Sounders FC U-23 News Release -- www.soundersu23.com
Friday, March 29, 2013
TACOMA, Wash. – The Sounders FC U-23 announced three out-of-state signings today for the 2013 PDL campaign. Midfielder Lucas Baldin, forward/midfielder Blake Wise, and forward David Geno will all join the team as newcomers to the Sounders U-23 organization.
Baldin comes to the Sounders U-23 from the University of South Florida, where he will be a junior next year. Baldin appeared in all 19 games for the Bulls in 2012, and scored three goals. The Brazilian born Baldin was raised in Mexico, where he has represented the Mexican Primera Division power Toluca's U-20 team, and also represented Mexico in Germany’s Berlin Games.
"Lucas is a box to box midfielder with great vision and a desire to get to the next level. It will be fun to watch him pull the strings in midfield,” said Head Coach and GM of the Sounders U-23, Darren Sawatzky.
Wise played his last two collegiate seasons for Indiana University before transferring to San Diego State. During his time with the Hoosiers, Wise was selected to the 2011 All-Big Ten Academic Team, and also played with the U.S. U-20 National Team.
"Blake has the pace and dribbling ability to get beyond players,” Sawatzky said. “We are looking for great production from him this summer in the Northwest Division."
Geno will be a senior at East Tennessee State University next fall. In his junior season, he led the Buccaneers in goals and points by setting an ETSU single-season records with nine goals and 21 points. For his efforts, Geno was named the Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year 2012.
"We need a presence up top depending on the formation we play this summer," Sawatzky said. "David adds a different type of forward to the group and his ambition is high. It will be fun to watch him battle with the defenders in this division."
The Sounders U-23 begin their quest to repeat as PDL Northwest Division champs on Thursday, May 16th. They will take on their Cascadia rival Portland Timbers U-23 at JELD-WEN Field at 11:00 a.m. The Sounders U-23s’ first home match takes place May 24th, against the Kitsap Pumas.
For more information on roster, schedules, and the U.S. Open Cup draw, see SoundersU23.com, follow @SoundersU23 on twitter, or like us on Facebook.