CINCINNATI – FC Cincinnati selected former Seattle Sounders FC defender Saad Abdul-Salaam (pronounced sahd ab-DOOL sa-LAHM) in Stage 2 of the 2019 MLS Re-Entry Process on Tuesday afternoon Abdul-Salaam was one of two players selected during Stage 2. With the selection, FC Cincinnati now possess the defender’s MLS rights and can now initiate contract negotiations.

In five MLS seasons, Abdul-Salaam has made 86 appearances, including 60 starts, while scoring one goal and adding 11 assists with Seattle Sounders FC, New York City FC and Sporting Kansas City dating back to 2015. Last season, the defender made 18 appearances and played 1,062 minutes for the 2019 MLS Cup Champions.

For all players selected during Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Process, the drafting club is required to make a genuine offer to the player within seven days. If an agreement cannot be reached between the club and player, the club will hold the Right of First Refusal for that player in MLS.

The selection order for the Re-Entry Process was determined by the reverse order of the final standings in the 2019 MLS season, taking into account postseason performance. FC Cincinnati earned the first pick, while MLS Cup Champions Seattle Sounders FC earned the 24th pick. Expansion side Nashville SC had the 25th pick, while Inter Miami CF had the final selection in each round.

FC Cincinnati will return to the field in early 2020 for their second MLS season. Season Ticket Memberships for the 2020 season are now on sale to the general public at fccincinnati.com/tickets or by calling 513-977-5425 (KICK). A 2020 Season Ticket Membership also secures fans’ place on the club’s priority list, which will be utilized when sales begin in the new West End Stadium for the 2021 season.

For up-to-the-minute information about FC Cincinnati, visit the team’s official website at fccincinnati.com, or follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @FCCincinnati.

Transaction: FC Cincinnati select defender Saad Abdul-Salaam with the first overall selection in Stage 2 of the 2019 MLS Re-Entry Process on Dec. 3, 2019.

SAAD ABDUL-SALAAM

Pronunciation: sahd ab-DOOL sa-LAHM

Position: Defender

Height: 6-4

Weight: 185

Birthdate: September 8, 1991

Birthplace: Charlotte, N.C.

Hometown: Gahanna, Ohio

Last Club: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)

Nationality: United States

MLS Roster Status: Domestic

How Acquired: Selected first overall in Stage 2 of the 2019 MLS Re-Entry Process on Dec. 3, 2019.