TACOMA, WASH. – Tacoma Defiance today announced that it has signed defender Joe Hafferty. Acquired by Sounders FC via draft-day trade during the 2021 MLS SuperDraft on January 21, Hafferty joins the club’s USL side following the conclusion of his senior season at Oregon State University. The Renton native is eligible for selection for today's home match vs. Orange County SC at Cheney Stadium (12:00 p.m. PT / ESPN+).
“It’s wonderful to bring Joe back to the club after a successful career at Oregon State,” said Sounders FC Director of Player Development Henry Brauner. “He progressed through our academy as a teenager, so it’s an easy transition into the culture and expectations of our organization.”
Hafferty, 23, was a three-time All-Pac-12 selection, including back-to-back First Team nods as a junior and senior. He started 58 of his 61 appearances over four seasons for the Beavers, including all eight in an abbreviated senior season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A native of Renton and a Liberty High School graduate, Hafferty spent 2013 through 2017 with Sounders FC Academy.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Joe come and compete within our squad,” said Tacoma Defiance Head Coach Wade Webber. “Joe is a player with a wealth of collegiate experience, in addition to a number of years in our academy. He is an excellent addition to our group.”
Defiance (1-0-1, 4 points) is off to an unbeaten start to the 2021 season, earning a 1-1 road draw in the season opener at LA Galaxy II on May 9 and a 3-1 home win over San Diego Loyal SC on May 14.
TRANSACTION: Tacoma Defiance signs defender Joe Hafferty on May 16, 2021.
Name: Joe Hafferty
Position: Defender
Number: 82
Height: 5-9
Weight: 170
Born: March 21, 1998 in Tukwila, Wash.
Hometown: Renton, Wash.
Citizenship: USA
College: Oregon State
Acquired: Drafted 37th overall in the second round of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft on January 21, 2021. Acquired by Seattle via trade for a 2022 second round SuperDraft selection. Signed to Tacoma Defiance on May 16, 2021.
