SEATTLE — Former Vancouver Whitecap Andy Rose has joined the Seattle Sounders as an assistant coach.
The 31-year-old defender/midfielder spent the last three seasons with the Whitecaps but became a free agent when his contract expired at the end of 2021.
The Australian-born Englishman began his pro career with Seattle after being acquired via a trade in the 2012 MLS supplemental draft out of UCLA.
“We are excited to officially welcome Andy back to our club as he begins his coaching career,” Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said in a statement. “As a player, Andy was highly coachable and a well-rounded team player. As a coach now himself, I look forward to seeing him mentor the next generation of players."
Rose spent four seasons with the Sounders before joining England's Coventry City in 2016 and Scotland's Motherwell in 2017. He made 106 appearances in all competitions in Seattle.
The Whitecaps acquired his rights from Seattle in a December 2018 trade that netted the Sounders US$50,000 in general allocation money. Rose made the transition from midfield to centre back with Vancouver, starting 53 of 60 appearances in all competitions.
“His soccer acumen as a player was evident, and we think he brings a lot of really good qualities to our team," Sounders president and GM Garth Lagerwey said in a statement. "On top of that, he has a great opportunity to learn from Brian and an incredibly experienced coaching staff.”
Rose holds a UEFA A Licence as well as a UEFA Elite Youth A Licence. He also coached Whitecaps FC’s U-17 squad in 2021 during his final year as a player.
Rose, who has a master's degree in sports management from Southern New Hampshire University, is the son-in-law of Toronto FC head coach Bob Bradley.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 19, 2022
The Canadian Press
