My Press Experience

SOUNDERS FC: Community Sheild Match Wednesday

2012-02-27T10:38:00.004-08:00

Support the Sounders FC Community Partners during the 3rd Annual SFC Community Shield Match presented by adidas.

Admission to this year's match is free but fans are encouraged to make a $5 or $10 cash donation at the gates with 100 percent of the donations benefiting the Sounders FC Community Partners.

Community Shield presented by adidas

Sounders FC vs. Jaguares de Chiapas

Wednesday| 7PM | CenturyLink Field

SOUNDERS FC: Upcoming Schedule

2012-02-21T11:21:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Competition Schedule (times are Pacific & subject to change)

Wednesday, March 7, 7 p.m. - Sounders FC v Santos Laguna, Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals - first leg

Wednesday, March 14, 5 p.m. - Sounders FC at Santos Laguna, CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals - second leg

Saturday, March 17, 7 p.m. - Sounders FC v Toronto FC, Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field, Seattle

SOUNDERS FC: 2 of my Favorites

2012-02-17T16:30:00.000-08:00

Wish them both all the best. True talent, awesome guys, always a Sounder.

SOUNDERS FC: Fucito and Lamar to Impact

2012-02-17T16:18:00.001-08:00

Sounders FC Trades for Eddie Johnson

Seattle Sends Mike Fucito and Lamar Neagle to Montreal

RENTON, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC has traded for U.S. international forward Eddie Johnson, the club announced today. Johnson was selected by the Montreal Impact today with the No. 1 pick in Major League Soccer's allocation process.

In exchange, Seattle sent forward Mike Fucito and midfielder Lamar Neagle to Montreal.

Johnson, 27, signed with MLS earlier this week after spending much of the past five years with Fulham of the English Premier League.

"Eddie is a high quality striker who is a very good finisher," said Sounders FC technical director Chris Henderson, who coached Johnson at Kansas City. "We are very excited to have him join Sounders FC in our quest for another successful season."

A member of the U.S. National Team since scoring in his debut in October 2004, Johnson has made 41 appearances with 12 goals for the senior team. He has scored eight goals in only nine FIFA World Cup qualifying appearances, and is the only U.S. player to score a hat trick coming off the bench (October 13, 2004).

Johnson became the first player in national team history to score in each of his first four appearances, three of which were 2006 World Cup qualifying matches. He is one of the most prolific scorers in U.S. Youth National Team history, tallying 37 career goals in 51 international youth games with the U-17s, U-20s and U-23s.

"It's always difficult to part ways with two quality individuals who have contributed greatly to the success of our first three years," said Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid. "We saw this as a unique opportunity to bring a player in with World Cup and international experience who can help us in our quest to win the MLS Cup."

A native of Daytona Beach, Fla., Johnson returns to MLS where he began his professional career. He played four seasons for FC Dallas before joining Kansas City for two seasons, scoring 41 goals with 13 assists in 127 MLS appearances.

The six-foot forward spent four seasons with Fulham, signing with the EPL side in 2007. He made 19 appearances with the senior team. Johnson was loaned to English League Championship side Cardiff City for the 2008-09 season where he appeared in 30 games and scored two goals. In 2009 he was loaned to Aris of the Greek Super League, appearing in 12 games with one goal. Johnson's stint in Europe ended with a loan to Championship side Preston North End where he scored one goal in 16 appearances.

Johnson will join the team on Saturday in Florida.

Fucito, 25, was selected by Seattle in the fourth round (46^th overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. In his three seasons with Sounders FC, he scored three goals with two assists in 23 appearances. Fucito added five goals with one assist in the 2010 and 2011 CONCACAF Champions League and also scored two goals in the 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Neagle, 24, was signed by Sounders FC on March 2, 2011. A native of Federal Way, Wash. he scored five goals with two assists in 23 league appearances in 2011, and added a goal in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Neagle was named MLS Player of the Week in August for his hat trick against the Columbus Crew.

Sounders FC hosts Mexico's Santos Laguna in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals on March 7. Seattle opens MLS play on March 17 against Toronto FC on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field.

Transaction:Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) - Traded FW Mike Fucito and MF Lamar Neagle to Montreal Impact for FW Eddie Johnson

EDDIE JOHNSON

Position: Forward

Height: 6-0

Weight: 179

Birthdate: 3/31/1984

Birthplace (citizenship): Daytona Beach, Florida (United States)

Hometown: Dayton Beach, Florida

Previous Clubs: FC Dallas (2000-2005), Kansas City (2006-2007), Fulham (2007-2011; loan to Cardiff City, 2008-2009; loan to Aris, 2010; loan to Preston North End, 2011)

- SOUNDERS FC -

SOUNDERS FC: Single Match Tickets On Sale Now

2012-02-13T10:21:00.000-08:00

Get your tickets here

SOUNDERS FC: 2012 Kickoff Luncheon

2012-02-10T09:15:00.000-08:00

Sounders FC Announce Details for Kickoff Luncheon and Training Session

RENTON, Wash. - The Sounders FC announced today limited seating is available for the team's third annual Kickoff Luncheon to be held at CenturyLink Field on Friday, March 9 from 12:30-1:45 p.m. Fans will have the opportunity to meet players, coaches and members of the new Sounders FC broadcast team, Ross Fletcher and Kasey Keller, in addition to supporting the club's charity partners. Guests will sit with Sounders FC players, coaches, and team executives.

Fans attending the lunch are also invited to attend the Sounders FC training session from 11-11:30 a.m. The session will be followed by a question/answer session with members of the front office.

Tables of 10 include eight guests, plus two Sounders FC personnel (players, coaches, or team executives). Each table costs $800 and individual tickets are available for $100.

To purchase a table please register online at www.soundersfc.com or contact Tiffany Green atTiffanyG@SeahawksSoundersFC.com or (425) 203-8013.

Proceeds from the Kickoff Luncheon ticket sales and silent auction will benefit the five Sounders FC charity partners including: America SCORES Seattle, Boys & Girls Clubs (King Co. & Bellevue), Special Olympics Washington, Washington Global Health and Washington Youth Soccer.

For more information visit http://www.soundersfc.com/kickoffluncheon

See photos from last year's luncheon here

SOUNDERS FC: Single Match Tickets on Sale Monday

2012-02-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

Sounders FC Single Match Tickets to Go on Sale Monday

Limited number of season tickets still available

RENTON, Wash. - Single-match tickets for the fourth Seattle Sounders FC MLS season will go on sale to the public on Monday, February 13 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available through SoundersFC.com, all Ticketmaster Outlets, CenturyLink Field Box Office or by calling 877-MLS-GOAL. Ticket availability on a match-by-match basis is limited.

A limited number of 2012 season tickets are available, including seating in the Hawk's Nest, please contact the Sounders FC Ticket Office at 877-MLS-GOAL (877-657-4625) orwww.SoundersFC.com.

All Sounders FC league matches not aired nationally will be carried live in high definition on KING-5 or KONG-6/16. All locally broadcast matches will also be aired either live outside of Seattle or on a delayed basis throughout Washington on ROOT SPORTS™. Each match will also be aired live on the radio home of Sounders FC, News Talk 97.3 KIRO FM.

Sounders FC first regular season MLS match is on March 17 versus Toronto FC on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.soundersfc.com.

SOUNDERS FC: Community Shield Match 2012

2012-02-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

Sounders FC Announce Community Shield Match on February 29

Event will be free of charge but fans can 'pay it forward' to local charity partners

RENTON, Wash. - The Seattle Sounders FC announced plans for the club's third annual "Community Shield" match which will take place on Wednesday, February 29 at 7 p.m. on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field. The Sounders FC will face the Jaguares de Chiapas of the Primera División de México in a preseason match. This year's match will be free of charge but the team is encouraging fans to pay it forward. Donations will be accepted at the gates for the team's charity partners.

Proceeds from the match will benefit the team's five community partners: America SCORES Seattle, Boys & Girls Clubs (King Co. & Bellevue), Special Olympics Washington, Washington Global Health and Washington Youth Soccer.

The Community Shield match is presented by adidas. During a halftime presentation, adidas will make a $2,000 donation to Sounders FC community partners and will host many of their youth soccer clubs at the match.

Gates will open at 6 p.m. Seating is first come, first serve throughout the lower east bowl.

The model for the event is based upon the "Charity or Community Shield" matches in England, where they are a long standing tradition featuring the champions of the FA Premier League against the winners of the FA Cup with all proceeds going to charity.

Sounders FC first regular season MLS match is on March 17 versus Toronto FC on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.SoundersFC.com.

SOUNDERS FC: Sounders vs. Santos Laguna on Sale 10am

2012-01-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0F004829AEB23908&brand=soundersfc&cfc_soundersfc_10506

SOUNDERS FC: CCL Tickets On Sale Monday

2012-01-26T10:47:00.000-08:00

Tickets to Sounders FC vs. Santos Laguna Go On Sale Monday

RENTON, Wash. - Tickets for the Seattle Sounders FC versus Santos Laguna match will go on sale on Monday, January 30 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at www.SoundersFC.com.

Seattle will host Mexico's Santos Laguna in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals on March 7 on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field. The second leg will be played on March 14 in Torreon, Mexico.

To purchase 2012 season tickets, including seating in the Hawk's Nest, please contact the Sounders FC Ticket Office at 877-MLS-GOAL (877-657-4625) or www.SoundersFC.com.

For more information visit www.SoundersFC.com

SOUNDERS FC: Sounders Allign with U-23 PDL Franchise

2012-01-25T11:43:00.001-08:00

Sounders FC Aligns With U-23 PDL Franchise

RENTON, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC announced today that it has added an Under-23 Premier Development League (PDL) team to its Youth Development Program. The Sounders FC U-23s will be coached by Darren Sawatzky, Sounders FC director of youth development, and will begin play in May.

Sounders FC U-23 will be operated by Pierce County business leaders Lane Smith and Cliff McElroy, who purchased the former Tacoma Tide FC and Sounders Women franchises in November. The Tide, who will now be known as Sounders FC U-23, has been a member of the PDL's Northwest Division since 2006.

The Sounders FC U-23s will play their home matches in Pierce County. The venue for the games will be announced at a later date.

"By now having an affiliated PDL program, Sounders FC has added an additional piece to our Youth Development Program, creating a bridge between our academy teams and our Major League Soccer first team," said General Manager Adrian Hanauer. "This allows our college-age players to continue their development and further prepare themselves for the opportunity to compete at the highest possible level and potentially wear the Rave Green someday at CenturyLink Field."

The Sounders FC Academy, consisting of boys U-15/16 and U-17/18 teams in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, is now in its second season of play.

"Pierce County has a rich soccer heritage and we are excited to partner with the Sounders to be able to offer Pierce County soccer fans a high-level game experience," said Sounders FC U-23 co-owner Lane Smith. "The Sounders FC affiliation will allow the U-23 PDL team greater access to top local soccer talent as well as the best college players across the United States" said Smith.

"We are pleased to have Darren Sawatzky as the U-23 coach. Darren has been successful as an MLS player and USL assistant coach as well as the director of the Sounders Youth Development Program. Darren grew up in Federal Way and he has strong ties to the local soccer community," Smith said.

"Coaching the Sounders FC U-23s is an exciting opportunity for me," said Sawatzky. "It will be great to watch these players grow and compete at this level and chase the dream of playing at the top level. I look forward to getting started."

-SOUNDERS FC-

SOUNDERS FC: Cordell Cato Added to the Squad

2012-01-18T11:12:00.001-08:00

Sounders FC Signs Trinidad & Tobago U20 Forward

RENTON, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC have signed forward Cordell Cato, it was announced today. Cato will be officially added to the Sounders FC roster upon receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Clearance (ITC). Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed.

Cato, 19, is a native of Trinidad and Tobago and was chosen to his country's squad for the 2011 CONCACAF U-20 Championships. He most recently played with Port of Spain's Defence Force FC. Cato joined that club as a youth before later moving to San Juan Jabloteh FC.

"Cordell provides us speed and versatility as he can play on the flank and up front," said Sigi Schmid, Sounders FC head coach. "He's a young player with a good future."

Cato had trained with Sounders FC last summer.

Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) - Signed FW Cordell Cato

Cordell Cato

Position: Forward

Height: 5-9

Weight: 150

Birthdate: 7/15/1992

Place of Birth: Carenage, Trinidad

Hometown (Citizenship): Carenage, Trinidad (Trinidad & Tobago)

Last Club: Defence Force FC (2011)

Previous Clubs: Defence Force FC (youth team, 2003-08), San Juan Jabloteh FC (2009-10)

- SOUNDERS FC -

SOUNDERS FC: Supplemental Draft Outcome

2012-01-17T15:12:00.000-08:00

Sounders FC Selects Four Players in MLS Supplemental Draft

Seattle Acquires Andy Rose in Trade with Real Salt Lake

RENTON, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC selected four players in Tuesday's Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft. In a related move, Seattle also acquired the rights to UCLA midfielder Andy Rose from Real Salt Lake in exchange for the rights to defender Leone Cruz, taken 21^st overall in 2011 MLS SuperDraft. Rose was taken by Salt Lake with the 6^th overall selection in the 2012 Supplemental Draft.

Defender Tim Pontius of the University of California-Santa Barbara was taken with Seattle's top pick (33^rd overall) and midfielder Jason Banton of the Liverpool reserves was chosen with its second pick (34^th overall). Seattle selected University of Washington forward Abdul Aman in the third round (53^rdoverall) and Cal Poly defender Wes Feighner with its final pick (72^nd overall).

"I think we have a good balance with two defenders, two midfielders, and a forward. We were happy to do the trade to get Andy Rose," said Sounders FC technical director Chris Henderson. "All of these players are going to have to fight to make the roster. We have a deep team."

Rose, 21, played four seasons at UCLA. A native of England, the holding midfielder was named to the All-Pac-10 Conference First Team in 2010 and 2011. He started all 24 appearances as a senior and started 73 of 81 appearances in his college career, scoring five goals and adding 11 assists.

Pontius, 22, played four seasons at UCSB, making 34 starts in his 72 appearances. He was named to the All-Big West First Team as a senior when he started a career-high 20 games and scored three goals and one assist. Pontius is the younger brother of D.C. United forward Chris Pontius.

Banton, 19, played for England at the U-17 level and made his professional debut with League Two side Burton Albion in October 2011. He played in the youth systems of Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool before signing with Leicester City in July 2011.

Aman, 22, played one season for the Huskies, scoring two game-winning goals, and started six of his 14 appearances. Before joining UW, Aman played one season at Whatcom Community College in 2009 and was named the NWAACC North MVP after leading the league in scoring with 27 goals. He spent the 2008 season at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, where he started 15 of 17 appearances, scoring 12 goals with five assists.

Feighner, 21, made 69 appearances for Cal Poly during his four-year college career. He was a second team All-Big West defender as a senior as he led the Mustangs to a 0.90 goals against average and seven shutouts. Feighner was part of the U-17 National Team in 2007.

Seattle had traded its 15^th overall supplemental pick to Chicago in August for rights to Sammy Ochoa and acquired the 33^rd overall selection from Dallas (originally Colorado) for Chris Seitz last year.

Prior to the supplemental draft, Sounders FC had selected two players in the MLS SuperDraft on January 12.

The season begins March 7 when Sounders FC will host Mexico's Santos Laguna in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field. Seattle opens MLS play at home on March 17 against Toronto FC.

Season tickets can be purchased by visiting www.SoundersFC.com or phoning 1-877-MLS-GOAL. Champions League tickets will go on sale on Monday, January 30 at 10 a.m. PT and will be available at www.SoundersFC.com, by calling 800-745-3000 and the CenturyLink Field Box Office as well as all Ticketmaster outlets.

SOUNDERS FC: Supplemental Draft Info

2012-01-17T09:57:00.001-08:00

courtesy of the Seattle Sounders FC press release:

"Seattle Holds Four Picks in Tuesday's Supplemental Draft

Seattle will make four selections in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft, which will be held via teleconference on Tuesday, January 17. This year's Supplemental Draft consists of four rounds. Sounders FC holds the 33^rd, 34^th, 53^rd and 72^nd overall selections. Seattle traded its 15^th overall pick to Chicago for rights to Sammy Ochoa and acquired the 33^rd overall selection from Dallas (originally Colorado) for Chris Seitz.

Seattle selected current Sounders FC goalkeeper Josh Ford with its top pick (11^th overall) in the 2011 Supplemental Draft. The club also took University of California-Irvine defender Corey Attaway (29^thoverall) and Seattle University midfielder Sean Morris (47^th overall) last year."

SOUNDERS FC: SuperDraft

2012-01-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

15th Pick: Sounders FC
Andrew Duran

#15 Andrew Duran

Position:	Defender/Midfielder
Height:	6'1"
Weight:	160
Year:	Senior
Hometown:	Mokena, Ill.
High School:	Lincoln-Way East HS
Club:	Chicago Magic

2011 HonorsNSCAA All-America Second-Team
NSCAA Midwest Region First-Team
College Soccer News All-America First-Team
MVC Defensive Player of the Year
First-Team All-MVC
MVC All-Tournament Team
MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team
MVC Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 24)
Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week (Oct. 24)

Career highlights in 2011:
Was named NSCAA All-America Second-Team and College Soccer News All-America First-Team ...MVC Defensive Player of the Year after anchoring the nation’s toughest defense in 2011 ... Started all 24 matches as Creighton’s left center back and played all but 95 minutes during the season ...

34th Pick Sounders FC:
Babayele Sodade

"Sodade socred 13 goals as as senior at UAB to give him 29 in his final three years. His cousing plays for Glasgow Rangers in Scotland.

by Matt Gaschk "

http://www.uabsports.com/sports/m-soccer/mtt/sodade_babayele00.html

Class: Senior
	Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
	High School: Holy Names

	Height / Weight: 6-3 / 195
	Position: Forward
	Birthdate: 07/26/1990
	Experience: 3L

SOUNDERS FC: Danish Midfielder Signing

2012-01-11T10:05:00.001-08:00

Sounders FC Signs Danish Midfielder Christian Sivebaek

RENTON, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC has signed Danish midfielder Christian Sivebaek following his transfer from Denmark's FC Midtjylland, it was announced today. The signing will be finalized upon receipt of Sivebaek's P-1 visa and International Clearance. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the transfer and contract were not disclosed.

"Christian is a player that we have been following for quite some time," said Sounders FC technical director Chris Henderson. "He is a good one versus one dribbler who can provide consistent quality service to our strikers. He has good speed and physical presence.

"He has been an up and coming player in Denmark," added Henderson, "and we are looking forward to adding Christian to our attacking arsenal."

Sivebaek, 23, has played for Midtjylland in Denmark's Superliga since 2006. He has been deployed at midfield and right back, appearing in 80 league matches and scoring six goals. Sivebaek has represented Denmark at various youth levels 19 times, scoring twice.

His father, John Sivebaek, also played professionally in Europe for 17 years, including seasons with Manchester United and France's Saint-Etienne and AS Monaco. He was a member of Denmark's 1992 European champions and the 1986 World Cup selection, and he earned 87 caps altogether.

"This is an exciting opportunity for me, to be joining such a club as Sounders FC," said Sivebaek. "I am looking forward to playing in MLS and for one of the best and biggest teams in America. I am very impressed by the professionalism of the club, the high quality of players and staff, and the great number and passion of their fans."

Sivebaek started with his hometown club, Vejle. At age 16 he became one of the first eight youths to join the Midtjylland Academy. He signed as a professional two years later.

Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) - Acquired MF Christian Sivebaek from FC Midtjylland (Denmark)

Christian Sivebaek

Position: Midfielder

Height: 6-3

Weight: 194

Birthdate: 2/19/1988

Place of Birth: Saint-Etienne, France

Hometown (Citizenship): Vejle, Denmark (Denmark)

Pronunciation: SEE-veh-beck

Last Club: FC Midtjylland (2006-2011)

Previous Clubs: Skive IK (loan, 2008)

- SOUNDERS FC -

SOUNDERS FC: "Voice of the Sounders FC" Announced

2012-01-10T12:23:00.001-08:00

Sounders FC Hire Ross Fletcher as "Voice of the Sounders FC"

Kasey Keller moves to broadcast booth as analyst

RENTON, Wash. - The Seattle Sounders FC today announced Ross Fletcher has been hired as the club's play-by-play announcer and Kasey Keller will serve as analyst. The duo will be heard on all local television and radio broadcasts.

"Ross and Kasey will bring a new dimension and perspective to Sounders FC broadcasts," said Sounders FC owner Joe Roth. "The combination of Ross' experience and Kasey's knowledge gives us a sensational 1-2 punch which our fans deserve."

Fletcher has spent the last five and a half years as a football commentator and reporter for the national stations BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, covering the English Premier League and the Championship. For the past year he has also been a regular voice across the station's schedule as a sports bulletin presenter.

For seven years Fletcher was the voice of Derby County for BBC Radio Derby, commentating on the English Premier League and Championship. His most memorable call was the 2007 Championship playoff final in which Derby beat West Bromwich Albion in front of 75,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. During his time at the station, he was part of the highly successful team which won the coveted Sony Radio Academy 'Station of the Year' title three times in five years.

"I'm honored to follow Arlo White and hope to match his enthusiasm and strong connection to the fans," said Ross Fletcher. "The Sounders FC supporters are already legend, and I look forward to witnessing the dedication and passion of our fan base first hand."

Keller completed his 20-year professional career in 2011 by earning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and Best XI honors. He served as the Sounders FC captain and was an All-Star selection each of his three seasons. From 1991 to 2008 the Olympia, Wash. native played in Europe while accumulating U.S. National Team goalkeeping career records for most caps (102), wins (53) and shutouts (47). Keller played in three of the world's top leagues: England's Premiership, Spain's La Liga and Germany's Bundesliga.

"It's exciting for me to be involved with our broadcasts and stay involved with the club," said Keller. "I enjoyed my past experiences with broadcasting in England under a range of scenarios, and it's appealing to be joining the Sounders in this capacity. It's going to be fun."

All Sounders FC MLS league matches not aired nationally will be carried live in high definition on KING-5 or KONG-6/16. All locally broadcast matches will also be aired either live outside of Seattle or on a delayed basis throughout the Northwest on ROOT SPORTS™. Each match will also be aired live on the radio home of Sounders FC, News Talk 97.3 KIRO FM.

For more information visit www.SoundersFC.com.

SOUNDERS FC: Evans, Parke Called up by US Mens

2012-01-04T18:19:00.001-08:00

Brad Evans, Jeff Parke Called In by USA

RENTON, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC announced today that the U.S. National Team has called in midfielder Brad Evans and defender Jeff Parke for a training camp that will run through January 26 in the United States and Panama.

The camp began January 3 in Phoenix and moves to the U.S. Soccer National Training Center at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. from January 13-20. The U.S. will host Venezuela on January 21 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. On January 25 the U.S. faces Panama in Panama City.

Evans, 26, has four international caps. He was last called in by the USMNT for the February 2010 friendly with El Salvador, playing the full 90 minutes at right fullback. His first three appearances came during the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Evans is a native of Phoenix.

Now entering his sixth MLS season, Evans scored five goals and added five assists for the Sounders FC in 2011. He appeared in 20 MLS regular season matches, starting 17.

This will be Parke's first national team call-in. The 29-year-old center back is a veteran of seven MLS seasons. Parke was Seattle's 2011 Defender of the Year and started 28 league matches (38 in all competitions), scoring one goal.

- SOUNDERS FC -

SOUNDERS FC: Upcoming Dates

2012-01-03T16:06:00.001-08:00

Friday, January 6-Tuesday, January 10 - 2012 MLS Player Combine, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Thursday, January 12 - 2012 MLS SuperDraft, Kansas City, Miss.

Tuesday, January 17 - 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft

Saturday, January 21-Sunday, January 22 - Sounders FC Open Tryouts, Starfire Sports Complex, Tukwila, Wash.

Wednesday, March 7, 7 p.m. - Sounders FC v Santos Laguna, Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals - first leg

Wednesday, March 14, 5 p.m. - Sounders FC at Santos Laguna, CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals - second leg

SOUNDERS FC: Sounders Sign Marc Burch

2012-01-03T15:01:00.001-08:00

Sounders FC Signs Defender Marc Burch

Former D.C. United Player Had Been Selected in Re-Entry Process Stage 2 Draft

RENTON, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC has signed defender March Burch, it was announced today. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed.

Burch, 27, had been selected by Seattle during the MLS Re-Entry Process Stage 2 Draft on December 12. He had spent the past five seasons with D.C. United.

"We are happy to have Marc signed," said Sigi Schmid, Sounders FC head coach. "He will be a welcome addition to an already deep team."

"I'm excited to take another step forward in my career and to play again for Sigi in Seattle," Burch said. "Seattle has made an impact during its short history since coming into league. I've always respected the way the Sounders played and I just want to help push them further. "

"The Sounders have done well in their first few seasons, making the playoffs and winning the Open Cup," he added. "I would like to help them take that next step, to go further in the Champions League and the MLS playoffs. I believe they have what it takes to win an MLS Cup and hopefully I can help them achieve that."

A six-year MLS veteran, Burch has made 81 starts in 103 regular season appearances. He played in 17 games, starting 11, in 2011. He has three career goals and 10 assists.

A standout at Maryland, he was drafted by L.A. in the second round of the 2006 SuperDraft, and traded to Columbus later that season, where he first played for Schmid. Burch was dealt to D.C. United in 2007.

Transaction: Seattle Sounders (MLS) - Signed DF Marc Burch

Marc Burch

Position: Defender

Height: 6-1

Weight: 180

Birthdate/Birthplace: 5/7/1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio

Hometown (Citizenship): Cincinnati, Ohio (USA)

College: University of Maryland

Last Club: D.C. United (2007-11)

Previous Clubs: L.A. Galaxy (2006), Columbus Crew (2006)

SOUNDERS FC: New RB Signed

2011-12-29T11:02:00.001-08:00

Sounders FC Signs Swedish Defender Adam Johansson

RENTON, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC have signed Swedish international defender Adam Johansson to a multi-year contract, it was announced today. Johansson's signing will be finalized upon receipt of his P-1 visa and International Clearance. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed.

Johansson, 28, has played the past seven years for IFK Göteborg in Sweden's top league, the Allvenskan. He has made a total of 129 league appearances for Göteborg since 2005, scoring two goals. His pro career began with Västra Frölunda of the second tier in 2002.

"Adam has been a mainstay at Göteborg for years and we are very happy to add him to our defense," said Sounders FC technical director Chris Henderson. "His leadership and experience are going to be a great compliment to the growth of our team.

"Adam is very good tactically and is smart in the way he joins the attack from the back," added Henderson. "We are pleased he is also in the running for the starting right back role for Sweden as they prepare for the Euros."

"I had a great stay in Seattle while meeting with officials from the club, and seeing the stadium and training ground," said Johansson. "I got a really good feeling. It will be a new start for me, a new life. It's going to be a good adventure."

"The Sounders are one of the biggest teams in the United States," added Johansson. "They want to be one of the top clubs in North and South America and have big crowds. I'm joining a club with a very good reputation."

In 2009 Johansson made his full international debut for Sweden in a friendly with the U.S. at Carson, Calif. and later started in three World Cup qualifiers, playing on both the left and right side. His ninth and most recent cap came against Cyprus in February 2011.

After finishing runners-up in 2005, Göteborg claimed the Swedish double in 2007, and also claimed the cup in 2008 and 2009. The Angels were second in the league in 2009.

Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) - Signed DF Adam Johansson

Adam Johansson

Position: Defender

Height: 5-11

Weight: 165

Birthdate: 2/21/1983

Place of Birth: Gothenburg, Sweden

Hometown (Citizenship): Gothenburg, Sweden (Sweden)

Pronunciation: Yo-HAWN-sun

Last Club: IFK Göteborg (2005-11)

Previous Clubs: Västra Frölunda IF (2002-04)

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SOUNDERS FC: Upcoming Dates

2011-12-20T16:12:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Key Dates (times are Pacific & subject to change)

Thursday, January 12 - 2012 MLS SuperDraft, Kansas City, Miss.

Saturday, January 21-Sunday, January 22 - Sounders FC Open Tryouts, Starfire Sports Complex, Tukwila, Wash.

Wednesday, March 7, 7 p.m. - Sounders FC v Santos Laguna, Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals - first leg

Saturday, March 10, TBD - TBD, Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field, Seattle (MLS Regular Season Home Opener)

Wednesday, March 14, 5 p.m. - Sounders FC at Santos Laguna, CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals - second leg

SOUNDERS FC: Team Awards

2011-12-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

Sounders FC Announces Team Award Recipients

Alonso, Parke, Montero and Riley Honored

RENTON, WASH.- Seattle Sounders FC has announced the 2011 Team Award recipients. Osvaldo Alonso was named the team's Most Valuable Player and Jeff Parke was honored as Defender of the Year, both by a vote of their teammates. Fredy Montero received the Golden Boot by virtue of leading Sounders FC in scoring and James Riley was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year.

Most Valuable Player - Midfielder Osvaldo Alonso: Voted MVP by his teammates for the second consecutive season, Alonso has continued to play an instrumental role in the midfield for Sounders FC, helping lead the club to the league's second-best record. Alonso tallied career-highs in nearly every statistical category this season, including games played (33), goals (3), assists (3), shots (54), shots on goal (11), fouls committed (50) and fouls suffered (39). He appeared in 44 of 47 matches in all competitions this season, logging a team-high 3,820 minutes, and led all field players with 2,891 minutes in MLS play, going the full 90 in 32 of 33 appearances. The tenacious midfielder anchored one of the league's top defenses, allowing 37 goals for a goals against average of 1.09 (fourth in MLS), and also became the first Sounders FC player to score at home in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Alonso played every minute in the 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup where he scored and was named Player of the Round in the final against Chicago. He also scored a brace at Guatemala's CSD Comunicaciones in the CONCACAF Champions League group stage to earn a draw, 2-2, and clinch advancement to the quarterfinals for the first time in club history.

Defender of the Year - Defender Jeff Parke: A stalwart on Seattle's backline, Parke started a career-high 28 games this season. He continued to shore up the defense in his second year with Sounders FC, which finished the season as one of the league's top five defenses. Parke started 19 straight MLS games from May 21 to September 24 in which Seattle went 12-3-4 and he played the full 90 minutes in 25 of his 28 starts. Parke was named MLS Player of the Week for his game-winning header in stoppage time against Sporting Kansas City on May 21 and was named to the MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week for weeks 1 and 10. Parke appeared in all four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games, recording one assist, and made 38 appearances in all competitions, logging 3,226 minutes (fifth-most on Sounders FC).

Budweiser Golden Boot - Forward Fredy Montero: Winner of the club's Golden Boot in the first two seasons, Montero again led the Seattle offense in season three, helping the Rave Green become the league's most potent attack. Montero matched his career-high with 12 goals (tied-fifth in MLS) and added nine assists (tied-fifth), and he shared the MLS lead with five game-winning goals. Altogether he totaled 18 goals and 11 assists in 41 games played across all competitions. He was named the U.S. Open Cup Player of the Tournament for his three game-winners in Seattle's third straight title run and added another three tallies in Champions League play. The crafty young Colombian finished the regular season with a league-high eight consecutive games contributing either a goal or assist and in his final 12 games across all competitions he scored 11 goals, six of them game-winners. Montero set a club record for MLS total points (33) in a single season.

Humanitarian of the Year - Defender James Riley: For the second consecutive year Riley has been named the club's Humanitarian of the Year. Since joining Sounders FC in 2009, he has integrated himself into the community through work with the Renton/Skyway Boys & Girls Club, Special Olympics, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, America SCORES Seattle and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, along with other organizations that he holds close to his heart. In 2011, the James Riley 7-A-Side youth tournament raised over $15,000 for the Boys & Girls Club, where he is a board member, in just its second year. The money will go to fund a hands-on project at the club's Renton/Skyway location, where Riley has been a regular visitor to involve himself in the community that he has become a vital part of while sharing the tale of his rise from a single-parent family to success as a professional soccer player.

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SOUNDERS FC: Rosales Signs Multi-Year Contract

2011-12-13T19:10:00.001-08:00

Midfielder Mauro Rosales Signs Multi-Year Contract

RENTON, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC has signed midfielder Mauro Rosales to a new multi-year contract. Per MLS and club policy, terms were not disclosed.

Rosales, 30, established a Sounders FC record for assists in 2011 with 13 in 26 league appearances, ranking third in MLS. He also scored five goals.

"Mauro was a huge impact on our team last year," said Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid. "He played well and made others better with his service and use of the ball. We are pleased to have him back as a Sounder."

Recognized as being a catalyst in Seattle's surge in the Supporters' Shield race, Rosales was a landslide winner for MLS Newcomer of the Year. Sounders FC finished second to the L.A. Galaxy for the league's best record and qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs. Seattle also won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for a third straight year and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the CONCACAF Champions League.

"I really am enjoying being here with the guys, with the team, with the people and the city," said Rosales. "In the first year I was thinking just to play, to enjoy the game, and it was a season of great joy."

"I want to express my gratitude to Adrian Hanauer, Chris Henderson, Sigi Schmid and my representative, Dario Sala, for making it possible for to play for Sounders FC, both this past year and going forward," added Rosales. "I am very happy to be in Seattle, playing for our wonderful fans."

The former Argentine international was named to the MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week a team-high seven times, and he was named MLS Player of the Week 18 after contributing a goal and assist in a 4-3 win over the defending MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids.

"We were always very confident of reaching an agreement," said General Manager Adrian Hanauer. "There was a great deal of trust between ourselves and Mauro and Dario Sala. They put their faith in us and we wanted to take care of Mauro. He has earned this contract through his outstanding play, his dedication to his craft and his commitment to this club, his fellow players and our coaches.

"It's no wonder he has become such a fan favorite," said Hanauer. "His love for the game is evident; he plays with passion and joy, with a flair and an acute sense for doing what the game demands. Mauro has helped make us a strong club and with him going forward we hope to only grow in strength."

Rosales signed with Sounders FC on March 18 after playing from 2007-2010 for Buenos Aires giants River Plate. He has played nearly 400 matches for River Plate, Ajax and Newell's Old Boys, and has been capped 10 times by the Argentina National Team, winning the Olympic gold medal in 2004, the 2001 FIFA U20 World Cup and the 2004 Copa America runners-up.

Rosales made a strong first impression as he recorded assists in his first two MLS starts and scored his first goal at home in a Cascadia Cup fixture against Vancouver. He either scored (two) or assisted (six) in five consecutive matches from August 20 to October 15, despite missing much of the final month of the season due to injury.

Sounders FC lost just three times with Rosales in the starting XI, going 13-3-6 in his 22 starts. Rosales led the team to several wins this season, highlighted by his late efforts in Kansas City when he scored and assisted in the dying minutes to give Seattle a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory. Seattle went 10-1-2 when Rosales scored or assisted.

Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) - Re-Signed MF Mauro Rosales

Mauro Rosales

Position: Midfielder

Jersey Number: 10

Height: 5-8

Weight: 160

Birthdate: 2/24/1981

Place of Birth: Villa Maria, Cordoba, Argentina

Hometown (Citizenship): Villa Maria, Cordoba, Argentina (Argentina)

Pronunciation: MOU-ro Roh-SAH-les

Last Club: River Plate (2007-10)

Previous Clubs (chronological): Newell's Old Boys (1999-04), Ajax (2004-07)

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SOUNDERS FC: Friberg back to Sweden

2011-12-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

Midfielder Erik Friberg Transferred to Sweden's Malmö

RENTON, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Erik Friberg has been transferred to Malmö FF of Sweden's top flight. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the transfer will not be disclosed.

"Erik is starting a young family, and he feels it would be best to do so close to home," said General Manager Adrian Hanauer. "This move enables the couple to be near their families and have the proper support."

Friberg is a native of Göteborg, Sweden and played his first five professional seasons for BK Häcken (2007-10) and Västra Frölunda IF (2005-06). Malmö, winner of a record 19 Swedish titles, finished fourth in the 2011 Allsvenskan and complete UEFA Europa League play on Thursday.

"I am very proud to have played for Sounders FC and our tremendous fans," said Friberg. "It's been a fantastic year for me, one that I will never forget. I want to thank my teammates, the coaches, the club officials and our supporters for all their help and encouragement. Perhaps in the future, there will be an opportunity for me to come back and play again for the Sounders."

Friberg, 25, signed with Seattle in December of 2010 and started 23 regular season matches and appeared in 26. He scored one goal and contributed two assists.

Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) - MF Erik Friberg transferred to Sweden's Malmö FF

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