MLS Draft 2018: Sounders add center back depth with second-round pick

With the second to last pick of the second round, the Seattle Sounders added Duke University product Markus Fjortoft. The Norwegian came up through Bærum SK’s youth program. His father was a Norwegian international who played professionally in England, Germany, Austria and Norway.

Markus is a substantial 6’5” 205 pound senior. That’s taller and heavier than every player on the current Sounders roster. He scored seven goals in his four years with Duke and started every one of his 73 matches, only missing 181 minutes. He was the captain for Duke and New York Red Bulls U23s in the PDL last year.

Fjørtoft was a regular on the ACC Academic Honor roll, earned co-Defensive MVP in 2015 for Duke and was the solo Defensive MVP for his school in 2016. He looks to join Duke grad Zach Mathers in earning a First Team roster spot.

The Sounders pick second to last in the third and fourth round on Jan 21. That draft takes place via conference call.