SEATTLE, WASH. – Sounders FC today announced that it has loaned midfielder Danny Leyva to the Colorado Rapids for the remainder of the 2023 season. As part of the deal, which was completed prior to the close of the Primary Transfer Window on April 24, Seattle receives Colorado’s Third Round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft and $92,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money (GAM). Both clubs reserve the right to end the loan during the Summer Transfer Window.
“We’re pleased to get a deal done that we believe is a mutually beneficial opportunity for both Danny and the club,” said Sounders FC General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel. “With the Rapids, Danny will have the chance for more minutes in a system that fits his style, while we ultimately maintain decision-making capability on his future with Sounders FC.”
Leyva, 19, has started 25 of his 54 career MLS regular-season appearances, including a career-high 12 starts and two assists in 2022. The Las Vegas native has appeared as a substitute in four matches this season, three in MLS play and one at the FIFA Club World Cup. He is youngest signing in club history to sign with the First Team, inking his deal in 2019 at 15 years and 339 days. Leyva has also appeared in 33 matches for Tacoma Defiance since 2018, including two games this season.
After joining Sounders FC Academy in 2017, Leyva compiled 11 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, helping the U-17s win the 2018 Generation Adidas Cup and capture the club’s first-ever U.S. Soccer Development Academy national championship. He was part of the U.S. Men’s Youth National Team roster for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup. On the international stage, Leyva started all three matches for the U-17 USMYNT at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil, in addition to starting six of seven matches at the 2019 Concacaf U-17 Championship.
“Danny is a strong young player who will benefit from more minutes, as well as the experience of a new professional environment,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “We believe Colorado is a good fit and are looking forward to watching his play the rest of this season.”
Following a 1-0 win over Minnesota United FC on Saturday, Sounders FC (6-2-1, 19 points) begins its 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign with a Third Round matchup with USL Championship side San Diego Loyal SC on Wednesday, April 26 at Starfire Stadium (7:00 p.m. PT / Bleacher Report App & YouTube, El Rey 1360 AM). Brian Schmetzer's side returns to MLS action with a road match on Saturday, April 29 against Real Salt Lake at America First Field (6:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, iHeartMedia, El Rey 1360 AM).
TRANSACTION: Sounders FC loans midfielder Danny Leyva to the Colorado Rapids through the end of the 2023 season in exchange for Colorado’s Third Round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft and $92,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) on April 25, 2023.
