon [Kapua‘ala] and Ian [Mork] – Hawai‘i being the Sounders’ territory – it was important for me to get involved.
This is not just a one-and-done. This is something we want to build as a relationship. We’ve had some players in the past that have
come over, being really successful – Jack Jeremiah being the latest. We’ve also got Danny Jackson with us, and Shandon Hopeau – so we’ve got some history with players from Hawai‘i...
“The fact that you get to come together, and play with the best of Hawaiʻi...that’s unheard of, and that’s what gives me a lot of pride – seeing how the organization around soccer has evolved.”
When you look across the U.S., I’m delighted we got to choose Hawai‘i – in terms of the outdoor lifestyle that you have, life balance, agility, and now, the way that soccer is changing in Hawai‘i. It gives us a real kind of hope that we can bring more and more players over to be successful with the Sounders organization.
Maui-born player and former Seattle Sounders FC Defender, Zach Scott, also made an appearance to help bring the professional football experience closer to home.
ZACH SCOTT | 15-YEAR PLAYER, SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC:
I’m definitely proud of my playing career, but I think I’m even more proud of the fact that I grew up on Maui.
Growing up in Hawai‘i...soccer wasn’t the biggest thing. There weren’t many opportunities. You played with the 15 guys in
your community – I grew up in Haʻikū – the 15 guys in Ha‘ikū. If you could field a team, that was your team, through and through. The fact that you get to come together, and play with the best of Hawai‘i...that’s unheard of, and that’s what gives me a lot of pride – seeing how the organization around soccer has evolved.
The amount of people that have invested time – like Ian, Gary, the Kapua‘ala family – it gives me a lot of joy, cause I know you guys are set up even better than when I had to grind it out.
Scott began his career with the organization after signing with the USL-1 Sounders in 2002. Followed by two months on trial, Scott signed with the Seattle Sounders FC after the expansion team joined the MLS in 2008. Spending 15-years as a one-club man, Scott “was happy to retire when the Sounders won their first [MLS Cup] trophy” in 2016. Known fondly as “Mr. Sounder” – a title garnished because of his character, attitude, work ethic, and longevity through the Sounders’ transition from the USL to MLS.
Today, the Seattle Sounders FC is well recognized for being one of the best in its development of young, aspiring professionals. Current S2 Midfielder, Shandon Hopeau – currently on loan with the USL side San Antonio FC – credits the former Sounders standout for sparking his dream. “I was inspired by Zach Scott because he’s from Maui. He inspired me to come [to Seattle] and try to pursue a professional career.”
“The leadership of Gary Lewis and the Sounders organization is an ideal environment for our Hawaiʻi players. We appreciate their support and willingness to help create a professional pathway for our players. The recent trial for our six players is a well-deserved opportunity and we are happy for them. I am confident that trial experience will help each of them reach their full potential as players and more importantly, as young men.”
JACK-RYAN JEREMIAH | ACADEMY PLAYER, SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC:
It’s truly a professional environment – from the trainers, coaching, the facility, curriculum, philosophies – it’s just been a real pleasure. When you’re there, you’re always fighting for a spot – you’re always trying to take the guy’s jersey in front of you. This past tournament, I was captain, but there’s always another step forward. Now I’m pushing forward for the next team – the U-17 team….
What’s special about the Sounders is that they’re moving players around so much – they have 17’s going up to [Tacoma] Defiance; Defiance players that are moving up to the first team. There’s a lot of movement and that gives you a sense of hope – that I could be that man. It’s always striving to be playing and to be the best. It’s just a mentality you have to have.
Upon conclusion of his four-day trial, O‘ahu-born player, Kai Martin, reflected by stating:
My biggest takeaway is that soccer isn’t only about skill; it’s also about your attitude towards getting better. My mentality has changed a lot. I grew a lot more confident and my work rate changed to try to match the environment at Kanaka Pōwāwae/Seattle Sounders FC.
Hawai‘i Island-born player, S. Parker Patterson, responded stating:
My first impression of training with Coach Ian and Gary was that they are extremely knowledgeable about the game. They know how each position should be played properly, the intensity of each moment, and the small details that make the difference between a good player and a great player.
The youngest player invited to trial – Hawaiʻi Island-born – Zyan “Slim” Ha-Ahu, added:
Coach [Ian] is very helpful and encouraging. He answered some questions I had about the Seattle Sounders trial. He told me some things I could work on tactically, and how to work on them. Next, he told me that the hardest part
would be mentally, and don’t get caught up in your head too much. When I gave him a call he was encouraging and pushed self-confidence. When I got to Seattle his words of encouragement helped me perform better because when I got on the field I was confident and more relaxed.
IAN MORK | TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, KANAKA PŌWĀWAE:
I am excited for the future of the game in Hawai‘i. Our partnership with the Sounders will benefit many of our future generations by creating a professional pathway. This pathway provides incentive and exposes our players to the demands of a professional ‘performance’ environment. It is a vital step in the developmental process and will help our top talents reach their full potential.
I had the opportunity to scout Shandon Hopeau – as a U.S. Soccer Scout – before he signed as a professional. I also coached Dan Jackson [id² National Selection International Team] and Jack Jeremiah [id² Training Camp and ICC Futures Regional Tryout] before they arrived at the Sounders, and we spoke about their aspirations to compete in a professional environment. Including Zach Scott, they are all great examples for our future generations who aspire to become professionals.
This is just the beginning of our programming, and we appreciate the support from our soccer community in Hawai‘i thus far. Our top players in Hawai‘i have the potential to play at a professional level, and we hope to have more of them become professional players in the future!
VERNON KAPUA‘ALA | PRESIDENT & CEO, KANAKA PŌWĀWAE:
As Hawaiians, when someone proclaims our home ‘their territory’, it naturally brings about unease. It’s part of our national consciousness to feel a sense of mistrust. I think we were the last to find out that Hawai‘i became the Sounders’ territory.
Now knowing Gary – of his work at the [Philadelphia] Union; his growth and leadership at Liverpool [FC]; being a patriot to his hometown and wholehearted supporter of his club – has helped to set our minds at ease. With all of his achievements and accolades, he is an incredibly humble guy.
Through the process, we also learned that ‘humility’ and ʻcommunity’ are some of the fundamental values that drive the Academy; and that their vision and professional pathway prioritizes long-term development overall. Our confidence has significantly grown in knowing that we are sending players to good and capable hands – with Gary at the helm of our ʻhomegrown’ futures.
My only advice [to all of our players] is to keep working hard in all aspects of the game – on and off the pitch. It is your kuleana (“responsibility”) to your parents, your coaches, your club, your team; it shows gratitude for your gifts – your talent. Most of all, stay humble. Those are some of the best qualities of being raised in Hawai‘i. That is being ʻhomegrown’. That is being Hawaiian.