Seattle Sounders News Release - www.seattlesounders.net

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

SEATTLE, WA -- The Seattle Sounders announce today the re-signing of midfielder Josh Gardner for the 2008 season.

The signing of Gardner completes the return of the starting eleven from the side that won the 2007 USL-1 championship. The 2008 season will be Gardner’s second with the club after three years with the LA Galaxy of MLS.

“Signing Josh gives us the remaining piece of the puzzle from the 2007 starting lineup that beat Atlanta 4-0,” said Coach Brian Schmetzer. “We like Josh’s speed and his ability on set pieces to deliver the ball with outstanding quality.”

Drafted in 2004 after a standout career at the University of Cincinnati, Gardner is excited to be back with the Sounders and looking forward to the MLS coming to Seattle. Gardner played in 27 regular season games last year, registering a goal and three assists.

The 5-10 midfielder from Houston, TX was part of the LA Galaxy side that won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the MLS Cup in 2005. On July 8, 2006, Gardner scored his first MLS goal against Real Salt Lake. Gardner scored one goal and had three assists last year for the Sounders as well as one goal and two assists in the Open Cup.