The Sounders Thursday acquired midfielder Calum Mallace from the Montreal Impact in exchange for a 2019 MLS SuperDraft fourth-round pick. Mallace is a five-year MLS veteran who has made 80 career appearances since Montreal selected him in the second round of the 2012 SuperDraft.
“We are pleased to have secured Calum’s services, as he’s a prime-age player with veteran experience in our league,” said Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey. “Like the addition of Lamar Neagle earlier this week, Calum gives our coaching staff another experienced option for the most critical portion of our season. We’re excited to welcome him to Seattle.”
Following a collegiate career at Marquette, the Impact made Mallace its first selection (20th overall) in the 2012 draft. The midfielder has started 51 of his 80 appearances, recording one goal and six assists in 4,415 minutes. He also has six career playoff appearances, including 162 minutes played across three games (one start) in 2015.
“We’re familiar with Calum’s body of work in MLS and know that he’s a hardworking and talented player,” said coach Brian Schmetzer. “We think he’ll be a fine addition to this roster as we approach the most important part of our season.”
At Marquette, Mallace started 62 of his 69 appearances, recording 13 goals and 13 assists. He was the 2011 Big East Midfielder of the Year. He is a native of Torphichen, Scotland.
“Calum is a strong central player with a solid first touch and good range of passing, both short and long,” said sporting director Chris Henderson. “On top of that, he’s an experienced player who has played in big games, and his competitive nature will be an asset as the squad looks to continue to continually improve down the stretch.”
Also Thursday, the Sounders waived forward Victor Mansaray, a Homegrown Player signed by Seattle prior to the 2015 season. He made three MLS appearances and played extensively for Sounders FC 2, recording five goals and three assists in 35 appearances. Mansaray has spent most of the 2017 season on loan with USL side FC Cincinnati.
After a 4-0 road win over Minnesota United Saturday, the Sounders return to the Clink at 1 p.m. Saturday to face Western Conference-leading Sporting Kansas City.
