The Sounders Wednesday signed midfielder Michael Farfan, who spent the past season with D.C. United following a three-year stint with the Philadelphia Union (2011-13).
“Michael is a technical player with good feet who I’ve followed for a while,” said Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey. “We were interested in signing Michael last year after having him in camp, so we’re happy he was available to add to our roster now.”
Farfan, 27, started seven of 17 appearances for D.C. last season, recording his lone assist in a 2-1 win over Vancouver April 25.
Drafted by Philadelphia in the second round (23rd overall) of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, Farfan had two goals and three assists as a rookie. He followed in 2012 with career highs in games (32), starts (31), minutes (2,802) and assists (five).
The Union sold Farfan to Liga MX side Cruz Azul ahead of the 2014 Clausura, where he scored in his lone appearance.
“We’re excited to add an experienced and versatile player like Michael to our roster ahead of our upcoming preseason camp,” said coach Sigi Schmid. “We think Michael can come in and provide experience, depth and competitiveness to our midfield and we look forward having him in the squad.”
The San Diego native began his collegiate career with Cal State-Fullerton, totaling eight goals and seven assists en route to becoming a two-time, first-team All-Big West selection and the league’s 2006 freshman of the year. He transferred to North Carolina for his final two seasons.
The Sounders play in a series of friendlies in Tucson early next month against the Whitecaps, Timbers and Mexican side Celaya FC. Seattle’s eighth season begins in late February with a 2015-16 CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal against Club America before the MLS season opener March 6.
