Jordan Morris is going back to school.
The Seattle Sounders Academy and prospective United States national team attacker has opted to return to Stanford University for his junior year rather than inking a Homegrown deal with his hometown team, according to a release put out by Stanford men's soccer on Friday afternoon.
"Playing professionally is a dream of mine and I feel that Stanford will prepare me extremely well to realize that goal, but also for life after soccer," Morris said in the release. "I am fortunate to have the opportunity to represent this university both on and off the field and look forward to working with my teammates to make our 2015 season a success."
Sounders sporting director Chris Henderson said in September that he expected to see Morris with the Sounders "pretty soon," though it appears now that the timeline has been extended. Morris, 20, has represented Seattle at several age groups and has translated his success there into several call-ups to the full US national team, including his first cap this autumn.
Morris became the first active collegian since 1995 to receive a cap for the USMNT when he came on in the 76th minute in a friendly against Ireland in Dublin in December. An earlier call up to the national team camp for a Sept. 3 friendly against the Czech Republic in Prague made him the first active collegian to join the USMNT in 15 years.
Originally from Mercer Island, Wash., Morris scored four goals and added six assists in 15 appearances this season for the Cardinal. He was also named to the All Pac-12 First Team.
A Sounders spokesperson gave the following statement when asked about Morris' decision:
"As a general policy, Sounders FC does not publicly comment on player negotiations until there is a formal announcement to be made. As a potential Homegrown Player, Jordan remains of interest to Sounders FC, but the club does not have additional comment at this time."
