The Sounders doubled the number of Swedish midfielders on their pre-season roster Friday, selecting Joel Rydstrand from Creighton University with the 44th overall pick in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft. Rydstrand led the Bluejays in assists the past three seasons.
Born in Uppsala, Sweden, Rydstrand will likely occupy an international roster slot if he is signed to a first-team contract. The Swede spent most of his youth with the IK Sirius academy. He ended the 2018 season as the Big East Midfielder of the Year and earned a spot on the United Soccer Coaches All-East Region Second Team.