S2’s Haitian Hero
Denso Ulysse has been a breakout star for Sounders 2 since arriving from Haiti.
While the season has not gone as planned for Seattle Sounders FC 2, there are some major bright spots for the young team. One of the biggest takeaways from this year will be the emergence of defender Denso Ulysse. After a decent first year with the club in 2017, he has become one of the top young defenders in the USL. “When you have a dream, you focus on your dream. When I came here last year, I knew I was a good footballer, but sometimes when you’re a good footballer and can play professional, it’s different,” Denso explains.
“You meet a new coach, you learn more things and different things. If you meet two coaches, you learn two different things. Last year, I learned some things to drive me forward every time. This year, I said I want to play well, I want to focus, I want to earn assists, and score goals. That’s my objective this year. I wanted to play well for the team, give more energy. That’s why I think this season is the best season of my life. I’ve also played more games this year than last year or in my life before.”
As Denso mentions arriving in Seattle, he is talking about the move from his native Haiti. When I asked the 19-year-old what was the biggest culture shock when he got to the United States, he answers, “For me, I think it’s the good things that are different. The people here are very nice, the food is different, and you work hard to pay for everything to make a living.”
Ulysse was born in Gonaives, Haiti. The city is known as Haiti’s City of Independence due to its major part in the country’s revolution. Denso has played for his country’s U-20 side and he’s ready to make his senior national team debut soon but understands if he must wait. “I’m ready to play for the senior national team in Haiti. I think S2 has helped a lot, as I’ve learned more things professionally, on the field, off the field, and from the coach,” the young defender says. “For now, I’m focusing on this team to play every game at a high level and then to play for the national team. In Haiti, the national team doesn’t give as much of a chance to the younger players to play on the senior team. If they call me to play, I’m ready. If they don’t call me, no problem.”
Ulysse has certainly made a case for himself to be selected to the Haitian national team. He leads S2 in interceptions, tackles won, duels won, and crosses. He has 17 key passes, including two assists. The outside back is a sturdy player in defense and a dangerous one moving forward into the attack.
Denso Ulysse is going to be a star for the Seattle Sounders organization for years, whether you’re ready or not. Like his compatriot, Wyclef Jean said, “I’m not going away fast; I’ve been around for a while, and plan to be around for a while more.”
Photo courtesy of Charis Wilson/Sounders FC
