Sounders notebook: Seattle signs top draft pick Tony Alfaro
Mar 9, 2016, 6:27 PM | Updated: 6:34 pm
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Staff report
The Sounders announced Tuesday they have signed their first pick from the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, defender Tony Alfaro. Alfaro, 22, is a highly regarded prospect out of Cal State-Dominguez Hills that the Sounders are quite keen on.
“Tony is a big center back with good feet and solid technical abilities who did well for us throughout the preseason,” Sounders coach Sigi Schmid said. “He’s a player with real potential who we think can provide good depth for us on the back line this season.”
Related: Red card dooms Sounders in Opening Day loss
In addition to the signing of Alfaro, the club confirmed that they were loaning defender Damion Lowe to Minnesota United FC on a full-season loan. Lowe had been a regular for S2 last season, and the club felt he needed another season at a higher level before being ready for the Sounders first team.
The Sounders also made a bit of technical trade, mainly for financial reasons, swapping some general allocation money to Toronto FC in exchange for targeted allocation money and an international roster spot. The rules regarding GAM and TAM are a little confusing, and even Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey admitted that “it makes my head hurt.”
“TAM can be used in fewer circumstances than GAM can but TAM makes it a little easier to buy the more expensive players,” Lagerwey explained. “Having a little bit more TAM makes it possible to have a second player that’s maybe worth a little bit more. I’d even say that there are some scenarios that you might even see us sign more than two and maybe spread that TAM and GAM out.”
The club may have some moves in the works, but they may not happen until the summer transfer window, which starts July 8.
Injury notes
• Schmid said Wednesday after training that captain and defender Brad Evans, who suffered a bit of a shoulder injury after a challenge by Sporting KC forward Dom Dwyer, has been ruled out for Saturday’s match against Real Salt Lake.
• Midfielder Erik Friberg, who has been in concussion protocol since last week’s match in Mexico City, participated in light training and is in the last day of the protocol if everything goes well. If Friberg is seen in full training Thursday, he could be ready to play Saturday.
• Right-back Tyrone Mears, who was out of Sunday’s match with a quadricep strain, also participated in light training today and could be back for Saturday if all goes well.
