Seattle, WA – Seattle Sounders FC announced on Wednesday that the club has signed Austrian goalkeeper Michael Gspurning. Gspurning will be added to the roster pending receipt of his international clearance.
Gspurning has spent the past four seasons in Greece with top-flight side Skoda Xanthi, while he has been capped three times by Austria.
The signing comes following the retirement of goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who was with the team since its MLS debut in 2009.
"First off, you don't replace Kasey Keller. What you're looking for is a new goalkeeper," said Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid. "We like Michael's background and pedigree. We like his size. He's got good feet so we can play through him and he's very good on crosses, takes good angles and has good hands."
Gspurning has appeared in 96 games in both the Greek and Austrian leagues, and the 30-year-old is relishing the opportunity to take over the top spot in goal for Seattle.
"There are many reasons I want to come to Seattle," said Gspurning. "It is a very good team that plays in many competitions and Seattle has the best fans in Major League Soccer. When I think about the task in the next year, I feel very confident to come over and have the opportunity to be the new number one, and have success with the Sounders."
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