The Sounders Wednesday signed forward Seyi Adekoya and midfielder Henry Wingo as Homegrown Players. Both are Sounders FC Academy products, played in the Pac-12 Conference (Adekoya at UCLA, Wingo at Washington), and will join the first team in time for preseason training camp.
“We’re pleased to add two promising young players to our roster as we head into the opening of preseason training camp,” said Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey. “It’s vital that we continue to build from the Academy and we look forward to seeing what Seyi and Henry can bring to the table.”
Adekoya, 21, recorded 20 goals and eight assists in three seasons for the Bruins, including 12 as a sophomore in 2015. The Seattle native was a three-time All-Pac-12 selection, including first team honors in 2015, in addition to freshman All-America recognition in 2014. The Lakeside High School graduate previously played for the Sounders FC Academy U-18 squad in the 2013-14 campaign.
Wingo, also 21, spent three seasons at the University of Washington, making 56 appearances and earning All-Pac-12 second-team honors in 2015 and 2016. The Shorecrest High School grad played at least 18 matches in each of his three seasons with the Huskies, starting 35 of 37 of his appearances in 2015 and 2016. Prior to his time at Washington, Wingo spent the 2012-13 and 2013-14 campaigns with the Sounders FC Academy.
Adekoya and Wingo join seven other players as Sounders Homegrown Player signings. U.S. Men’s National Team defender DeAndre Yedlin was the club’s first Homegrown Player in 2012. The club then signed current Sounders midfielder Aaron Kovar and former forward Sean Okoli in 2013, before adding forwards Victor Mansaray and Darwin Jones in 2014. Last season, Seattle signed University of Denver midfielder Jordan Schweitzer and Stanford forward Jordan Morris to Homegrown deals.