TACOMA, WASH. – Tacoma Defiance today announced that it has released midfielder Joel Rydstrand. The midfielder started 11 of his 16 appearances this season and recorded one assist in 1,111 minutes. The Almunge, Sweden native was signed to the Defiance roster on March 4, 2019.

“We’d like to thank Joel for his time with our organization,” said Sounders FC Director of Player Development Marc Nicholls. “He expressed a desire to return to his home country of Sweden and we were happy to accommodate. We wish him the best as he embarks on this next chapter in his life.”

Rydstrand, 24, was chosen by Sounders FC with the 20th pick in the Second Round (44th overall) of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. He started all 81 of his appearances over a four-season career at Creighton with seven goals and 23 assists. As a senior in 2018, the Swedish international earned Big East Conference Midfielder of the Year and First Team All-Big East honors, in addition to being a USC Second Team All-East Region selection. He was also named to the Big East Conference All-Rookie Team in 2015 after tallying three goals and three assists as a freshman in 2015.

Tacoma Defiance hosts Phoenix Rising FC tonight at Cheney Stadium (7:00 p.m. PT / ESPN+). The club then takes on San Antonio FC in front of the home crowd on Friday, August 30 (7:00 p.m. PT / ESPN+).