Sounders FC Great Ozzie Alonso to Sign One-Day Contract and Retire in Rave Green

February 27, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Seattle Sounders FC News Release

Ozzie Alonso with Sounders FC
(Seattle Sounders FC)

RENTON, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC today announced that Ozzie Alonso – a club legend and all-time Major League Soccer great – is returning to Seattle this week to sign a one-day contract with the Rave Green, officially retiring from professional soccer as a Sounder.

The midfielder – fondly nicknamed “the Honey Badger” by fans for his aggressive, hard-nosed playing style that earned both fear and respect across the league – played 15 seasons in MLS, including 10 with Sounders FC.

“In the history of Sounders soccer, there are certain players who epitomize the ethos of the club – who are stamped with the grit, determination and mindset that our organization stands for,” said Sounders FC Majority Owner Adrian Hanauer. “Ozzie is one of those players. My first experience with him was when he was playing opposite our team, and I knew immediately that he was a player you only wanted to see if he was in your uniform. With Ozzie’s help – both through his on-field skills and off-field character and leadership – Sounders FC saw great success as it began building its MLS legacy. I couldn’t be happier to welcome Ozzie and his family back to Seattle so that we can honor his incredible career.”

A Rave Green original, Alonso joined the club in its inaugural MLS season in 2009, playing a critical role in the franchise’s growth and success during his decade in Seattle. As a multi-year team captain, he put in a remarkable 23,381 regular-season minutes for Sounders FC across 277 games, recording 10 goals and 24 assists while raising major trophies on six separate occasions. Titles that Alonso helped bring to the Emerald City include MLS Cup (2016), the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (2009-2011, 2014) and the MLS Supporters’ Shield (2014). He earned MLS All-Star designation four consecutive seasons (2011-2014) and was named to the MLS Best XI in 2012. In all competitions, Alonso recorded 339 appearances for Sounders FC, the most of any field player in the club’s MLS era.

“As a coach, you simply couldn’t ask for more than what Ozzie brought, day in and day out,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “He played the kind of soccer our fans loved to cheer for and opponents feared. It was soccer played with dedication and passion, skill and respect for the game. It’s special to have coached such a stellar player, but, even more so, I’m grateful…