RENTON, WASH. – Sounders FC today announced that it has acquired midfielder Caden Clarkfrom D.C. United in exchange for Seattle’s natural Second Round pick in the 2028 MLS SuperDraft. As part of the trade, which was completed prior to the close of MLS’ Secondary Transfer Window, Seattle retains Clark’s U-22 roster designation, while D.C. United retains the player’s discretionary costs above the U-22 salary budget charge for 2026. D.C. United also receives $50,000 in 2027 General Allocation Money if Clark remains on Sounders FC’s roster in 2027.
“Caden is a talented young player who already has significant experience in our league and has shown the ability to impact games in different attacking roles,” said Sounders FC General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel. “We believe there is still plenty of room for him to grow, and we’re looking forward to bringing him into our environment and seeing how he can contribute to our group.”
Clark, 23, joins Seattle after spending the past year with D.C. United, who acquired him from CF Montréal in August of 2025. The Medina, Minnesota native has seven MLS appearances this season after appearing in 30 total league matches in 2025, recording six assists. He originally joined Montréal from Minnesota United FC in August 2024, tallying four goals and 10 assists in 35 regular-season appearances for the Canadian side.
“I’m excited to welcome Caden to Seattle and start working with him,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “He’s a young player who has been around the league for a number of years and has some qualities that can help us in the attack. Our job is to get him comfortable within the group, put him in positions to succeed and help him continue developing as a player.”
Clark began his professional career with Red Bull New York in 2020, making an immediate impact with goals in each of his first two MLS appearances. He went on to record nine goals and seven assists in 47 MLS appearances with the club, two of which were on loan after signing with Red Bull Leipzig German Bundesliga in 2021. Clark later spent time on loan with Danish side Vendsyssel FF before returning to MLS with Minnesota ahead of the 2024 season.
On the international stage, Clark has represented the United States at both the youth and senior levels. He helped the U.S. win the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship before making his senior international debut in a 3-1 friendly win over Venezuela on January 18, 2025, recording an assist. Clark scored his first senior international goal four days later in a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica.
Following a 2-2 draw with Chicago Fire FC on Saturday, Sounders FC (7-9-5, 26 points) hosts Red Bull New York (7-10-5, 26 points) on Saturday, September 5 on the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field (5:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).
TRANSACTION: Sounders FC acquires midfielder Caden Clark from D.C. United in exchange for Seattle’s natural Second Round pick in the 2028 MLS SuperDraft on September 2, 2026. Seattle retains Clark’s U-22 roster designation, while D.C. United retains the player’s discretionary costs above the U-22 salary budget charge for 2026. D.C. United receives $50,000 in 2027 Allocation Money if Clark remains on Sounders FC’s roster in 2027.
Full Name: Caden Clark
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-11
Weight: 161
Hometown: Wayzata, Minnesota
Date of Birth: May 27, 2003 in Medina, Minnesota
Nationality: United States
Acquired: Acquired via trade from D.C. United on September 3, 2026
Previous Clubs: D.C. United (2025-2026), CF Montréal (2024-2025), Minnesota United FC (2024), Vendsyssel FF (2023, loan), RB Leipzig (2022-2023), Red Bull New York (2020-2022)
