Sounders trade for Patrick Ianni

RENTON — Seattle Sounders FC's roster continues to evolve, even though training camp is into its second week.

Seattle dealt a conditional draft pick to the Houston Dynamo for defender Patrick Ianni, who worked out with the team Monday. Also, Sounders FC is expecting Osvaldo Alonso, a midfielder from Cuba who was the United Soccer Leagues First Division Rookie of the Year in 2008 for the Charleston Battery, to join the team by today.

Alonso, 23, scored seven goals with two assists in 31 games for the Battery. He defected from the Cuban national team during the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Ianni, also 23, was part of two Major League Soccer championship squads in Houston in 2006 and 2007. Seattle loses its second-round pick in the 2010 SuperDraft to the Dynamo if Ianni plays in 20 or more MLS regular-season and playoff games or its third-round pick if Ianni plays fewer than that.

"Obviously Patrick Ianni is a player I know well, having coached him with the under-20 national team," coach Sigi Schmid said. "He was a starting center back for me there. At Houston, he would have probably liked to have played more games, so however it works out, sometimes a player needs a change of scenery ... I think Patrick's going to have a good run here in Seattle."

Seattle parted ways with four former USL Sounders — defender-midfielder Nik Besagno, forward Andre Schmid, forward Jason Cascio and forward Craig Tomlinson. Two of those spots will be filled by Ianni and Alonso this week. Midfielder Peter Vagenas, rookie defender Jared Karkas and possibly forward Quavas Kirk are expected to debut with Seattle next week when camp moves to Southern California.

Rookie Michael Fucito, Sounders FC's fourth-round draft pick, is dealing with a hamstring injury and it's unclear when he'll be able to practice. He has yet to report to the team.

Ianni gives Seattle depth at center back, where the team has four other players it can use there. His previous MLS experience was also key for Sounders FC.

"I just felt this was the best place for me to continue developing," Ianni said. "Everything's top notch here, so I'm very happy."

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com