TACOMA, WASH. – Tacoma Defiance today announced that it has signed midfielder Travian Sousa to a new contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sousa originally signed with Tacoma in 2022, making 39 appearances over two seasons and helping the team to back-to-back Pacific Division titles.
“We are excited to be able to bring back Travian on a new deal,” Sounders FC Director of Development Wade Webber said. “I really think we are still only scratching the surface of what Travian can deliver, and I can’t wait to see how he continues to develop and help our team remain competitive like it has been since he arrived.”
Sousa, 22, tallied three assists in 23 appearances (18 starts) for Defiance in 2023, including starting both playoff matches and recording an assist in the Western Conference Quarterfinals victory against Houston Dynamo 2. The midfielder also made substitute appearances in both of Sounders FC’s 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches. In his first season with Tacoma in 2022, the Lathrop, California native made 16 appearances (seven starts), bagging two goals and two assists, helping Defiance reach the 2022 Western Conference Final. Prior to joining Defiance, Sousa played for Hamburger SV in Germany from 2019-2020 before spending the 2021 season with Oakland Roots SC and Sporting Kansas City II.
“Travian is a proven talent and asset to this team,” Tacoma Defiance Head Coach Hervé Diese said. “Having his experience and leadership on the squad, as well as his high level of play, will only make this team better. I’m looking forward to seeing what he continues to bring to the team this season.”
Defiance opens its third MLS NEXT Pro season on the road with a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Semifinals against Austin FC II on Friday, March 15 at Parmer Field. Tacoma then hosts Colorado Rapids 2 in its home opener at Starfire Stadium on Sunday, March 24. Defiance finished second in the Western Conference last season and is coming off back-to-back Pacific Division titles.
TRANSACTION: Tacoma Defiance sings midfielder Travian Sousa to a new contract on February 27, 2024.
Full Name: Travian Sousa
Pronunciation: Tray-vee-on Soo-suh
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-11
Weight: 180
Hometown: Lathrop, California
Date of Birth: September 19, 2001 in Sacramento, California
Nationality: USA
Acquired: Signed to new contract on February 27, 2024
