RENTON, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC has signed defender Ashani Fairclough and midfielder Phillip Lund, the club announced today. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed. Both players will be added to the roster pending receipt of their P-1 Visa and International Transfer Clearance.
Fairclough, 20, made 73 appearances for the University of South Florida from 2009-12, totaling one goal and 10 assists. He was the captain of the 2007-08 Jamaican U17 National Team and was the youngest player on the U20 team. Fairclough originally joined Sounders FC in the 2013 preseason.
"Ashani is very physically gifted,” said head coach Sigi Schmid. “He's a fast and powerful defender and has great potential for the future."
Lund, 23, played four seasons in Denmark, most recently with second division side FC Fyn. He began his career in 2008 with his hometown club, Vejle Boldklub of the first division. He later played for Kolding FC on loan before joining Fyn in 2011. Lund was also a member of the U19 Danish National Team. He originally joined Sounders FC in the 2013 preseason.
“Phillip is a hard-worker who can play multiple positions,” said Sporting Director Chris Henderson. “His fitness is good, his technique is good, and he looks to shoot when he gets opportunities.”
Sounders FC visits the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday for the first road match of the regular season, Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT from Buck Shaw Stadium and will be televised locally on KING-5.
Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) – Signed DEF Ashani Fairclough and MID Phillip Lund