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Uruguayan Midfielder Alvaro Fernandez Becomes Seattle Sounders FC's Third DP
Jul 29, 2010 3:18:00 PM
By Zac Lee Rigg
With Seattle Sounders FC's second designated player, Blaise Nkufo, making his debut just Sunday, the club today announced the signing of a third DP, Alvaro Fernandez, today.
The midfielder most recently played on Uruguay's World Cup team, making four appearances en route to the semifinal. Fernandez started against South Africa and made three further substitute appearances.
"I'm very excited to be playing in the U.S. because the football has grown a lot in the last few years and keeps getting better," said Fernandez. "Seattle is beautiful and I think it's the ideal place to be with my family. All these things helped in making my decision."
Fernandez has experience in North America, having played for Puebla in Mexico's top division in 2008. He also spent time in Europe, at Portugal's Vitoria, as well as enjoying stints in Uruguay and Chile.
"My goals are always the same whenever I join a team: try to help, on and off the field; help the club achieve its goals; and, obviously, win championships," Fernandez explained. "I believe I can contribute through my experience. I describe myself as a fast, smooth player, who can play on either flank. I am strong in the air, and I work very hard."
Coach Sigi Schmid vouched for those claims of versatility.
"Alvaro is a versatile player who can play in a number of midfield positions," said Sigi Schmid. "He brings good energy to the game as well as World Cup experience. He can score and also set-up others."
Of course, the 24-year-old's arrival will increase speculation that Seattle's first designated player, Freddie Ljungberg, is on his way out. The Swede is currently exploring his options.
Since dropping Ljungberg from the team, Seattle has won twice and tied once, bringing the club to within a point of the playoff spots.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
The midfielder most recently played on Uruguay's World Cup team, making four appearances en route to the semifinal. Fernandez started against South Africa and made three further substitute appearances.
"I'm very excited to be playing in the U.S. because the football has grown a lot in the last few years and keeps getting better," said Fernandez. "Seattle is beautiful and I think it's the ideal place to be with my family. All these things helped in making my decision."
Fernandez has experience in North America, having played for Puebla in Mexico's top division in 2008. He also spent time in Europe, at Portugal's Vitoria, as well as enjoying stints in Uruguay and Chile.
"My goals are always the same whenever I join a team: try to help, on and off the field; help the club achieve its goals; and, obviously, win championships," Fernandez explained. "I believe I can contribute through my experience. I describe myself as a fast, smooth player, who can play on either flank. I am strong in the air, and I work very hard."
Coach Sigi Schmid vouched for those claims of versatility.
"Alvaro is a versatile player who can play in a number of midfield positions," said Sigi Schmid. "He brings good energy to the game as well as World Cup experience. He can score and also set-up others."
Of course, the 24-year-old's arrival will increase speculation that Seattle's first designated player, Freddie Ljungberg, is on his way out. The Swede is currently exploring his options.
Since dropping Ljungberg from the team, Seattle has won twice and tied once, bringing the club to within a point of the playoff spots.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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