Today the Seattle Sounders announced the acquisition of former Phoenix Rising FC loanee Saad Abdul-Salaam.

Rising FC acquired Abdul Salaam on loan from NYCFC (MLS) in August of 2018. The Sporting Kansas City 2016 Defensive Player of the Year made an immediate impact on the squad coached by Rising FC assistant Peter Ramage. The defenseman started thirteen matches for the Firebirds, and was integral to a 8-1-1 (seven clean sheets) run immediately after his signing.

The loss of Abdul-Salaam has lead to a rotation of players at the right-back position. The position seemed to be a good fit for new speedy new signee Mustapha Dumbauya, but he will be pushed for playing time by Logan Gdula, on loan from FC Cincinnati. A lack of depth at the position also lead to a guest appearance by another former loanee, Shaft Brewer Jr., in the pre-season.

In the final pre-season match against OKC Energy FC, Douegui Mala also saw playing time at right back, but team reports indicate that this was due to depth issues from playing multiple matches during a short time frame, and should not be considered an attempt to shift position for the Ivorian center-back.