Seattle Sounders Sign Kalani Kossa-Rienzi
- Seattle, WA - In a move to strengthen thier defensive lineup, Seattle Sounders FC have officially signed defender Kalani Kossa-Rienzi.
- Kossa-Rienzi's path to the first team included a stint with Tacoma Defiance, the MLS NEXT Pro affiliate.
- Sounders general manager & chief soccer officer Craig Waibel expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, We are happy to add a player of Kalani’s quality to our...
Seattle Sounders Bolster Defence with Kalani Kossa-Rienzi Signing
Table of Contents
- Seattle Sounders Bolster Defence with Kalani Kossa-Rienzi Signing
- kalani Kossa-Rienzi Joins Seattle Sounders: Q&A on the New Defender
- Who is Kalani Kossa-Rienzi?
- what are the terms of Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s contract with the Seattle Sounders?
- What is Kossa-Rienzi’s Height and Weight?
- What is Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s Jersey Number?
- What is Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s background before joining the Seattle Sounders?
- How has Kossa-Rienzi performed so far for the Seattle Sounders?
- What do the Seattle Sounders’ management and coaches say about Kalani Kossa-Rienzi?
- What is expected of Kossa-rienzi moving forward?
- Key Stats and Information about Kalani Kossa-Rienzi
Seattle, WA – In a move to strengthen thier defensive lineup, Seattle Sounders FC have officially signed defender Kalani Kossa-Rienzi. The 22-year-old’s contract extends through the 2025 season,with club options for 2026 and 2027.
Kossa-Rienzi’s Journey to the First Team
Kossa-Rienzi’s path to the first team included a stint with Tacoma Defiance, the MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. Seattle initially drafted him No. 23 overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. Before turning pro,he honed his skills playing college soccer at the University of Washington,were he helped the Huskies to a second-place Pac-12 finish and run to the NCAA National Championship game as a sophomore,followed by a first-place conference finish as a junior before advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament. Kossa-Rienzi most recently tallied one goal and two assists during his senior year in 2023.
Management’s Viewpoint on the New Signing
Sounders general manager & chief soccer officer Craig Waibel expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, We are happy to add a player of Kalani’s quality to our team.
Waibel further elaborated on Kossa-Rienzi’s dedication and growth within the club’s system:
He’s another great example of a player that came to the club with the humility and character to accept the professional pathway within our structure.His eagerness to work with our talented staff, coupled with his on-field accomplishments, have earned him this first team contract.
On-Field impact and Performance
Kossa-Rienzi has already made several appearances for Seattle, featuring in six matches (three starts) between 2024 and 2025, including three this season. Notably, he scored the opening goal in the team’s 5-2 victory over LAFC on Saturday, March 8, 2025. He also netted a game-winning goal against Phoenix Rising FC in the 2024 US Open Cup.
During the 2024 season with Tacoma Defiance, Kossa-Rienzi showcased his playmaking abilities, making 27 appearances and providing six assists while maintaining an impressive 85 percent pass completion rate.
Coach Schmetzer’s Expectations
Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer is equally optimistic about Kossa-Rienzi’s potential contribution to the team. He commented:
Kalani has fully earned this opportunity with the first team.He’s proven himself as a dynamic, hardworking player both in college and with Defiance.
Schmetzer highlighted Kossa-rienzi’s versatility and determination as key assets:
His versatility and determination stand out, and we’re excited to add his unique skillset to the group. I’m eager to watch him progress and play a role in strengthening our squad.
The Seattle Sounders are looking forward to seeing Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s continued progress and impact on the team’s performance in the seasons to come.
kalani Kossa-Rienzi Joins Seattle Sounders: Q&A on the New Defender
The seattle Sounders FC have recently welcomed Kalani Kossa-Rienzi to their first team. This Q&A article dives into the details surrounding his signing, his background, and what he brings to the Sounders.
Who is Kalani Kossa-Rienzi?
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi is a 22-year-old defender who has officially signed with the Seattle Sounders FC.He was drafted No. 23 overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft.
what are the terms of Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s contract with the Seattle Sounders?
Kossa-Rienzi’s contract extends through the 2025 season, with club options for 2026 and 2027.
What is Kossa-Rienzi’s Height and Weight?
Kossa-Rienzi is 5′ 8″ and weighs 150 lbs.
What is Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s Jersey Number?
Kossa-Rienzi wears #85.
What is Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s background before joining the Seattle Sounders?
Tacoma Defiance: He previously played for Tacoma Defiance, the Seattle Sounders’ MLS NEXT Pro affiliate.
College Soccer: He played college soccer at the University of Washington.
As a sophomore, he helped the Huskies to a second-place Pac-12 finish and a run to the NCAA National Championship game.
As a junior, he helped the Huskies to a first-place conference finish and advancement of the team to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
During his senior year in 2023, he tallied one goal and two assists.
How has Kossa-Rienzi performed so far for the Seattle Sounders?
Appearances: He has made six appearances for seattle between 2024 and 2025, including three starts this season.
Goals: Scored the opening goal in the team’s 5-2 victory over LAFC on March 8, 2025.
US Open Cup: Netted a game-winning goal against Phoenix Rising FC in the 2024 US Open Cup.
Tacoma Defiance (2024): 27 appearances, six assists, and an 85 percent pass completion rate.
What do the Seattle Sounders’ management and coaches say about Kalani Kossa-Rienzi?
Craig Waibel (General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer): Expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are happy to add a player of Kalani’s quality to our team,” further elaborating on Kossa-Rienzi’s dedication and growth within the club’s system and noting his humility and eagerness.
* brian Schmetzer (Head Coach): Highlighted Kossa-Rienzi’s versatility and determination as key assets and noted that Kossa-Rienzi has fully earned this prospect with the first team and has proven himself as a dynamic, hardworking player.
What is expected of Kossa-rienzi moving forward?
The Seattle Sounders are looking forward to his continued progress and impact on the team’s performance in the seasons to come. Coach Schmetzer is eager to watch him progress and play a role in strengthening the squad.
Key Stats and Information about Kalani Kossa-Rienzi
| Category | Details |
| ——————- | ——————————————————————————————————- |
| Position | Defender |
| Age | 22 (as of March 11, 2025) |
| Contract | Through 2025 (club options for 2026 and 2027) |
| Previous Team | Tacoma Defiance (MLS NEXT Pro) |
| College | University of Washington |
| Key Stats (Defiance) | 27 appearances, 6 assists, 85% pass completion rate (2024) |
| Notable Achievement | Opening goal in 5-2 victory vs. LAFC (March 8, 2025), Game-winning goal vs. Phoenix Rising FC (2024 US Open Cup) |
| Drafted | No. 23 overall in the 2024 MLS superdraft |
| Jersey Number | 85 |
| Height and Weight | 5′ 8″ and 150 lbs |