SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC 2 has signed Brazilian midfielder Sérgio Mota Mello, the club announced today. Known simply as Sérgio, the 25-year-old international has seven years of Brazilian domestic league experience, playing for seven clubs, including a São Paulo side that finished at the top of the Serie A table in 2007 and 2008. Per league and club policy, specific terms of the deal are not being disclosed.
“Sérgio gives us the ability to adjust our style of play when needed, and control the tempo of a game,” said S2 General Manager Andrew Opatkiewicz. “He has experience at a high level in Brazil – he makes the players around him better, and he has the potential to develop into a Sounders FC First Team player.”
Sérgio has spent the last two years with Penapolense and Botafogo, making 19 appearances for the two clubs in league play. The midfielder began his professional career with Brazilian powerhouse São Paulo during the club’s Serie A-winning campaign in 2007 before playing on loan with Ceará, Icasa, and Santo André. Since 2013, Sérgio has continued his career with América Mineiro, Botafogo and Penapolense. In total he has logged 61 league appearances, recording 2,365 minutes played and four goals.
“Sérgio is a very technical player that can connect passes and cover ground well,” said Sounders FC Assistant Coach and Head Scout Kurt Schmid. “We believe he could be an asset to the First Team in the future, and we think he will develop well playing with S2.”
Following a Second Round victory in the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup over Kitsap on Wednesday, S2 continues its 2015 USL campaign tonight at Portland Timbers 2 (7:30 p.m. PT / SoundersFC.com).
Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC 2 signs midfielder Sérgio Mota Mello on May 22, 2015.
Name: Sérgio Mota Mello
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-9
Weight: 154
Born: November 16, 1989
Citizenship: Brazil
Acquired: Signed to S2 roster on May 22, 2015
Previous Experience: Penapolense (2013, 2014-2015), Botafogo SP (2014), América Mineiro (2013), Santo André (Loan; 2012), Icasa (Loan; 2011), Ceará (Loan; 2011), São Paulo (2007-2012)
