Sounders bolster depth with pair of re-signings

The Seattle Sounders are bringing back Stefan Cleveland and Jimmy Medranda, they announced on Wednesday. Both were acquired via trades last year, but neither played prominent roles and initially had their contract options declined in December. Neither are likely to play huge roles in 2020, but will help bolster the team’s depth.

“We are pleased to add two more pieces to our roster ahead of the 2021 season,” Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey said in a statement. “Stefan did well as a member of our goalkeeping group last year, and we were impressed with Jimmy after he joined us late last season. Both will provide our squad with quality depth as we head into a new campaign.”

Medranda made three substitute appearances — including one in the playoffs — after joining the team in October. Cleveland didn’t make a single competitive appearances in 2020, but was usually the bench option on gameday rosters.

Medranda, who was a regular starter for a very good team as recently as 2018, could be in line for a bigger role in 2021. In addition to playing left back, Medranda has played all over the midfield. Cleveland will likely continue to serve as Stefan Frei’s primary backup, while hopefully being able to get some spot starts with Tacoma Defiance.

The Sounders are also expected to announce the signing of Kelyn Rowe soon, and could have another player announcement as well. That second signing will likely be more depth than starting quality.

CURRENT SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC ROSTER

GOALKEEPERS (3): Stefan Cleveland, Stefan Frei, Trey Muse

DEFENDERS (7): Yeimar Gómez Andrade, Xavier Arreaga, Jimmy Medranda, Nouhou, Shane O’Neill, Alex Roldan, Brad Smith

MIDFIELDERS (8): Josh Atencio, Jordy Delem, Ethan Dobbelaere, Shandon Hopeau, João Paulo, Danny Leyva, Nicolás Lodeiro, Cristian Roldan

FORWARDS (3): Will Bruin, Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, Raúl Ruidíaz