On Tuesday, the Seattle Sounders signed veteran defender Saad Abdul-Salaam, who played for Sporting Kansas City from 2015-17 before a brief stint with New York City FC in 2018. He joined USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC on loan last August.
Primarily a right back, but capable of playing multiple positions across the back line, his versatility and vast professional experience made him an enticing player for the coaching staff.
“Saad had some good moments in Kansas City in 2016, where he played a lot,” said Schmetzer. “Then [Graham] Zusi came back and took that position from him. Whatever happened in New York City — a couple of coaching changes there, and then [Anton] Tinnerholm came in [to add] competition to the spot — he’s had a career where I think he can get a little better.
“Right back is one area where we’re looking at, but he can also cover at center back a little bit as well. He’s a big kid, very athletic, and we might try him there and see if he can make an impact there as well.”
The Sounders will play their MLS opener against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, March 2 (7 p.m. PT; FS1, YouTube TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS).
