Oct 19, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan (10) hits the turf after colliding with Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Osvaldo Alonso (6) during second half action at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

I decided to write about Osvaldo Alonso, the Honey Badger that we’ve all grown to love, for my first article for Sounders Nation. Specifically how Osvaldo Alonso finally got his well-deserved pay raise last year thanks to signing a Designated Player (DP) contract, worth $400,000 according to the MLS Player’s Union.

After a Supporter’s Shield and US Open Cup championship season in which he racked up 2 assists along with the second most minutes seen in a rave green jersey (2952 – Stefan Frei leads with 3060 minutes) he definitely deserves his cut. But what if I were to tell you that he is willing to renegotiate a contract that could drop him down to the league’s maximum salary cap of $387,500? Alonso, 28, would only be losing $12,500 on pay day, which is reasonable for him, especially as he loves Seattle.

“For me, it’s unbelievable. Playing here, being in Seattle with the fans. – Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso

“I look back on six years and I can’t imagine this has happened to me – playing professionally and being a citizen in the United States,” Alonso said in a team-provided quote. “When I look back to when I defected and to be playing right now, it’s amazing for me. I never imagined it would be like it is now.”

And you can’t forget this 65th minute magic against the Timbers in this year’s US Open Cup 3-1 victory.

“Why the sudden change just a year after a pay raise and notable tag of a designated player?” you may be asking.

If the Sounders choose to exercise this option then that leaves a DP spot open, meaning the club may be able to sign another big name player to go alongside the likes of Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins. If this works out, who would you like to see get a DP nod from the Sounders?

Steffen Hagen, 28, is a possible suitor in my mind (article coming in translated from Norwegian). A Central Defensive player who has no problems staying in places for long periods of time, and has led his team to just 32 goals against in 30 matches for Odds BK in their 2013 season.