Defender Jalil Anibaba, who started 14 matches for the Sounders last season, went to Orlando City in the third round of Wednesday’s MLS expansion draft, held to help stock the league’s two newest franchises. Orlando City and New York FC will begin league competition next season.
Portland goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts and Real Salt Lake midfielder Ned Grabavoy went to Orlando City and New York, respectively, in the first two rounds while Colorado midfielder Tony Cascio and New England forward Patrick Mullins were selected by Orlando City and New York in the second round.
Anibaba was the only Sounders player taken among the 20 picks allocated to Orlando City and New York. Anibaba joined the Sounders for the 2014 season after spending three years with the Chicago Fire.
Anibaba played in 16 games and logged 1,283 minutes. He had one assist.
The Sounders acquired Anibaba, along with draft picks, Jan. 14 from Chicago for Patrick Ianni and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado.