The Sounders U18 academy team just wrapped up a massive showing in Mexico City, absolutely tearing through seven different teams from Mexico, Chile, and the USA in the Liga BBVA international youth development tournament. These weren’t your typical friendlies either; the squad, packed with U18 talent and boosted by Tacoma Defiance’s Cris Batiz and U16 phenom Calen Dean, put on a clinic. Each game was a fast-paced 70 minutes, and our boys took every chance to show what they’re made of.
Lucero Is Leaving Defenders In The Dust
Listen, Landon Lucero is just built different. Our academy striker crushed it again, bagging 2 goals and 2 assists in the tournament. His second goal, the one against CF Pachuca in the final game, was pure magic. Goalkeeper Dmitry Johnson sent a monster goal kick flying, and Lucero was already sprinting in behind the backline. He took a couple touches, then perfectly placed a shot in the far post. That’s pure finishing touch right there! But it’s not just the goals, Lucero’s physical dominance and high motor on defense are insane for his age. He’s also becoming a serious creator. Remember that first assist against the Mexico youth national team? He chested down a ball for Jayden Gonzalez, then immediately made a run. He got the through ball, drove straight into the prime assist zone, and delivered a slick cut-back cross right back to Gonzalez to finish. This kid’s ceiling is through the roof, and it’s no surprise he’s already getting minutes with Tacoma Defiance.
Batiz and Sugitani: Defiance Bound?
And what about Cris Batiz? Man, this dude is in every academy highlight reel for a reason. He was an offensive catalyst, hitting the back of the net twice himself. He’s consistently goal-dangerous, but what really gets me is his composure on the ball. Defenders just cannot dispossess him! He showed that aggression beautifully against CF Pachuca too. He got the ball on the side of the box, hit a sick step-over, beat his defender, and earned a corner. That corner? It led directly to the opener, with Patrick Boltz scoring after Batiz’s excellent delivery and a recycled clearance. If he keeps playing like this, it feels like only a matter of time before he’s a full-time Defiance starter, especially since he’s already got a contract. Don’t sleep on Taiki Sugitani either. This rising academy talent really popped in Mexico City with 2 assists. He’s a versatile wide player, mostly playing LWB, and he’s already made appearances with Tacoma Defiance this summer. His best assist against CF Pachuca was another step-over and a perfectly placed cross… man, these kids are electric!
The future for our Sounders is looking incredibly bright with talent like this in the pipeline. With Lucero already playing for Defiance and Batiz knocking on the door, we could see these guys making an even bigger impact soon. Keep an eye on the Tacoma Defiance schedule, because you won’t want to miss these Emerald City stars taking their next big steps.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Sounder at Heart.
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