SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC today announced that it has re-signed defender Zach Scott. A Sounders FC original, Scott joins the Rave Green for his eighth season in MLS, as well his 15th total with the club dating back to 2002 in the USL era. Scott re-signs with Seattle after his option was not exercised following the 2015 season. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.
“I’m pleased to announce that Zach is again a part of the team as we begin preparations for the 2016 season,” said Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “He means a great deal to the Sounders organization and we’re happy to have him back in camp.”
Scott, 35, has made 104 league appearances for Sounders FC – seventh in club history – including 82 starts in eight MLS seasons, all with the Rave Green. The veteran center back has registered at least 15 starts in each of the past four seasons, as well as a career-high 1,480 minutes played in 2015. Scott has appeared in each of the club’s seven MLS Cup Playoff matches the past two seasons, and his 13 career postseason appearances are tied for third in club history. Including postseason play, Scott has two goals and two assists in his MLS career, all recorded in 2012.
A 14-year veteran of the organization, Scott has played in 332 career games as a Sounder in the MLS and USL eras, dating back to his first season with the club in 2002. After joining the organization in 2002, the Gonzaga University product helped the Sounders to seven trophies – two USL championships, four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open titles and the 2014 Supporters’ Shield.
“It’s exciting to bring back a player who competes as hard as Zach does day in and day out,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Sigi Schmid. “His toughness, resilience and experience have always made him a valuable member of this team.”
Sounders FC opens its 2016 preseason presented by adidas at Starfire Sports tomorrow, Saturday, January 23 at Starfire Sports. Sigi Schmid’s side is set to train in Seattle through Wednesday, January 27 before the club heads to Tucson for training camp. Seattle is slated to take part in a series of Desert Friendlies in Tucson against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the Portland Timbers and Mexican side Celaya FC in early February. Seattle’s eighth MLS season begins in late February with the 2015-2016 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal Round against Club America before the MLS season-opener on March 6. 2016 Sounders FC Season Ticket Packages, which include the first leg against Club America on February 23 at CenturyLink Field, are available now for as low as $24 per match online or by calling 1-877-MLS-GOAL.
TRANSACTION: Seattle Sounders FC re-signs defender Zach Scott on January 22, 2016.
Name: Zach Scott
Position: Defender
Height: 5-11
Weight: 175
Born: July 2, 1980
Hometown: Haiku, Hawaii
Citizenship: United States
Acquired: Signed to new contract on January 22, 2016, first signed by Sounders FC on March 16, 2009
Previous Experience: Seattle Sounders (USL-1, 2002-2008)
