(Seattle, WA) – The Seattle Sounders have announced the signing of United Soccer League (USL) First Division veteran midfielder Hugo Alcarez-Cuellar from the Portland Timbers and forward Nathan Knox from the Minnesota Thunder.
“These two signings will add firepower to replace Cam Weaver and Maykel Galindo,” said Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer.
“We won’t stop there,” he continued. “We will add quality players to our roster, until we have a team that can challenge for another championship.”
Alcarez-Cuellar is the career assists leader for the Timbers and led the USL First Division in assists in both 2004 and 2005. Last season, the Guadalajara, Mexico native tallied three goals and five assists in his fifth year with the Timbers. His USL career started with the San Diego Flash in 2001, after his college career during which he played two years at Fresno State and two years at Santa Barbara City College.
“I’m looking forward to coming in and getting to know the Sounders and learning what coach Brian Schmetzer expects from me this season,” says Alcarez-Cuellar. “I’m also looking forward to the opportunity to be successful and win a championship.”
Knox will arrive in Seattle this season, providing he receives international clearance and a P-1 work permit. The well traveled and versatile forward spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Thunder. In 2006 he finished tied for the team lead in points with five goals and four assists in 20 games.
The two-time All-American at Macalester University spent three years playing in the New Zealand National League where the Christ Church native scored four goals for Canterbury United. The Thunder used Knox in their defense, midfield and as a forward during his stint there and at just 25 years old and 6’2” tall, he’ll be looking to make his mark up front for the Sounders.
“I’m really excited about playing with the Sounders,” says Knox. “I’ve always heard good things about the city of Seattle and the team. I’ve heard the city and the climate is very similar to Christ Church.”
For more information regarding the Sounders 2007 season, please visit www.seattlesounders.net or call (206) 622-3415.
