Seattle Sounders FC waive defender Jordan McCrary after one year

Jordan McCrary has been waived by the Seattle Sounders FC, while the club has signed defender Saad Abdul-Salaam. Also, a new secondary kit is revealed.

Seattle, Washington (February 26, 2019) — Another defender is parting ways with the Seattle Sounders FC. Earlier this month, the club traded defender Waylon Francis back to the Columbus Crew SC after one season.

Today, Jordan McCrary has been waived.

McCrary made 20 appearances last season, starting 13 matches. The 25-year-old from Georgia was brought into Seattle last February to help bolster the defense. In his 20 matches, McCrary took two shots during the MLS regular-season and supplied 890 minute of work.

Seattle Sounders FC waive defender Jordan McCrary after one year

In MLS, his appearances were totaled at 15. His other appearances came in the CONCACAF Champions League and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

“We would like to thank Jordan for his contributions in Seattle,” Garth Lagerwey, Sounders general manager and president of soccer, said in a press release. “Jordan was a true professional during his time with us and we wish him nothing but success on his next career step.”

Seattle has a stacked defense this season, adding Jonathan Campbell in the off-season to help supplement the centerback pairing of Kim Kee-hee and Chad Marshall. On the left, Nouhou and Brad Smith — who is with the Sounders on loan until July 31.

Meanwhile, at right back, the spot is tied by Kelvin Leerdam.

Other defenders on the roster include Saad Abdul-Salaam and Panamanian ceenterback Román Torres. On the same day that McCrary was waived, the Sounders announced the signing of Abdul-Salaam.

Abdul-Salaam joined the Sounders this offseason from New York City FC. He was with the Sounders during preseason trainings as a guest player on trial.

During his time with NYCFC, Abdul-Salaam made four regular-season appearances in 2018, starting three matches. An alum of the University of Akron, Abdul-Salaam began his MLS career with Sporting Kansas City, remaining with the club from 2015-17. He made 64 appearances, starting 46 matches. He scored one goal in 2017.

“We are pleased to welcome Saad officially into the club, after he showed his diverse skillset during preseason camp,” Lagerwey said. “Saad has experience both at fullback and in central defense, and his athleticism will serve our team well across our backline. We are excited to see what he brings to the squad over the course of the season.”

Thank you for your time with the club, Jordan! pic.twitter.com/kRopE4TK1x

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) February 26, 2019

Sounders reveal secondary, pink kit

The Sounders are already having a busy week.

In addition to today’s player announcements, there was plenty of fanfare last night when the club’s secondary kit was released. The kit is black and pink, with the words, “Cascades to Sea.”

“Wherever our consumer wears Nightfall, they will stand out and proudly present a unique and very special design whose inspiration is drawn from the night skyline over the Puget Sound, paying homage to the beautiful nature of Seattle and the club’s home stadium, CenturyLink Field,” adidas Global Product Director Oliver Bechtel said.

It has previously been announced that Zulilly is the new jersey sponsor for the Seattle Sounders.

Seattle begins an 11th MLS season this Saturday, hosting expansion club FC Cincinnati at CenturyLink Field. The match is slated to begin at 10 p.m. ET/7p.m. PT.