The Sounders head to Tucson, Ariz. on Sunday to begin that phase of their pre-season training, including an exhibition game against the Portland Timbers eight days from now.
Joining the team in the desert will be Congolese winger Steve Zakuani, who hasn’t played since retiring in 2014 due to continued struggles with a leg injury suffered in 2011. Zakuani, of course, was a first overall selection by the Sounders in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft and became an immediate fan favorite due to his speed and dynamic play.
But in April 2011, he broke his tibia and fibia after being taken down by a hard tackle in a game against Colorado and doctors initially feared he’d have to get the leg amputated.