SOUNDERS FC: Estrada and Fucito join roster

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The Sounders have officially signed forward David Estrada and midfielder Michael Fucito, the team announced March 24.

Estrada, the club’s first-round pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, has already spent time on the pitch with the Sounders in all six preseason games, starting in two.

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Though he was born in Mexico, 22-year-old Estrada was raised in Salinas, California where he walked on to play all four years at UCLA as an All-PAC-10 honoree. Estrada finished his college career with 22 goals and 14 assists and was awarded Soccer America’s Freshman of the Year in 2006.

Estrada is a quick player who is accustomed to playing forward for UCLA. Seattle may be looking to improve their offense this season by putting him in the midfield as well as forward.

“David Estrada was a good option for us because of his ability to play in the wide channel and to play up top,” Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid said.

Fucito, 23, actually signed with the Sounders in July 2009 as the fourth-round draft pick but was released in November 2009. He spent his time on the injured list and was only able to have playing time during two friendlies. Now, Fucito has rejoined the club as an invitee and has played in two preseason games. He finished his years at Harvard as the school’s fourth highest leading scorer with 32 goals and 24 assists.

“Michael [Fucito] is a powerful player with an excellent shot,” Schmid said.

Another addition to the Sounders roster to keep an eye on is 18-year-old forward Miguel Montano. Though his signing is currently unofficial, the Sounders have confirmed he will be playing in the 2010 season pending some unfinished details. Montano grew up in Colombia and moved to Argentina when he was just 16 to play for Quilmes AC youth system. Now he has begun practicing with the Sounders and is working to hone his unique offensive style.

“…We have got to give him some time to settle, get his feet on the ground and see how he comes along,” Schmid said. “If he is ready he will play. He will know and we will know.”

The terms of the new signings were not disclosed as per club policy.

The Sounders FC face-off against MLS newcomers the Philadelphia Union in their first regular season match Thursday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Reach Andi Williamson at nextseasonsports@gmail.com