SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC today announced that it has signed two of its 2015 MLS SuperDraft selections, as the Rave Green has added defender Oniel Fisher and goalkeeper Charlie Lyon to the club’s First Team roster. Today’s signings bring the club’s active roster to 28 players entering the third week of the 2015 MLS season. Per club and league policy, terms of the agreements are not being disclosed.
“I’m excited to add two good young players to our First Team roster,” said Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “Charlie and Oniel have worked really hard throughout preseason training camp and they’ve earned it. We’re excited about their futures.”
Selected in the Second Round (40th overall) in 2015 MLS SuperDraft, Fisher spent two seasons at the University of New Mexico, where he started 34 of 39 appearances and recorded four goals — all game-winners — adding three assists. He started 16 of his 17 appearances as a senior, scoring three goals and assisting on another. As a junior, he was part of a Lobo squad that advanced to the National Semifinals of the NCAA Tournament, finishing 14-6-2 and recording 11 shutouts. He netted the game-winner in New Mexico’s 2-0 Sweet 16 victory over Penn State, then assisted the lone goal in a 1-0 win over Washington in the Elite Eight.
“It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m excited about the decision that the technical staff made,” said Fisher. “This is all I’ve ever wanted and all I’ve been working for my entire life. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here and to be a part of a great team and a great city with passionate fans.”
Lyon was twice a First Team All-Big East selection for the Golden Eagles and was a co-recipient of the 2014 Big East Goalkeeper of the Year Award before being selected in the Fourth Round (75th overall) in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. He recorded nine clean sheets in 18 appearances with a 0.74 goals against average as a senior. He set a program record with eight straight shutouts and owns the 10th-longest shutout streak in NCAA Division I history, keeping opponents off the board for nearly nine straight matches in 2014.
“Seattle is an amazing club and I’m excited to be a part of it,” said Lyon. “I’m going to do my best to help out the team in any way that I can. I haven’t seen a fanbase that rivals Seattle’s in this country and it’s an honor to play in front of them.”
Both Fisher and Lyon trained with Sounders FC throughout the 2015 preseason, with Lyon appearing in five of seven friendlies and Lyon suiting up in the 18 for two.
"I’m excited about signing Charlie Lyon – I think he’s a good young goalkeeper with great potential. We’re very pleased that he’ll be with us for the season,” said Head Coach Sigi Schmid. “Oniel Fisher is a player that showed very well in the preseason. He’s got speed, he’s quick, he’s good on the ball and has shown an ability to get forward in the attack. He’s another player that’s a young addition to our team that will make us stronger.”
Sounders FC next plays on Tuesday, March 24 in an international friendly against Mexican side Club Tijuana (7:00 p.m. PT). Sigi Schmid’s club returns to MLS action on Saturday, March 28 at FC Dallas (5:30 p.m. PT / Q13 FOX).
Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC signs defender Oniel Fisher and goalkeeper Charlie Lyon on March 17, 2015.
Name: Oniel Fisher
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-9
Weight: 155
Born: November 22, 1991 in Portmore, Jamaica
Hometown: Portmore, Jamaica
Citizenship: Jamaica
Acquired: Selected in the Second Round (40th overall) in 2015 MLS SuperDraft. Signed to a First Team contract on March 17, 2015.
Name: Charlie Lyon
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-2
Weight: 215
Born: April 10, 1992 in St. Charlies, Illinois
Hometown: St. Charles, Illinois
Citizenship: United States
Acquired: Selected in the Fourth Round (75th overall) in 2015 MLS SuperDraft. Signed to contract on Signed to a First Team contract on March 17, 2015.
