Sounders sign Swiss international Nkufo

Soccer Betting Lines

03/04/2010 - Renton, WA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Seattle Sounders FC signed Dutch FC Twente and Switzerland international forward Blaise Nkufo, the Major League Soccer team announced on its website on Thursday.

Nkufo, the all-time scoring leader for Twente with 111 career goals in seven seasons, will join the Sounders after competing with the Swiss national team at the World Cup this summer.

"We're obviously very excited," Sounders FC General Manager Adrian Hanauer told the club's website. "Blaise is a player that we've been keeping our eyes on for quite a while now. He's a big strong presence in the middle and he gives us a slightly different look than we currently have. He is also a player of tremendous character, and will contribute his knowledge and leadership to our team."

"Adrian gave me a very good impression about the club," the 34-year-old Nkufo said on soundersfc.com. "I have a really good feeling about the club and the people involved with the club. That's why I chose Seattle. I'm really happy to come to this club. [Seattle coach Sigi Schmid] likes playing football and he has experience with European soccer players. That's another reason I chose to come. He gave me a good feeling."

Seattle will have almost half of its games left on its MLS schedule when Nkufo joins it in July.

"He's a proven goal-scorer who has had a good run with the Swiss national team in their qualifying for the World Cup," Schmid said. "He's had a tremendous run at Twente and is a player that knows how to find space in the box at appropriate moments."

The Sounders open the MLS season on March 25 against the expansion Philadelphia Union at Qwest Field.

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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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