Sounders FC adds versatility in SuperDraft

Midfielder David Estrada headlines the 2010 Seattle draft class

PHILADELPHIA -- The Sounders FC added versatility to their roster in the 2010 SuperDraft.  In the first two rounds they took UCLA product David Estrada and Mike Seamon out of Villanova, both of whom play both midfield and forward.  With their fourth round pick, they selected defender Jamel Wallace out of San Diego State.

A team looking to add depth, the Sounders appear to have started in that direction with the selections of Estrada and Seamon.

“It was important for us in the expansion draft to protect our team down the middle.  We accomplished that, but unfortunately we lost Sebastien Le Toux, so we had to fill that hole,” Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid said.

Estrada was Soccer America’s National Freshman of the Year in 2006 after scoring 12 goals for UCLA.  Injuries and a position change saw his numbers dip his final three years, but his perseverance through those obstacles was encouraging to the Sounders.

“He’s had some challenges that he worked through and he’s a fighter,” said Sounders FC technical director Chris Henderson.  “I think he’s a player that comes from a very good program.  We’re looking forward to having him in camp.”

Seamon tallied 20 goals and 18 assists for Villanova, including five goals and seven assists in his senior year. 

“Seamon went under the radar for some teams and the things we saw of him were pretty good,” Henderson said.

He was a three-time All-Big East selection who can play several positions and should be able to provide depth for the Sounders when training camp starts January 25.

“I’m going to come in in shape and work hard.  I can play any position on the field and I think they can expect some big things,” Seamon said.

Wallace played all over the field for San Diego State.  As a freshman, he was a key contributor to the Aztecs defense, but as a sophomore he played at forward, then midfield as a junior and senior.  After showing well in the combine, Wallace is expected to play defense in camp with the Seattle.

But all told, they added depth all over the field and plenty of versatility.

“When we had some meetings we talked about versatility, but you have to see what’s available there when you pick,” Henderson said.  “We’re happy with the way things turned out but time will tell when they get in with the team how things will stack up.”

The Sounders FC open training camp January 25 at Starfire.  They kick off the MLS regular season March 25 at Qwest Field against the expansion Philadelphia Union.