Noonan signs with Sounders

Pat Noonan didn’t come to Seattle as an unknown commodity, so it is no surprise that Sounders FC didn’t take long to sign the veteran forward.

Noonan, a two-time Major League Soccer all-star who has made 14 appearances with the U.S. National Team, signed with Seattle, the team announced Wednesday.

Noonan, 29, was released by Colorado last week, and joined the Sounders as a trialist this week. Noonan, a seven-year MLS veteran who has 40 career goals, is best known for his five seasons in New England, but he also played for Sounders coach Sigi Schmid in Columbus in 2008 after brief stint in Norway with Aalesunds FK.

“I’m excited that Pat Noonan was available and we were able to sign him,” Schmid said in a statement released by the team. “My experience with him was a very good one in Columbus.”

“Pat is a good player who can play a number of different positions on the field, and is a very solid professional.”

Noonan may not have to wait long to play. Seattle plays Saturday, and could be without Freddie Ljungberg, who has a back contusion suffered in last week’s season opener. Noonan’s versatility could allow him to see the field in his first game with Seattle.

“Obviously I have a history with Pat having coached him at Columbus so I know what he is capable of. I know what he can do as a player,” Schmid said after Tuesday’s practice. “He is a player who has played in our league. Playing on turf not unusual for him from all the years he played at New England as well. He is a player who it is not going to take him long to adjust.”

Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com