Sounders FC U-23 News Release -- www.soundersu23.com
Thursday, April 18, 2013
TACOMA, Wash. – The Sounders FC U-23 announced today that Machael David, a midfielder from UC Santa Barbara, has been signed for the 2013 Premier Development League season.
David's story is one that has been beautifully chronicled by Graham Parker in Grantland. This is article concludes with David being selected by Colorado Rapids in the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft. A lot has happened for David since January and he has aims to use the 2013 PDL season with Sounders U-23 as a launching pad to something great.
Anyone that has spent more than a few minutes with David has surely been struck by his enthusiasm, passion and generosity. This is a young man that has overcome many obstacles, but remains resolute and focused on proving himself as a professional soccer player.
"He is an exciting and quality player with a bright future, but better, is a wonderful person with a story of strength and perseverance," said Sounders U-23 Technical Director, Michael Jennings.
For the first time in nearly two years, David is healthy, and ready to showcase his abilities that made him such a sought after player, out of Gig Harbor High School. It has been a frustrating couple of years for the talented midfielder. While many players would have loved the opportunity to participate in the MLS Combine and better yet, get drafted, David knew he was not at his best.
"I was coming back from an injury two years in a row and I wasn't really prepared," David said. "I wasn't ready for the combine; I was just getting through my rehab. It didn't work out in Colorado but I'm really glad to be back here in Seattle."
Looking for a fresh start, David reached-out to a couple Seattle-area coaches for guidance and support, Brian Schmetzer, Seattle Sounders FC Assistant Coach and Darren Sawatzky, Sounders U-23 Head Coach and GM.
“We are excited that Machael has come back to the northwest to work his way up the soccer ladder. He is a very talented player that we have been watching for more than a decade now. His demeanor both on and off the field will make the summer enjoyable,” said Sawatzky.
With a support structure in place and enjoying the comforts of home, David is excited to join the reigning Western Conference Champions.
"I want to win something; in college, I never actually won something and I want to do it here,” David said. “I'm excited to be here!"
A box-to-box midfielder, who works both sides of the ball, you can expect to see a lot of excitement and enthusiasm in his play.
"When I'm playing, if I'm not talking, I'm not happy and soccer makes me happy! Soccer is like therapy for me--when I'm on the field, I like to talk. I like to communicate. I'm very crafty, I like to work hard and help my teammates be better players. Expect a hard working player," said Machael David, of what fans can expect to see from him this upcoming season.
And so, the story of Machael David continues; a new chapter in the life of a remarkable young man, looking to fulfill a dream.
"People think of me with the injuries that I've had and I want to prove myself and help the team to win," David said. "This is an audition for me--for me to show the coaches I'm back!"
For more information on roster signings, schedule and U.S. Open Cup draw, visit SoundersU23.com, follow us on Twitter: @SoundersU23, or 'Like' us on Facebook.