By Toby Dunkelberg
The Seattle Sounders have just announced that after having successfully completed the MLS Substance Abuse Behavioral Health Program, midfielder Marco Pappa is set to rejoin the club. The Guatamalan international hasn’t started since being pulled over for driving under the influence on July 19th. Pappa has two goals and five assists on the season. In his absence the Sounders have signed Nelson Valdez and Adreas Ivanschitz who look to be direct challengers for minutes in Sigi Schmid’s starting eleven. Although well rested it’s unlikely Pappa will see any action in tonights Champions League matchup against C.D. Olimpia. Although if he gets back in Schmid’s good graces one would expect him to be a lock for the away game against Olimpia in a weeks time.
Seattle Sounders FC
After completing the SABH process, Pappa is set to rejoin the club and is cleared by MLS to resume team activities. You are welcome to run with this news across your various outlets, and a quote from Sounders FC GM and President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey is below for your use. Please note that we are not issuing further remarks at this time, and Pappa is not available for media comment at this stage due to the ongoing nature of the legal process. That said, if there is interest in chatting further with Garth, we’ll be able to make him available surrounding tonight’s Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League match at CenturyLink Field (7:00 p.m. PT / FOX Sports 2, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM).
GARTH LAGERWEY
“Marco has complied with Major League Soccer’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program, and he is now officially cleared to rejoin Sounders FC and begin participating in team activities,” said Sounders FC General Manager and President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “Marco has taken the necessary steps to reach this point, and as an organization we continue to support him. Due to the ongoing nature of the legal process, we have no further comment on this matter at this time.”
Sounders FC