TACOMA, WASH. – Tacoma Defiance today announced that it has signed defender Gallatin Sandnes to an MLS NEXT Pro contract. Terms of the deals were not disclosed. The Sounders FC Academy product has made 26 appearances for Tacoma as an academy player dating back to 2024. Sandnes also joined Sounders FC on its most recent preseason trip to Marbella, Spain.
“Gallatin has earned this opportunity through the work he’s put in every day, both in our academy and with Tacoma Defiance,” said Sounders FC Director of Development Wade Webber. “He’s consistently shown that he can compete at a higher level, and each time he’s stepped onto the field with Defiance he’s demonstrated the maturity, quality and mentality we look for in young players. Gallatin is another great example of the strong developmental pathway at our organization, and we’re excited to see him keep pushing himself and take the next step in his career within our pathway.”
Sandnes, 18, has made 26 appearances for Tacoma as an academy player since 2024, including in 12 of Defiance’s 16 matches in 2026, totaling 996 minutes. He made his Defiance debut against Timbers2 (May 9, 2024), starting and playing 60 minutes. He made two more appearances in 2024, including an 87-minute shift against St. Louis CITY 2 (June 6, 2024). Sandnes then made 11 appearances in 2025, including a substitute appearance in a 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup win over Washington Athletic Club (March 20, 2025).
“Gallatin has earned this contract through his performances and the consistency he’s shown every time he’s been with our group,” said Tacoma Defiance Head Coach Paulo Nagamura. “He’s taken advantage of every opportunity, and his growth has been clear to everyone in our environment. He brings quality on the ball, a strong understanding of the game and a willingness to work for the team. We’re happy to continue working with him and we believe he has can be an important player for Tacoma Defiance.”
Sandnes originally joined Sounders FC Academy on August 21, 2018, making appearances at various levels, including with the U-18s beginning in 2024. The defender made 15 appearances during the 2025-2026 season, amassing five assists before making 14 appearances so far in 2026.
Currently riding a three-match unbeaten run, Tacoma Defiance (5-7-4, 21 points) hosts Timbers2 on Sunday, July 5 at Starfire Stadium (7:00 p.m. PT / OneFootball, MLSNEXTPro.com).
Full Name: Gallatin Sandnes
Pronunciation: Gal-uh-tin Sand-ness
Position: Defender
Height: 6-0
Weight: 185
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Date of Birth: June 3, 2008 in Seattle, Washington
Nationality: United States
Acquired: Signed to Tacoma Defiance on July 2, 2026
