Back in January, the Seattle Sounders announced that they signed on Tony Alfaro as their first MLS Draft pick. Alfaro, 22, the 27^th overall draft pick of the season, is now being added to the team’s roster, playing center back for the Sounders. Sounders GM and President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey says that the move is a strategic one. “We’re pleased to add a talented player like Tony to our roster as the 2016 season gets going. He’s obviously a player we liked in the draft when we selected him and we’re looking forward to continuing his development.”

The team says that Alfaro’s center back status will add additional depth to the lineup where Chad Marshall and Brad Evans are, but fans are asking the team to consider picking up some stronger midfielders instead. While Alonzo remains on the team, last season’s midfield vets are gone and many critics believe that the team’s weak spot is there.

Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid went on to praise Alfaro, saying, “Tony is a big center back with good feet and solid technical abilities who did well for us throughout the preseason. He’s a player with real potential who we think can provide good depth for us on the back line this season.” It’s a fair statement to make since not every person who played at training camp made it back into the roster to begin with, but that’s just to be expected. Some fans are excited that Alfaro is on the team, dubbing him a “beast” on the field, but others are worried about signing on yet another rookie. The team needs more balance with so many seasoned players receiving the boot last year.

The Sounders also said that they received some Targeted Allocation Money, so that may lead to another player being picked up soon. They also have an international roster spot from Toronto FC in exchange for General Allocation Money, leading fans to speculate just who, if anyone, will be going rave green soon. Perhaps it will be a much-needed midfielder.

Alfaro, #25, is a defender weighing 190 pounds. He stands at 6’2 and was born in Michoacán, Mexico, but comes from Santa Barbara, California. Fans can follow Alfaro on his Twitter page. What do you think of Alfaro so far? Have you seen him play in the preseason games? And how do you think the Sounders should use their allocation funds? Sound off below in the comment section.

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