Ozzie Alonso signs one-day contract to retire as a Seattle Sounder

Longtime Major League Soccer midfielder Osvaldo 'Ozzie' Alonso has signed a One-Day contract with Seattle Sounders to retire as a member of the Western Conference club.

Alonso returns to Seattle after two brief spells with Atlanta United and Minnesota United after departing Lumen Field in December 2018. He managed just 13 appearances for Atlanta after suffering an ACL injury early on in the 2022 season.

The former Cuba international managed three goals in 72 appearances for Minnesota, but he made his name in North American soccer during his time with Seattle. Alonso hangs up his boots after registering the second-most appearances in Sounders history with 339, scoring 21 goals and adding 14 assists.

Alonso's brilliant play as a defensive midfielder saw him lift four US Open Cups in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2014, while also conquering the league with the 2016 MLS Cup title.

"In the history of Sounders soccer, there are certain players who epitomize the ethos of the club - who are stamped with the grit, determination and mindset that our organization stands for," Sounders majority owner Adrian Hanauer said in a release.

"Ozzie is one of those players. My first experience with him was when he was playing opposite our team, and I knew immediately that he was a player you only wanted to see if he was in your uniform. With Ozzie's help - both through his on-field skills and off-field character and leadership – Sounders FC saw great success as it began building its MLS legacy. I couldn’t be happier to welcome Ozzie and his family back to Seattle so that we can honor his incredible career."

Alonso is regarded as one of the best MLS players of all-time, and his former head coach Brian Schmetzer explains what made him such a great figure on the pitch.

"As a coach, you simply couldn't ask for more than what Ozzie brought, day in and day out," Schmetzer added.

"He played the kind of soccer our fans loved to cheer for and opponents feared. It was soccer played with dedication and passion, skill and respect for the game. It's special to have coached such a stellar player, but, even more so, I'm grateful to know Ozzie as the exceptional human being that he is. It's an honor to welcome him back to retire as a Sounder."

The Sounders are set to take on Western Conference foes Austin FC this Saturday, March 2, at Lumen Field with Alonso in attendance.

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