Toronto FC announced Monday that the club has acquired defender Eriq Zavaleta from Seattle Sounders FC in exchange for a second round pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.

“Adding a player like Eriq gives us another defender with MLS experience,” said Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “He is a young and versatile player with the ability to both defend and attack.”
Zavaleta, 22, spent the 2014 season on loan at Chivas USA from Seattle Sounders FC; where he made 17 appearances and started in 15 matches for Chivas. In two seasons between Seattle and Chivas, Zavaleta has made a combined 22 appearances. He was originally selected 10th overall by Seattle in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.

Prior to being drafted by Seattle, Zavaleta played for the University of Indiana, where he spent two seasons. During the 2012 season, Zavaleta led the Hoosiers with 18 goals, and played a key role in the leading Indiana to its eighth national title in school history.

Eriq Zavaleta
Position: Defender
Height: 6’1
Weight: 185 lbs
Birthdate: August 2, 1992
Birth Place: Westfield, IN
Hometown: Westfield, IN
Nationality: American
Last Club: Seattle Sounders FC
How Acquired: Trade with Seattle Sounders FC on Monday, January 26, 2015
Pronunciation: “Zav-ah-let-ah”