With their season opener just days away, the Seattle Sounders have added a World Cup veteran to their squad.
The team announced Wednesday that it has signed midfielder and former Mexican international Gonzalo Pineda. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed. Pineda will be added to the roster pending receipt of his P-I Visa and International Transfer Clearance.
"Gonzalo is an experienced player who can control a game in midfield," said head coach Sigi Schmid in a team statement. "His left foot and vision on the ball will help us in key situations."
Pineda, 31, joins the Sounders following a trial during the preseason, after becoming a free agent following the conclusion of his contract with CD Guadalajara.
Starting his professional career with Pumas UNAM in 2002, Pineda won two league titles with the Mexico City club before moving on to Chivas in 2006, where he won another league title. He made 101 appearances in four seasons for the Guadalajara side, and played in the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana with them.
In recent seasons, he played on loan from Chivas at a series of Liga MX sides: San Luis in 2010, Cruz Azul in 2010-11, Puebla in 2011-12, and Querétaro in 2012-13.
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The holding midfielder, who can also play on the left, made his debut to the senior Mexican national team in 2004. He earned 32 caps and played in the 2006 World Cup and 2007 Copa América for El Tri.
"He is a cerebral player with good technique and vision," said Sounders sporting director Chris Henderson in a statement. "Gonzo reads the game very quickly and is always thinking ahead of the play. We are happy to add the Mexican international to our squad for 2014."
