Article content

After a split against the Portland Timbers academy team in the Rose City last week, Foothills FC, the USL2 Northwest Division leaders, prepare to play host to another Major League Soccer academy, the Seattle Sounders Under-23 team, on Friday at Mount Royal University Stadium Field (7 p.m.).

The two soccer squads then rematch Sunday afternoon at Mount Royal (2 p.m.).

The Sounders U23 team has played in USL League Two for the past seven seasons and has helped more than 60 players move on to professional contracts.

The Sounders U23s are the amateur affiliate of 2016 MLS Cup champion Seattle Sounders FC and Tacoma Defiance of the USL championship.

They have had consistent success in 2008 and 2012 when they won the Northwest Division final, as well as being in the top half of the table in most seasons.

The club finished second in the standings to Foothills in 2018.

In turning their sights toward the Sounders, the Calgary side’s opening win of the year was on the road against the Seattle squad on May 17. The only goal of the match came on a free kick in the 85th minute by midfielder Dan Hayfield.

“They were the biggest team I’ve seen in my life,” said Foothills head coach Leon Hapgood. “They were very direct with their play and very solid. The game could have gone either way. Dan scored a great goal for us late.

“It’s going to be a physically tough weekend for us. As an experienced squad with a consistent pipeline of professional players, they pose a threat each and every time they step on the pitch.”