Steve Zakuani was Seattle Sounders FC's first ever SuperDraft pick. He was a Sounders FC original. He was a constant threat on the wing for Sigi Schmid’s club for the better part of five years.
Now, after struggling to recover from a horrific leg injury in 2011, Zakuani is being forced to retire from the game of soccer at only 26 years old.
Zakuani’s impact on the Sounders will remain a strong one, even in retirement, but the memories made on the pitch will last a lifetime.
“It’s sad to hear that Steve has to step away from the game,” said Schmid of Zakuani’s retirement. “He was a very bright star and offered many hours of enjoyment to Sounders fans. He was a player who will always be remembered in our history and we are all saddened by him having to leave the game today.
“Steve was the kind of player who would make you sit on the edge of your seat because you never knew when the unexpected would happen. He was always a player who brought excitement to the game.”
Since being drafted first overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, Zakuani went on to make 101 appearances for the Sounders, scoring 19 goals and registering 18 assists in all competitions.
His former teammates sent their support for the man who is, as the saying goes, ‘Once A Sounder, Always A Sounder’.
