SEATTLE, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC today announced the signing of 2016 MLS SuperDraft Second Round selection Tony Alfaro. The 22-year-old was a Division II All-American last season at Cal State Dominguez Hills before Seattle made him its first pick in January. Additionally, Sounders FC has made two other transactions, loaning third-year centerback Damion Lowe to Minnesota United of the NASL and acquiring Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) and an international roster spot from Toronto FC in exchange for General Allocation Money (GAM).
“We’re pleased to add a talented player like Tony to our roster as the 2016 season gets going,” said Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “He’s obviously a player we liked in the draft when we selected him and we’re looking forward to continuing his development.”
Alfaro, 22, was named a First Team All-American by the NSCAA and a Division II CCA Second Team All-American after starting all 21 of his appearances as a senior. As team captain and the California College Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year in 2015, Alfaro led the Toros with 1,954 minutes to along with six goals. The Santa Barbara native started 71 of his 75 appearances in his collegiate career and was a four-time All-CCAA selection.
“Tony is a big centerback with good feet and solid technical abilities who did well for us throughout the preseason,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Sigi Schmid. “He’s a player with real potential who we think can provide good depth for us on the backline this season.”
Sounders FC also announced on Tuesday that it has loaned defender Damion Lowe to NASL side Minnesota United FC for the 2016 season. Lowe was the club’s First Round selection (eighth overall) in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, but has yet to make an appearance with the Sounders FC First Team in MLS play. The six-foot-three Jamaican international started 14 of 17 appearances last season for Sounders FC 2, scoring one goal and one assist.
The Rave Green has also acquired TAM and an international roster spot from Toronto FC in exchange for General Allocation Money, the club announced today.
Following a 1-0 home loss Sunday evening to Sporting Kansas City in the opening match of the 2016 MLS regular season, Seattle Sounders FC trains this week at Starfire Sports before traveling to face Real Salt Lake on Saturday, March 12 at Rio Tinto Stadium (1:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, 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 loans defender Damion Lowe to Minnesota United FC on March 8, 2016.
TRANSACTION: Seattle Sounders FC acquires Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) and an international roster spot from Toronto FC in exchange for General Allocation Money (GAM) on March 8, 2016.
TRANSACTION: Seattle Sounders FC signs defender Tony Alfaro on March 8, 2016.
Name: Tony Alfaro
Position: Defender
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
Born: June 15, 1993
Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA
College: Cal State Dominguez Hills
Citizenship: United States
Pronunciation: al-FAR-oh
Acquired: Signed to Sounders FC roster on March 8, 2016
