Sounders FC 2 Signs Midfielder Danny Leyva to Professional Contract for 2019 Season

Published on October 16, 2018 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Tacoma Defiance News Release

SEATTLE, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC 2 today announced that it has signed midfielder Danny Leyva to a professional contract for the 2019 season. The signing is pending USL and U.S. Soccer Federation approval. The 15-year-old was part of the Sounders FC Academy U-17 squad that won the USSDA National Championship in July, and appeared in one match for S2 this season in which he played the full 90 minutes.

"We've been really pleased with Danny's development," said Sounders FC Director of Player Development Marc Nicholls. "He's a rangy midfielder who has an eye for goal and is very capable as a defensive player and ball-winner. He's a highly intelligent player and has a maturity beyond his years in terms of his decision-making."

On September 29, Leyva became the youngest player in club history to start a USL match, and the second-youngest in league history to earn a start. He took one shot, completed 35-of-44 passes and recorded two interceptions in 90 minutes at San Antonio FC. Leyva played with the Sounders U-15 and U-17 teams last season and compiled 11 goals and 13 assists across all competitions. He began playing two years up with the U-17s during the first round of Generation adidas Cup this season, and played a crucial role for the club as they won the GA Cup and USSDA national championship.

"Danny is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder," said S2 Head Coach John Hutchinson. "He is already a very polished player for his age, and we're excited to watch how he improves with us next season."

Transaction: Sounders FC 2 signs midfielder Danny Leyva to a contract for the 2019 USL season.

Name: Danny Leyva

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-10

Weight: 115

Born: May 5, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Citizenship: United States

Seattle Sounders FC 2 midfielder Danny Leyva (Quinn Width / Sounders FC)

United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 16, 2018

• Nashville SC Playoff Game to Air on MyTV30 on Saturday - Nashville SC
• Defender Carter Manley Named to Final USL Team of the Week of the 2018 Regular Season - Las Vegas Lights FC
• FCC's Bone Earns Spot on USL Team of the Week - FC Cincinnati
• Brace against Charlotte Powers Rios to USL Team of the Week - North Carolina FC
• Allen Named to Final USL Team of the Week - Nashville SC
• Louisville's Lancaster Voted USL Player of the Week - USL
• Sounders FC 2 Signs Midfielder Danny Leyva to Professional Contract for 2019 Season - Tacoma Defiance
• Switchbacks FC Midfielder Sam Hamilton Recalled by Colorado Rapids - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
• LouCity to Hold Pep Rally for USL Playoff Run - Louisville City FC

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Tacoma Defiance Stories

• Osaze de Rosario Named 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Pathway Player of the Year
• Tacoma Defiance Mutually Terminates Contracts of Lars Helleren and Joonmo Kang
• Tacoma Defiance Parts Ways with Head Coach Hervé Diese
• Tacoma Defiance Loans Ryan Baer to the Richmond Kickers
• Tacoma Defiance Draws, 1-1, with Minnesota United FC 2, Wins Ensuing Shootout