Seattle, WA – The Seattle Sounders traded defender Brad Smith to D.C. United in exchange for $750,000 in general allocation money in 2022. Smith spent two different stints in Seattle, helping the club win the MLS Cup in 2019.
Odd man out
The move does not come as a total surprise, considering the amount of talent that the Sounders have on their roster for this season, in addition to the depth that was signed. With Xavier Arreaga, Nouhou, Yeimar, and Seattle’s two MLS SuperDraft picks (Robin and Uderitz, both being listed as defenders on the Sounders preseason roster), it makes total sense that the club would trade a player like Smith who has experience and could provide an immediate impact to a team. The re-signing of Alex Roldan should only mean that we continue to see him in his outside back role as well, one that Smith used to fill.
Sounders backline depth
With the Sounders transitioning into a 4-2-3-1 formation, Seattle will have two center backs and to outside backs. With a combination of Nouhou, Yeimar, Alex Roldan, and Xavier Arreaga starting on most days, Seattle also has it’s two draft picks developing in the wings. Smith provides value, Seattle was stuffed in terms of their roster and their salary, so Smith ends up being the odd man out.
Thank you, Brad
Brad Smith had spent four years with the Sounders prior to the trade, and was well documented as a good teammate. Smith recorded 72 appearances in his time with the club, appearing in two MLS Cup finals and helping Seattle bring the title home in 2019. Last season, Smith recorded a career high in goals (three), and added four assists. Seattle will still be able to get even more value out of Smith, if D.C. transfers Smith to any club outside of the MLS. The Sounders will retain a 10% sell-on fee if that sort of move happens.
