SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC today announced the signing of free agent midfielder Nathan Sturgis. The 28-year-old previously played with Seattle in 2009 and 2010, and most recently spent the 2015 with the Houston Dynamo. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.
"We're happy to have signed Nathan and he is eligible to play tonight against Club América,” said Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “It’s always an exciting addition when a former Sounder comes back and rejoins the team.”
Sturgis started 15 of 18 appearances for the Houston Dynamo in 2015, recording one goal and two assists in his 10th professional season in MLS. Originally drafted by the LA Galaxy 12th overall in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, Sturgis spent time with the Galaxy and Real Salt Lake before being selected by Sounders FC in the 2008 Expansion Draft. Sturgis made 29 appearances over two seasons in Seattle, scoring his first career goal against Columbus on September 18, 2010. In 2013 while with the Colorado Rapids, the Clemson product set career highs in games played (25), starts (23), minutes (2,037) and goals (four).
"Nate is a solid player and an accomplished player who is technically very sound,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Sigi Schmid. “He has two good feet, hits a great ball and is a very good passer. He is also a good guy in the locker room who gives us a bit of of a veteran presence coming off the bench in the midfield."
Sturgis spent two seasons at Clemson University in 2004 and 2005, leading the Tigers to the 2005 College Cup. The St. Augustine, Florida-native was named a Third Team All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 before signing a Generation adidas contract with MLS.
Sounders FC’s 2016 campaign begins tonight with the first leg of the 2015-2016 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal Round against Club América on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field (7:00 p.m. PT / FOX Sports 1, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360 AM). Great seats are still available for Sounders FC 2016 season tickets, starting as low as $24 per match via the following link: http://sndrs.com/uxb7 or by calling 1-877-MLS-GOAL. Half-season packages, which include nine matches for just $21 per match are also available via the following link: http://sndrs.com/half or by calling 1-877-MLS-GOAL. Single-match tickets are available starting at $28, with fans able to purchase via the following link: http://sndrs.com/onsale2016.
TRANSACTION: Seattle Sounders FC signs midfielder Nathan Sturgis.
Name: Nathan Sturgis
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-10
Weight: 160
Born: July 6, 1987 in Boca Raton, FL
Hometown: St. Augustine, FL
Citizenship: United States
Acquired: Signed to Sounders FC roster on February 21, 2016
Previous Experience: Houston Dynamo (2015); Chivas USA (2014); Colorado Rapids (2013-2014); Houston Dynamo (2012); Toronto FC (2011); Sounders FC (2009-2010); Real Salt Lake (2007-2008); LA Galaxy (2006-2007)
