Montreal selects Riley In Expansion Draft

The Sounders defender made 83 starts in rave green and was twice named Humanitarian of the Year. Montreal traded him to Chivas USA after selecting him.

RENTON, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC defender James Riley was selected today by the Montreal Impact in the 2011 Major League Soccer Expansion Draft.  Following the pick, Riley was traded to Chivas USA for Justin Braun and Gerson Mayen.

Riley, 29, was a regular starter in his three seasons with Sounders FC. He started a career-high 29 matches in 2011, recording two assists, and appeared in 38 games across all competitions. He was voted the club’s Humanitarian of the Year in 2010 and 2011 and was also named the club’s Defender of the Year in 2010.

“It’s not surprising that James Riley was picked by Montreal," said Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid. "He’s been our starting right back for three years and a quality player. We knew it would be a risk to not protect him. He's a veteran who can step in and help a defense right away.”

Riley spent his first three MLS seasons with New England before being selected by San Jose in the 2008 Expansion Draft. He was then chosen by Seattle in the 2009 Expansion Draft. He totaled one goal and recorded five assists with Sounders FC, playing 84 matches and starting 83.