Sounders add youth in Uruguayan midfielder

Seattle Sounders FC moved to the Major League Soccer maximum of three designated players Thursday with the signing of midfielder Alvaro Fernandez, fresh off his World Cup appearance with Uruguay.

“We have been tracking Alvaro for a while,” general manager Adrian Hanauer said. “…Alvaro is a player who has a very good pace. He is good in the air. Versatility, he can play anywhere across the midfield. Again, we just felt like another quality player was necessary to continue to build on what we have got and certainly to make a run for the playoffs.”

Seattle (6-8-4) must receive his international transfer certificate before Fernandez can join the active roster.

The Sounders’ next Major League Soccer game comes Saturday at San Jose.

“My goals are always the same whenever I join a team: try to help, on and off the field; help the club achieve its goals; and, obviously, win championships,” Fernandez said. “I believe I can contribute through my experience. I describe myself as a fast, smooth player, who can play on either flank. I am strong in the air, and I work very hard.”

The 6-foot-1 Fernandez, 24, played four matches for Uruguay during the 2010 World Cup and started Uruguay’s quarterfinal win over Ghana.

“It’s not coincidental that a lot of good players play in the World Cup,” said Hanauer, who attended games in South Africa.

Fernandez joins the Sounders after playing on loan for Chile’s Universidad during the 2010 season. He has also played for club teams in Uruguay, Mexico and Portugal.

“He is young,” Sounders coach Sigi Schmid said. “He is a guy who his best soccer is still ahead of him… He is also a player who can play on the flank. He can play pretty much anywhere in midfield. He is pretty much a two-way guy. He’s got good pace and I think he will adjust to the league quickly.”

Fernandez arrives at a time when the Sounders have given midfielder Freddie Ljungberg – their original designated player – permission to seek another deal. Ljungberg has not played for Seattle in more than two weeks. His two-year deal with Seattle expires in November.

Swiss striker Blaise Nkufo joined the club this month as its second designated player.

“I’m very excited to be playing in the U.S. because the football has grown a lot in the last few years and keeps getting better,” Fernandez said. “Seattle is beautiful and I think it’s the ideal place to be with my family. All these things helped in making my decision.”

Read more at blog.thenewstribune.com/soccer.

This story was originally published July 30, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Sounders add youth in Uruguayan midfielder."