SEATTLE – The Seattle Sounders announced Friday they have signed center back Zach Scott to a new contract for 2016, bringing the 35-year-old veteran back for his 15th year with club.
Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“I’m pleased to announce that Zach is again a part of the team as we begin preparations for the 2016 season,” Sounders FC General Manager and President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey said. “He means a great deal to the Sounders organization and we’re happy to have him back in camp.”
A presence on the Sounders’ back line since the club’s USL days in 2002, Scott appeared in 20 games (15 starts) last season and three more in the playoffs, despite battling a broken bone in his foot. He’s appeared in at least 18 regular-season games each of the past four seasons, and has played in 13 postseason games since 2011.
Originally from Hawaii but a former college standout at Gonzaga, Scott joined the Sounders in 2002 and ultimately appeared in 139 games for the club before Seattle jumped to MLS in 2009. He started the team’s first-ever MLS game and eventually developed into a steady, everyday starter by 2012, when he scored his only career MLS goal and added an assist over 20 appearances. He appeared in a career-high 21 games the following year.
Scott has appeared 332 games across all competitions in USL and MLS for the Sounders since 2002, winning two USL championships, four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open championships and the 2014 Supporters’ Shield.
“It’s exciting to bring back a player who competes as hard as Zach does day in and day out,” head coach Sigi Schmid said. “His toughness, resilience and experience have always made him a valuable member of this team.”
