Sounders sign member of Uruguay’s World Cup team

Published 12:13 pm Thursday, July 29, 2010

The Seattle Sounders FC announced Thursday it has acquired Uruguay national soccer team midfielder Alvaro Fernandez.

Fernandez, 24, played in four matches for Uruguay during the recently completed 2010 World Cup. Uruguay reached the semifinals.

Fernandez qualifies as Seattle’s third “designated player.” His signing will be finalized upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate. Fernandez has not yet been added to the active roster.

“I’m very excited to be playing in the U.S. because the football has grown a lot in the last few years and keeps getting better,” Fernandez said in a statement released by Sounders FC. “Seattle is beautiful and I think it’s the ideal place to be with my family. All these things helped in making my decision.”