SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC 2 today announced that it is has signed defender Steve Whyte. A 21-year-old from Australia’s Central Coast Mariners Academy, Whyte reunites with S2 Assistant Coach John Hutchinson, who joined S2 prior to the 2017 season after previously playing and coaching with the A-League’s Mariners. He is set to arrive in Seattle next week, while S2 visits Portland Timbers 2 on Thursday evening (7:30 p.m. PT / Live-streamed on SoundersFC.com).

“We are very pleased Coach Hutchinson was able to connect the club with Steve,” Sounders FC Director of Player Personnel Kurt Schmid said. “He brings talent to our group of left-backs, which is an area we identified that needed improvement.”

Whyte has spent the past six seasons with Central Coast Mariners’ academy system, where he served as captain of the A-League team’s youth sides. He also starred in the Foxtel National Youth League team for one season. The defender has spent the past two years performing under the direction of Mariners Academy Head Coach Ben Cahn, who connected Whyte with Hutchinson. This resulted in his eventual signing with the club ahead of tonight’s USL contest in Portland.

“When Steve trialed with us, we immediately saw his potential,” said Hutchinson. “We’re glad he decided to come over and see what he can do in our organization.”

S2, currently tied for 10th place in the Western Conference with a record of 8-13-2, visits Portland Timbers 2 on Thursday, August 17 (7:30 p.m. PT / Live-streamed on Sounders FC.com).

TRANSACTION: Defender Steve Whyte signed to S2’s roster on August 17, 2017.

Name: Steve Whyte

Position: Defender

Height: 6-0

Weight: 174

Born: July 24, 1996 in Queensland, Australia

Citizenship: Australia

Pronunciation: White

Acquired: Signed to S2’s roster on August 17, 2017

S2’s current roster is listed below by positional breakdown.

CURRENT SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 2 ROSTER

Defenders (5): Rodrigue Ele, Brian Nana-Sinkam, Sam Rogers, Denso Ulysse, Steve Whyte

Midfielders (8): Guy Edoa, Azriel Gonzalez, Shandon Hopeau, Francisco Narbon, David Olsen, Lorenzo Ramos, Charles Renken, Ray Saari

Forwards (3): Felix Chenkam, Irvin Parra, Javorn Stevens