North Sound SeaWolves News Release -- www.seawolvesfc.com
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
EDMONDS, Wa. — North Sound SeaWolves forward Abduwali Aman’s soccer career has taken another large step forward as the 23-year-old recently trained with the Ethiopian National Team as it prepares for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Aman was one of 31 players in camp in Addis Ababa and made his first appearance in an international game in late December when Ethiopia defeated Niger 1-0 in a friendly. He was among the final three cuts as the team trimmed to 23.
“We’re so excited for Abdul,” SeaWolves owner/coach Alex Silva said. “He’s worked so hard to get to this level and this was an incredible experience for him.”
Aman has played for the Edmonds-based SeaWolves the past two seasons, scoring nine goals, including a team-leading five in 2012. After the 2011 season he received a scholarship to play for the University of Washington and played two years for the Huskies, scoring twice in 2012. He was also selected by the Seattle Sounders in the 2012 Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft, spending time in training camp with the club.
“Abdul represents what our club is about,” Silva said. “He continues to show that if you put in the work, the SeaWolves can be a great way to further your career. I’m very proud of him.”
By being included in the player pool for the national team, Aman is now in solid position for consideration to be called back to the team for World Cup qualifiers and, should the team make it, to potentially play in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Silva’s home country.
“What a dream it would be to have one of my players playing in the World Cup in my home country,” Silva said.
Aman is now considering professional offers in Europe and Africa and is awaiting the results of the upcoming MLS SuperDraft taking place on Jan. 17.
“He has a great future,” Silva said. “He’s been working towards a professional contract for a long time and now it looks like it’s going to happen for him, and we couldn’t be more proud.”
The SeaWolves are a member of the Northwest Division of the Premier Development League, the highest level of amateur soccer in the United States. The team plays its home games at Edmonds Stadium from late May through early August.