Sounders FC Re-Signs Midfielder Miguel Montaño, Signs Keeper Josh Ford

Montaño returns for his second season in Rave Green. Ford was Seattle's first pick and 11th overall in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft.

RENTON, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC re-signed midfielder Miguel Montaño and signed goalkeeper Josh Ford, the club announced today. Montaño returns for his second season in Rave Green. Ford was Seattle's first pick and 11th overall in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed.

Montaño, 19, was first acquired by Sounders FC on loan from Argentina's Quilmes on April 30, 2010. He is the youngest player to appear in an MLS match for Seattle, making his debut against the L.A. Galaxy on May 8. He went on to appear in six league games, starting one, and collected two assists in U.S. Open Cup play. He contributed three assists during the 2011 preseason. Montaño appeared in 12 competitive matches altogether and also made his first appearance for the Colombia Under-20 National Team in 2010.

"We are pleased that Miguel is staying with us," said head coach Sigi Schmid. "He is a player who continues to show flashes of absolute brilliance and we are hoping that this season becomes a very consistent year for him."

Ford 23, was a four-year starter at the University of Connecticut. He was named the 2010 Big East Goalkeeper of the Year and also earned first team College Soccer News All-American and All-Big East first team honors as a senior. Ford holds the Huskies' school record for career shutouts (50), consecutive starts (85) and wins (54).

"We felt good about both goalkeepers," said Schmid. "Josh worked very hard. He's got a strong mentality and he is a great shot stopper. He is very brave with what he does as a goalkeeper so we are very pleased to be able to sign him."

Sounders FC begins its third MLS season on Tuesday, March 15 by hosting the L.A. Galaxy on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. PT.

Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) - Re-Signed MF Miguel Montaño
Position: Midfielder
Jersey Number: 32
Height: 5-11
Weight: 160
Birthdate: 6/25/1991
Place of Birth: Palmira, Colombia
Hometown (Citizenship): Palmira, Colombia (Colombia)
Pronunciation: mon-TAN-yo

Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) - Signed GK Josh Ford
Position: Goalkeeper
Jersey Number: 29
Height: 6-0
Weight: 175
Birthdate: 11/6/1987
Place of Birth: Livonia, Michigan
Hometown (Citizenship): Liverpool, New York (USA)
College: University of Connecticut