Seattle Sounders Defender #85 Kossa-Rienzi Pulls Off the Most Hilarious Move of the Season — Fans Can’t Stop Laughing!
Here’s a new reason to keep an eye on Seattle’s back line. K. Kossa-Rienzi, now wearing #85 for Seattle Sounders FC, brings a steady presence and plenty of upside as a defender.
The Sounders picked him in the first round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. He made his mark with Tacoma Defiance before earning a contract that keeps him in Seattle through 2025, with options for more seasons.
What stands out is the path he carved at the University of Washington. He played 76 matches there and picked up two All-Pac-12 First Team honors.
You get a player who blends college success with pro growth—someone who shifted from a developmental role to a reliable MLS option.
If you check his early pro numbers, things really start to add up.
| Season | Club | Matches | Starts | Goals | Assists | Passing % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Tacoma Defiance | 25 | 21 | 0 | 3 | 85% |
| 2024-25 | Seattle Sounders | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | N/A |
He showed consistency at Tacoma and delivered impact moments with Seattle, like that game-winner in the U.S. Open Cup. For a defender, those moments count.
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K. Kossa-Rienzi’s Role at Seattle Sounders FC
Here’s a young defender who worked his way up from college soccer at the University of Washington to a pro contract with Seattle Sounders FC.
He took a stop with Tacoma Defiance, made short-term first team appearances, and now has a permanent spot in the squad.
First Team Signing and Contract Details
Seattle Sounders FC signed Kalani Kossa-Rienzi to a first team contract on March 10, 2025.
The deal runs through the end of the 2025 season, with club options for 2026 and 2027. That setup gives the Sounders flexibility and rewards his growth.
Before the full signing, he played in matches through a Short-Term Agreement.
Between 2024 and early 2025, he logged six appearances, starting three. He played in both league and cup matches, gaining valuable minutes against tougher opponents.
Seattle’s contract shows they believe in his potential. At 23, he’s got room to grow but already earned enough trust to contribute now.
The club’s decision to lock him in with multi-year options says they see him as part of the long-term picture.
Squad Number and Position
Kossa-Rienzi rocks the No. 85 jersey for Seattle Sounders FC. It’s not a classic defender’s number, but it does mark his jump from prospect to senior squad.
He usually plays as a right back, but at Washington and Tacoma Defiance he showed he can handle midfield roles too.
That gives the coaching staff more options. For Seattle, his defensive responsibilities come first.
Expect him to provide depth behind established starters and fight for more minutes. His ability to cover different spots is huge in a long season full of league games, cup ties, and maybe playoffs.
Key Matches and Contributions
Kossa-Rienzi made a splash in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. He scored twice, including a match-winner against Phoenix Rising FC.
That night really bumped up his profile and moved him closer to a full first team contract.
With Tacoma Defiance in 2024, he made 25 appearances and started 21 times.
He chipped in three assists and completed 85 percent of his passes, showing he could keep the ball moving under pressure.
Selected Statistics (2024–2025):
| Team | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Pass Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma Defiance | 25 | 21 | 0 | 3 | 85% |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | N/A |
These contributions made the Sounders move quickly to sign him up.
He’s a defender who steps up in big games and delivers when it counts.
For more on his signing and career, check out the Seattle Sounders official profile and the MLS announcement.
2025 Season Highlights and Performances
You watched Kalani Kossa-Rienzi step into a bigger role this year. He moved from a bench option to a steady contributor in Seattle’s back line.
His growth showed in key attacking moments, solid defending, and how he adjusted against tough MLS opponents.
Notable Goals and Assists
His biggest moment? March 8, when he scored his first MLS goal in a 5-2 win over LAFC.
It was his first league start, too, and the goal helped set the tone for a dominant Sounders win at Lumen Field.
He didn’t stop there. Mostly a defender, but he pushed forward and made things happen.
His overlapping runs on the right gave Seattle more width, especially when paired with Jesús Ferreira up top.
He picked up an assist later in the spring, breaking open a close match against Minnesota United.
That play showed his ability to balance defense and attack.
| Stat (2025 MLS) | Total |
|---|---|
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Matches Started | 8 |
The numbers aren’t jaw-dropping, but for a rookie defender out of the University of Washington, they show he’s settling into MLS.
MLS Regular Season Matches
Kossa-Rienzi played in several matches that mattered, like the early clash with LAFC and a summer win over Austin FC.
He looked comfortable against high-pressure teams, staying calm when opponents tried to attack his side.
You probably noticed his minutes increase after Seattle gave him a first-team deal in March.
That move showed the trust Brian Schmetzer placed in him after his 2024 Tacoma Defiance season.
Against Sporting Kansas City, Kossa-Rienzi’s defensive positioning stood out.
He cut off passing lanes and limited service into the box, which helped Seattle grab points during that run.
He’s still learning the speed of MLS, but his reliability grew as the season went on.
U.S. Open Cup Impact
The U.S. Open Cup gave Kossa-Rienzi another shot to prove himself.
After his 2024 Open Cup experience with Tacoma, he entered 2025 with more confidence.
Seattle’s run included a matchup with Phoenix Rising FC, where he shut down counterattacks.
You saw him hold his own in one-on-one battles—a skill that separates him from less experienced pros.
Later rounds brought tougher teams, like Minnesota United.
Kossa-Rienzi stepped into midfield pressure and moved the ball quickly, helping Seattle control the tempo.
His calmness in possession kept turnovers down, giving the Sounders a chance to dictate the match.
He wasn’t the star of the Cup run, but his steady performances showed why Seattle values him for the future.
Pathway to the First Team
You can see the steps with Kalani Kossa-Rienzi.
From Tacoma Defiance to short-term Sounders call-ups, each stage built on the last.
His steady climb shows that consistent play at every level can turn into a permanent first team role.
Tacoma Defiance Experience
You probably first noticed Kossa-Rienzi at the University of Washington, where he started 68 matches and picked up Pac-12 honors.
That résumé set him up for the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, with Seattle picking him 23rd overall.
Instead of jumping straight into MLS, he signed with Tacoma Defiance in MLS Next Pro.
In Tacoma, he played 25 matches in 2024 and started 21.
He finished with 85 percent passing accuracy and three assists.
He also started both playoff games, proving he could handle pressure.
That season with Tacoma helped him adjust to the pro pace.
You could see his growth in defensive positioning, his runs as a right back, and his value in transition.
Tacoma 2024 Stats
| Matches | Starts | Assists | Passing % | Playoff Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 21 | 3 | 85% | 2 |
Short-Term Agreements
Before he earned a full contract, Kossa-Rienzi joined the Sounders on several short-term deals.
Those gave him a taste of MLS competition without locking him into the senior roster.
He appeared in six games between 2024 and 2025, starting three.
He scored two big goals—one in the U.S. Open Cup against Phoenix Rising (the winner), and another as the opening strike in that 5-2 win over LAFC.
These moments mattered because they showed he could make an impact at a higher level.
Short-term deals aren’t easy, but he made the most of every chance.
Transition from Tacoma to Sounders FC
By March 2025, the Sounders gave him a first-team contract through the end of the season, with options for 2026 and 2027.
This move reflected his production and his knack for adapting quickly.
At 22, standing 5-foot-7 and weighing 150 pounds, he joined as defender #85.
His journey from Tacoma to the Sounders shows how the club uses its development pipeline.
The staff valued his versatility. He defended with energy, passed accurately, and stayed cool in big moments.
Signing that contract proved he’d earned the trust of both coaches and teammates.
For Seattle, adding him meant getting a player who already knew the system, but was still young enough to develop.
For fans, it’s a reminder that patience and performance at every step can land you a full MLS role.
Read more about his signing with the Seattle Sounders.
Collegiate Career and Achievements
You find the foundation of Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s pro career in his time at the University of Washington.
His college years brought consistency, growth, and some well-earned recognition.
University of Washington Record
Kossa-Rienzi played four seasons for the Huskies, appearing in 76 matches and starting 68.
You notice his reliability right away—he earned a starting spot early and never gave it up.
He scored 6 goals and added 11 assists, making steady contributions from midfield.
His first career assist came in his debut against Northwestern, setting the tone for his impact.
Career Stats at Washington
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 76 |
| Matches Started | 68 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 11 |
The numbers show a player who didn’t just show up—he helped shape results.
His versatility let him play both defensive and attacking roles, depending on what the team needed.
Pac-12 and National Honors
You can’t measure a player’s impact just by stats—you look at recognition, too. Kossa-Rienzi picked up Pac-12 All-Conference First Team honors in both his junior and senior years.
That consistency really shows he played at a high level for multiple seasons.
As a junior, he also landed a United Soccer Coaches All-Far West Region Second Team selection.
That put him among the top players in one of the toughest college soccer regions.
Coaches and media named him one of the best in the conference. So, you know he didn’t just fill a spot—he stood out for a team competing on the national stage.
NCAA Tournament and Championships
Kossa-Rienzi’s time at Washington was all about team success, too. As a sophomore, he helped the Huskies reach the NCAA National Championship game.
That year, they also finished second in the Pac-12.
Then, in his junior season, Washington won the Pac-12 outright. Kossa-Rienzi started most matches and played a big role as the Huskies reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Those high-pressure games against top programs gave him real experience. You can see how that helped him learn to compete in knockout stages—something that matters a lot in pro soccer.
2024 MLS SuperDraft and Early Professional Journey
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s move into the professional ranks felt steady, even if not flashy. The 2024 MLS SuperDraft shaped his path, and then he got early minutes with Seattle Sounders FC and valuable time at Tacoma Defiance.
Draft Selection by Seattle Sounders FC
You probably remember Seattle Sounders picking Kossa-Rienzi in the first round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, 23rd overall. Coming from the University of Washington, he already had a rep as a reliable two-way player—strong defensively, but not afraid to push forward.
Seattle liked his versatility. At Washington, he played 76 matches, started 68, and put up six goals and 11 assists. He grabbed All-Pac-12 First Team honors as a junior and senior, showing he could keep it up over four years.
They didn’t just look at his stats—they saw a leader who helped the Huskies reach the NCAA National Championship game as a sophomore. That background explains why Seattle spent a first-round pick on him.
Initial Professional Appearances
After the draft, Kossa-Rienzi joined Seattle’s preseason camp. Then he signed with Tacoma Defiance in MLS Next Pro.
He got his first pro minutes through short-term deals with the Sounders—a path teams often use to test young players in MLS.
Between 2024 and 2025, he made six appearances for the first team and started three. He even scored twice, including a game-winner in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against Phoenix Rising FC.
That’s not something you see every day from a rookie. He didn’t just fill in—he made a difference. Those moments helped him earn a full contract with the Sounders’ first team in March 2025.
Performance with Tacoma Defiance
Most of Kossa-Rienzi’s early pro growth happened with Tacoma Defiance. In 2024, he played 25 matches, starting 21, and chipped in three assists. His passing accuracy hit 85 percent, showing real composure on the ball.
Here’s a quick look at his 2024 Tacoma Defiance season:
| Matches | Starts | Goals | Assists | Pass Completion | Playoff Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 21 | 0 | 3 | 85% | 2 |
He started both playoff games for Tacoma, which says a lot about the trust coaches put in him.
His steady play at MLS Next Pro made the jump to the Sounders’ senior roster feel like the next logical step.
For a young defender, that blend of consistent league play and clutch moments showed why Seattle saw more than just a backup in him.
Player Profile and Personal Background
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi went from a steady four-year run at the University of Washington to a pro role with Seattle Sounders FC. You see a player shaped by his Berkeley roots, his physical tools, and his ability to adapt to different positions.
Early Life and Hometown
Kossa-Rienzi’s soccer story starts in Berkeley, California, where he was born on June 27, 2002. Growing up in a city with a strong sports vibe gave him early chances to play competitive soccer.
At Washington, he played 76 matches and started 68. He scored six goals and set up 11 more during his four years.
You notice how he kept improving, getting Pac-12 All-Conference First Team nods in both his junior and senior seasons.
He helped the Huskies reach the NCAA National Championship game as a sophomore and win a conference title as a junior. Each year, he adjusted to tougher competition and stayed consistent.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
He stands 5-foot-10 and weighs about 165 pounds, which gives him a good mix of strength and mobility. You see a defender who doesn’t just rely on size—he uses positioning and awareness to stay effective.
His passing accuracy really stood out in 2024 with Tacoma Defiance—he completed 85 percent of his passes. That shows he focuses on reliable distribution, something defenders need in possession-based teams.
Here’s a quick look at his 2024 numbers:
| Team | Matches | Starts | Goals | Assists | Pass Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma Defiance | 25 | 21 | 0 | 3 | 85% |
| Seattle Sounders (Short-Term) | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | N/A |
You get the sense he’s more comfortable connecting play than finishing it, but he’s shown he can step up—like when he scored a game-winner in the U.S. Open Cup.
Versatility and Development
You can’t ignore how adaptable he’s been in his career. At Washington, he played both defense and midfield. With Tacoma Defiance and the Sounders, he’s shifted between right back and central midfield as needed.
That kind of flexibility makes him valuable. Coaches know they can count on him to fill spots during injuries or tactical changes, and he’s already proven he can jump into MLS matches without much warning.
Seattle Sounders FC signed him in March 2025. Now, he faces the challenge of earning a regular spot. As a fan, you’re watching someone who blends college experience, pro minutes, and positional range—exactly what today’s MLS demands.
If you want more on his career, check out his Seattle Sounders FC profile or his Wikipedia entry.
Recognition, Teammates, and Influence
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi built his reputation through steady performances at the University of Washington. He carried that momentum into his pro career with Seattle Sounders FC.
His journey reflects individual growth, but also the influence of teammates and coaches who helped shape his fit in the club’s long-term plans.
Notable Teammates and Collaborations
You see how much teammates matter for a young defender like Kossa-Rienzi adjusting to the pros. Playing next to veterans like Stefan Frei and Nicolás Lodeiro gives him examples of consistency and leadership.
Their presence sets the bar for how to prepare and focus on match day.
You also notice younger players, like Snyder Brunell, forming a new core with Kossa-Rienzi. Both came through the Sounders’ system, and their development shows the club’s focus on mixing academy talent with experienced leaders.
In 2024, working with Tacoma Defiance players helped Kossa-Rienzi bridge into MLS. Sharing the field with other hungry players built chemistry he brought to Seattle. That kind of continuity helps when you step into bigger games.
Key Collaboration Areas:
- Defensive positioning with senior backline partners
- Transition play with midfielders
- Match preparation routines with Sounders’ leadership group
Media and Coach Endorsements
You rarely see a first-team contract happen without strong endorsements. Head coach Brian Schmetzer praised Kossa-Rienzi’s versatility and work rate, saying he adapted fast from college to the pro game.
General Manager Craig Waibel pointed out his humility and his willingness to take the Sounders’ development pathway seriously.
Media coverage backed that up. Local outlets highlighted his goal against LAFC as proof he’s ready for MLS minutes. National writers noted his steady passing and his ability to fill different roles across the backline.
Here’s a quick look at his early pro contributions:
| Season | Club | Matches | Goals | Assists | Pass Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Tacoma Defiance | 25 | 0 | 3 | 85% |
| 2024-25 | Seattle Sounders | 6 | 2 | 0 | 83% |
The numbers match the praise—a player who values efficiency and reliability.
Future Prospects
Seattle will probably lean on Kossa-Rienzi more as they sort out their defensive options. They signed him through 2025, and those extra years—2026 and 2027—show they’re betting big on him.
He can slot in at right-back or step into midfield, which gives the roster some much-needed flexibility. The Sounders like to tinker with their formations, so having a guy like him just makes sense.
The club’s history with young players makes me think he’ll get more minutes in both league games and cup matches. Snyder Brunell and a few other young guys are stepping up too, and you can tell Seattle wants to build something that outlasts its current group of veterans.
If Kossa-Rienzi keeps improving, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him challenge for a regular starting spot. His college years at Washington and his steady rise as a pro make him a pretty safe bet for the Sounders’ future.
