Seattle Sounders: How rejection led Danny Reynolds to Seattle

One of the most disappointing moments in Danny Reynolds’ playing career set off a chain of events which resulted in him being drafted by the Seattle Sounders. Here is the story of how the second-round pick ended up in the Pacific Northwest.

You’ve probably heard how moments of failure or rejection — while painful at the time — can often be a blessing in disguise. They are inspiring, lifting, spurring stories of perseverance, resilience, determination and human faith. And for the Seattle Sounders, they are now the destination of one of these heartening stories.

Last week, the Seattle Sounders selected Danny Reynolds in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft. Being selected 35th overall by the Sounders was undoubtedly a proud moment for Reynolds. However, it only came about due to one of the most disappointing moments in his playing career.

The Shilton, England native was on a scholarship with Cheltenham Town FC between 2013 and 2015. However, he narrowly missed out on a professional contract to remain with the club.

Understandably, Reynolds was disappointed, ‘I wanted to get a contract with Cheltenham and I thought I should have, but it wasn’t meant to be’, he told John Palmer of Gloucestershire Live.

However, the rejection actually set off a chain of events that would eventually lead Reynolds to Seattle. After leaving Cheltenham, he traveled over to the United States and went to the University of Louisville, where he played for the Cardinals. The 22-year-old spent three seasons with the Cardinals. During his time there, he played in 40 games — starting 34 — and even provided some offense with three goals and six assists.

Reynolds then moved on to the University of North Carolina-Wilmington to play two seasons with the Seahawks. It was here that he really started to get himself noticed. Reynolds started 27 of the 33 games he appeared in and once more showed his ability in attack with six goals and eight assists. He was also excellent defensively. His performances earned him a number of accolades, including being named the Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year as a redshirt senior.

The full-back also earned First-Team All-CAA and NCCSIA All-State recognition during his final year with the Seahawks, cementing his place as a defender to watch out for. As a result, he became just the second player in UNCW men’s soccer history to be selected in the MLS SuperDraft.

In addition, Reynolds showed his academic pedigree by completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. However, it is his footballing skills which he will rely on at this stage of his life and he couldn’t be happier.

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Reynolds admits that coming to the United States was the right move. As per Palmer, he said:

"“I love the fact that I made the decision to come here and that it has allowed me to grow as a player to be ready now. The lifestyle is amazing and it’s a lot higher standard of football than people from England may think.”"

The next chapter of Reynolds’ playing career will now see him attempt to make an impact in Seattle. Again reported by Palmer, he said:

"“The aim is now to try and earn an MLS contract. They only allow eight internationals on any MLS squad so it will be hard, but hopefully (I can) earn myself one and continue to progress.”"

One of the aspects which could well help Reynolds is the current lack of defensive depth for the Rave Green. This is highlighted by only one of the starting back four for the MLS Cup being under contract — although negotiations are ongoing between the Sounders and Kim Kee-hee.

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However, even without this potential advantage, you wouldn’t want to bet against Reynolds. With his combination of talent, accolades and ability to overcome adversity, he has an excellent chance of succeeding in Seattle.

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