By: Ronaldinho HendricksSeattle Sounders Guest Writer
In the last few months the team has begun to take shape. In addition to the three summer signings of Sebastien Le Toux, Sanna Nyassi, and Kasey Keller, ten new players have been added to the roster. The list is as follows from soundersfc.com:
Evans, Brad Midfielder 23 (4/20/85) Phoenix, Ariz. 6-1 / 160 Columbus Crew
King, Stephen Midfielder 22 (3/6/86) Medford, N.J. 5-8 / 153 Chicago Fire
Jaqua, Nate Forward 27 (10/28/81) Eugene, Ore. 6-3 / 180 Houston Dynamo
Parke, Jeff Defender 26 (3/23/82) Downington, Pa. 6-1 / 185 New York Red Bulls
Riley, James Defender 26 (10/26/82) Colorado Springs, Col. 5-10 / 150 San Jose Earthquakes
Smith, Jarrod Forward 24 (6/20/84) Havelock, New Zealand 6-1 / 180 Toronto FC
Smith, Khano Midfielder 26 (1/1/0/82) Warwick, Bermuda 6-3 / 190 New England Revolution
Sturgis, Nathan Midfielder 21 (7/6/87) St. Augustine, Fla. 5-10 / 150 Real Salt Lake
Vagenas, Peter Midfielder 30 (2/6/78) Pasadena, Calif. 5-8 / 157 L.A. Galaxy
Wahl, Tyson Defender 4 (2/23/84) Newport Beach, Calif. 6-2 / 185 Kansas City Wizards
Each of these players was selected on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 in the Expansion Draft. Seven were MLS starters and eight have international experience. The draft consisted mainly of defensive players and general manager, Adrian Hanauer, was quoted as saying, “We feel like we got a great mix of players.”.
However, it was on October 28th that the big news came as Sounders FC signed its designated player, midfielder, Freddie Ljungberg. The designated player in an MLS squad is the one player a team is allowed to sign that will not count against the salary cap.
David Beckham of the LA Galaxy was the first. Freddie Ljungberg (LOON-berg) has played the last ten seasons in the Barclay’s English Premier League for Arsenal (1998-2007) and West Ham United (2007-2008.)
He also recently retired from international duty after Euro 2008, representing his home nation of Sweden since 1998. It is hoped that Ljungberg’s experience will assist the rest of the team in reaching the top of the MLS and bring world recognition to U.S. soccer.
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