The Sounders U-23 soccer team announced the signing of Seattle University midfielder, and Sounders Academy alum, Austin Sweeney for the 2013 PDL season.

In his freshman season for the Redhawks, Sweeney appeared in 17 games, starting 12. His first collegiate goal came during SU’s dramatic 4-3 victory over the University of Portland.

Sweeney played his high school soccer at Todd Beamer High School and he was also a member of the Sounders Academy U-16 and U-18 teams in 2011 and 2012.

“Austin Sweeney had a great academy run here with the Sounders Academy and he is part of the program at Seattle University under Pete Fewing and his staff,” said Head Coach Darren Sawatzky, a Jefferson grad and former Raider coach. “This summer will be an extension of the academy for Austin as we watch him develop and it will be great to get him back in the Rave Green for a few months.”

Sweeney and the Sounders U-23 will face Doxa Italia on May 14 in their opening-round match in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open cup. The match is set for 7 p.m. at Sunset Stadium in Sumner. Then, they will begin their campaign to repeat as PDL Northwest Division champions when they take on the Portland Timbers U-23 in Portland on May 16.

For more information about the Sounders U-23 upcoming PDL season and U.S. Open Cup tickets, visit SoundersU23.com.