Seattle Sounders FC recently nabbed Hawai'i as part of their official catchment area. That move is already paying off as 15-year-old wonderkid Easi Easley signed with the Sounders Academy. Easley had trialed with Chievo Verona of Serie A and had interest from West Ham United, but chose to follow in the footsteps of Zach Scott and come to Seattle per West Hawai'i Today.

"I was very excited and I couldn't quite ponder they were offering," Easley said. "It is a big deal and it is a dream come true."

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The Sounders program will require Easley to live in Seattle for 10 months out of the year. He will train, eat, sleep and go to school in Seattle. Practices will be held on a regular basis.

After trialing with the Italian club, Easley came to Seattle where he impressed Sounders Academy Technical Director Marc Nichols.

"I felt he was a good passer, neat in possession, and aways looking to get on the ball," Nichols said. "He had good characteristics of a midfield player. He was in good position to receive the ball and made good use of it when he got it."

Easley now has the opportunity to follow the paths of Zach and Daniel Scott, Brian Ching and Bobby Wood as pro soccer players from the island state.