Sound Roster Moves For Seattle; MLS Team Fortifies Defense Through Draft

November 28, 2008 7:30 p.m. EST

Seattle, WA (AHN) - The Seattle Sounders did some fine work in the Major League Soccer expansion draft Wednesday, picking up a small crop of seasoned veterans to help lead the team.

General Manager Adrian Hanauer landed Nate Jaqua, one of the player's he showed the most interest in acquiring.

The 27-year-old Jaqua is a mighty figure on the field, standing at 6'3. A 27-year-old veteran, he played for the University of Portland.

"The goal for the draft was to come out with a team that was extremely balanced, with a combination of experienced veterans and young guys with an enormous upside." Hanauer told MLSnet.com.

Another addition was Jeff Parke, a defensman and the only free agent Hanauer signed in the deal. He is meant to supplement the attacking power of Sebastien LeToux, Freddie Ljungberg and Sanna Nyassi.

Parke is a seasoned hand, starting 23 games with the runner-up New York Red Bulls last year.

The 26-year-old Parke was suspended from the Red Bulls for 10 games following a guilty charge of substance abuse.

They picked up 10 new players in all during the expansion draft, expanding their signed and ready roster from four to 14.