Sounders Acquire Uruguayan Fernandez

Upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC), Uruguayan World Cup star Alvaro Fernandez will be added to the active Sounders FC roster. Fernandez became the team’s third designated player today although that number seems destined to become two if Freddie Ljungberg’s ‘explorations’ unveil a club. The Uruguayan comes from the Universidad de Chile club.

Fernandez played in four matches for Uruguay during the recent 2010 FIFA World Cup, three from the bench and one from the start. Fernandez started for Uruguay in the quarterfinal against Ghana and was a substitute in wins over South Africa, Mexico and South Korea. Uruguay finished fourth in South Africa, their best for four decades. He has been capped 11 times by Uruguay-including appearances in six qualifiers-since his debut in 2008.

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“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 in a Sounders press release.

According to Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid, Fernandez is a “versatile player who can play in a number of midfield positions. He brings good energy to the game as well as World Cup experience. He can score and also set up others.”

He will join Switzerland’s Blaise Nkufo as the second player to arrive in Seattle from the World Cup.

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