13 Aug, 2008
Keller Signs With MLS
Posted by: WVHooligan In: MLS| News and Rumors| Seattle Sounders FC
Like there was really any doubt that this move would happen. Former US National team keeper Kasey Keller has signed on to play in Major League Soccer next year with expansion side Seattle Sounders FC, sources say. We mentioned a press conference that is set for tomorrow earlier in the week, and now we know officially what it really means.
Again, there was little doubt about even that.
Keller, 38, will join forward Sebastien Le Toux from the current USL-1 Sounders as the second player signed by the MLS club that will debut next March.
A few years ago Real Salt Lake tried to get Keller to return to the States and play in MLS but he decided to play it out in Europe for a few more years. Most believe he was waiting for a club in Seattle to be born and when it did he would return.
Keller ranks seventh all-time with 102 games played for the U.S. national team, and he’s the team’s all-time leader in wins and clean sheets. He was named to four World Cup rosters, suiting up for the U.S. in 1990, 1998, 2002 and 2006 to join Claudio Reyna as the only Americans to play in the prestigious tournament four times. He also was named U.S. soccer athlete of the year in 1997, 1999 and 2005, becoming the only player to earn that honor three times.
He played last season for Fulham FC in the English Premier League, but became a free agent when his contract expired after Fulham finished just ahead of relegation in 17th place. Before his time in the EPL, he played in Spain with Rayo Vallecano (1999-2001), in Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach (2005-07) and in England with Millwall (1992-96), Leicester City (1996-99), Tottenham Hotspur (2001-05) and Southampton (2004). Needless to say he’s bounced around a bit over the years for various reasons.
A solid move from a club that is making a lot of buzz in its town. I honestly believe this club will be unlike any other expansion clubs. Maybe it is because they will take some of their USL players with them but maybe its because there has been so many positive things surrounding this club come out in the press.
What do you all make of Keller coming home and playing for the Sounders next year?
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