Sounders lose two players in expansion draft
Nov 24, 2010, 11:32 AM | Updated: Apr 5, 2011, 9:50 am
Midfielder Sanna Nyassi was selected by Vancouver on Wednesday. (MyNorthwest.com/Jane Gershovich)
(MyNorthwest.com/Jane Gershovich)
MyNorthwest.com staff
The Sounders FC have lost midfielders Sanna Nyassi and Nathan Sturgis in the 2010 MLS expansion draft on Wednesday.
Both players were taken by the Vancouver Whitecaps. Vancouver and the Portland Timbers enter the MLS next season.
Nyassi was instrumental in helping the Sounders FC win their second consecutive U.S. Open Cup Championship this season, scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew.
“Sanna’s explosive speed will be missed and his role in our Open Cup championship will be long remembered,” said Sigi Schmid, Sounders FC head coach.
After acquiring Nyassi, the Whitecaps traded him to the Colorado Rapids for an international player spot.
Sturgis, a five-year veteran, started 15 of the last 16 games in central midfield, scoring one goal, a penalty kick, and two assists with Seattle.
The team also announced they have traded for 24-year old forward O’Brian White from the Whitecaps. White was acquired by Vancouver with the 12th overall pick in the expansion draft, and was subsequently shipped to Seattle for allocation money.
White started 14 times for Toronto FC in his two MLS seasons, making 33 appearances overall.
