Sounders players pleased with new additions to team

When the Seattle Sounders announced the signings of center back Xavier Arreaga and left back/midfielder Joevin Jones, it came as something of a pleasant surprise to the fanbase, as reports of the deals didn’t surface until days (or hours even) before the MLS transfer window closed. While the Sounders players likely knew the deals were coming before fans did, they were no less pleased about the additions.

Coach Brian Schmetzer quipped on Wednesday after the announcement that after the team heard the news, “they had a very good training [and] that’s the reaction I want.” For their part, the team is looking forward to welcoming the new (and old) players into the fold.

“I tried to get J.J. a locker spot next to mine when I heard,” midfielder Cristian Roldan said. “I really liked playing with J.J., and we’re adding another really good player, another guy who can affect the game offensively and defensively.”

Like Roldan, Jordan Morris played with Jones for two years, and is happy to see him return. “Joevin is a great player, really good guy and we’re really excited to have him back,” Morris said. “I think he’ll be just as good, if not better. He’s a really talented player.”

Jones spent most of his time at SV Darmstadt 98 as a midfielder, and Roldan believes it will be easy for the team to reintroduce him, as the Sounders’ playing style hasn’t changed since he left. “To reintegrate him is going to be very simple,” Roldan said “He knows exactly how we play and for the most part it should be extremely smooth for J.J.”

“He’s versatile, he can play a lot of different positions, and it’s always good to have players like that.” Morris said. “Especially when you get a guy back like Joevin that you like and know it’s exciting.”

While the team isn’t nearly as familiar with Arreaga, Roldan believes adding another quality center back will help the team as they push for a supporter’s shield. “I’ve seen him on film and he looks good,” Roldan said. “Very good playing out of the back, makes quite a few tackles. To make our roster even better, we’re looking forward to having him.”