Sounders FC selected University of Nebraska-Omaha midfielder/defender Emir Alihodzic and Old Dominion defender Michael Nelson in the final two rounds of the MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday, welcoming two more players to the fold before preseason opens later this week.
The Sounders took Alihodzic with the 13th pick of the third round and Nelson with the 15th pick of the fourth round.
Alihodzic and Nelson join defender Tony Alfaro and midfielder Zach Mathers, both taken last week during the first two rounds of the SuperDraft. The club traded their only first-round pick last week for Chicago Fire's Joevin Jones.
A native of Bosnia, Alihodzic earned All-West Region Third Team honors during his senior year at Nebraska-Omaha. He appeared in 17 games during his senior year, scoring four goals and two assists. He was also named an All-Summit League Second Team selection.
Originally from Austin, Texas, Nelson was named a First Team All-Conference USA selection selection during his senior year at Old Dominion in 2015, starting 15 matches at center back. He spent three years with the Monarchs after transferring from N.C. State following his freshman year.
The Sounders open preseason on Friday at the Starfire Sports Complex before heading to Tucson for the Desert Diamond Friendlies.
