“We set out to have a very balanced expansion draft, and we feel like we accomplished that,” Hanauer said.
“We wanted a combination of experienced veterans, guys who have been there in the trenches. We wanted a blend of guys who can play two, three, four years.
“We certainly wanted players that have either been winners from the past, or come from winning organizations. We want to be creative, we want speed, we want versatility in players.
“We felt this group would blend well with the players already under contract, and those players we have in our crosshairs for the future, and guys who we’re circling the wagons on as we speak.”
Complete list of players who will join the Sounders in January:
Peter Vagenas (Los Angeles Galaxy); Brad Evans (Columbus Crew); Nathan Sturgis (Real Salt Lake); Khano Smith (New England Revolution); and Stephen King (Chicago Fire); Jeff Parke (New York Red Bulls); Tyson Wahl (Kansas City Wizards), James Riley (San Jose Earthquakes); Jarrod Smith (Toronto FC); Nate Jaqua (Houston Dynamo).