Defender Marc Burch selected in Stage 2 Re-Entry

RENTON , WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC selected former D.C. United defender Marc Burch with the first overall pick in Stage 2 of the Major League Soccer Re-Entry Process today.

Seattle players Nate Jaqua and Pat Noonan were chosen by the New England Revolution and L.A. Galaxy, respectively.

Prior to the draft Sounders FC exchanged positions with Vancouver Whitecaps FC in return for Seattle’s third round natural selection in the 2014 SuperDraft.

Burch, 27, is a six-year veteran with 103 career appearances (81 starts). He played in 17 matches, starting 11, for D.C. United this past season. A consistent starter on the defensive line, Burch made a career-high 28 appearances in 2008 and 25 starts in 2009. He has three goals and 10 assists in his MLS career and helped D.C. United win the Supporters’ Shield in 2007 and U.S. Open Cup in 2008.

The Maryland product was selected in the second round (24th overall) of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft by the Los Angeles Galaxy. After three appearances, Burch was traded to Sigi Schmid’s Columbus Crew team midway through the 2006 season, making seven appearances with five starts. He was traded to United in April 2008.

“Acquiring Marc Burch is good for our club,” said Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid. “He can play the left side, either left back or left midfield, or center back. He helps us replace the loss of Tyson Wahl. I coached Marc in Columbus and I look forward to working with him again.”

Jaqua, 30, was selected by New England with the second overall pick. The forward made 66 appearances in his three seasons with Seattle. He was named the 2010 U.S. Open Cup Player of the Tournament for his five goals in four games, and scored at least one goal in all three Open Cup title runs. Jaqua, selected from Houston in the 2008 Expansion Draft, scored a career-high nine goals and seven assists in his first year with Seattle in 2009. His 18 goals and 18 assists over all competitions since 2009 was second on the club. The nine-year MLS veteran has made 197 career appearances with 41 goals and 29 assists.

“Obviously we wish Nate well in New England. It’s unfortunate he won’t be back with our team but this is a fresh opportunity for him and we wish him all the best,” said Schmid.

Noonan, 31, was selected with the lone pick of the third round by the Galaxy. A midfielder/forward, he joined Seattle in 2010 and has made 21 appearances in his two seasons. Noonan played in 17 matches in all competitions in 2011 and assisted on the game-winning goal in Seattle’s historic CONCACAF Champions League victory at Mexico’s CF Monterrey. He has scored 41 goals and 33 assists in 173 appearances over his nine-year MLS career.

“Pat’s done well for us but has been injury plagued. It’s too bad he won’t be with us however we wish him good health and success in LA,” said Schmid.

Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) – Acquired DF Marc Burch in Re-Entry Draft. Traded third round selection in 2014 SuperDraft to Vancouver.