Seattle Sounders FC has signed midfielder Xander Bailey from Make-A-Wish® Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia, the club announced today. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed.
"It's an exciting day for the club," said Sounders FC Head Coach Sigi Schmid. "We have been searching for a midfielder and we were able to find Xander in West Virginia. We are really excited that he is going to be joining our team and we are looking forward to him being here in time for our game against Tottenham Hotspur. We have high hopes and great expectations for Xander."
Bailey, 18, will be a professional soccer player for his favorite team and will be with the club through the international friendly against Tottenham Hotspur on July 19. A native of West Virginia, Bailey currently plays for the King's Warriors PDL reserve team.
With over 10 years of experience, Bailey began his career with the East River Raptors in 2004 before joining New River United in 2006, where he played four years. He recently played for the King's Warriors and West Virginia Raptors.
Bailey is expected to join Sounders FC training on Friday, July 18.
Sounders FC hosts Tottenham Hotspur of the English Premier League in an international friendly on Saturday, July 19. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. PT on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field.
Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) - Signed MID Xander Bailey.
Xander Bailey
Position: Midfielder
Number: 45
Height: 5-6
Weight: 140
Born: June 19, 1996
School: Mercer Christian School
Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia
Citizenship: United States
Twitter: @xbailey_17
Previous Clubs: East River Raptors (2004-2006), New River United (2006-2010), King's Warriors (2010-2014) West Virginia Rapids (2012-2014), King's Warriors PDL Reserve Team (2013-2014)
About Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish® grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in the United States and its territories, on average, every 38 minutes. The Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia chapter have partnered with their sister chapter in our area, Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington, to make Xander's wish to be a Seattle Sounder come true. For more information about our local Make-A-Wish chapter, please visit akwa.wish.org.
