Sounders FC U-23 News Release -- www.soundersu23.com
Monday, August 12, 2013
TACOMA, Wash. – Chris Brundage, Sounders FC U-23 defender, has signed a professional contract with FC Jazz in Finland. The storied club, with experience in the UEFA Champions League in the late 90’s, now competes in the Kakkonen, Finland’s third tier of professional soccer.
A University of Washington graduate, Brundage is the first ever American to play at FC Jazz. He is already in Scandinavia and available for selection with the first team.
FC Jazz play in the largest stadium within the Kakkonen. The club has Finish championships to its name, however took a year away from operation in 2005 and has since worked back up the ranks of Finland soccer. Last season FC Jazz finished in second place in the Western Division of the Kakkonen, one place away from a playoff position to fight for promotion.
With Brundage as a rock in the back line, the Sounders U-23 held their opponents to one-or-fewer goals in eight games this season. Those clean sheets allowed the Sounders to snag three 1-0 victories in their 2013 campaign.
Sounders U-23 Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said, “Chris had another solid season for our U23 group and we are exciting to see him be recognized for being consistent and helping lead as we develop players here.”
Brundage lead the team in minutes played, sitting out just one half for the entire 2013 season. Brundage recorded 679 minutes in 2012, nearly doubling his playing time in 2013, and increasing his games played from 8 to 14.