Tacoma Signs Former Sounder James Riley

TACOMA, WA. – The Tacoma Stars have announced the signing of 11-year Major League Soccer veteran and former Seattle Sounder James Riley for the upcoming season. As per Major Arena Soccer League and team policies, terms of the agreement were not released.

About his signing and representing our region again, Riley had this to say. “I am thrilled to be back in the PNW raising a family. It goes without question that my time as a player with the Seattle Sounders were some of the best of my career. I represented this great city to the best of my ability, and I remain humbled that my commitments both on and off the field are still recognized. Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity to compete and represent this vast region once again as a member of the Tacoma Stars. I can't wait to get to work!

Over his MLS career, Riley appeared in 251 games with 230 of those being in the starting XI. The Colorado Springs, Co. native and Wake Forest University alum will add to an already strong Stars defense. He was named the Seattle Sounders Defender of the Year in 2010 and twice was awarded the team’s Humanitarian of the Year honor. Prost Amerika awarded him as the Seattle Sounders FC Player of the Year in 2009.

Riley also was awarded the MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Month in October of 2010 for his work towards breast cancer awareness. Winning awards dates back to Riley’s college days at Wake Forest. He won the Walt Chyzowych Award in 2003 and followed that up the following year by being named the Team Captain. Being a leader is a career-long trend with Riley as he was also named 2018 Captain for Cascadia Association Football Federation for the CONIFA Football Cup.
Riley will bring a winning mentality to the team as he is a five-time Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Champion and picked up an MLS title with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2014.

Stars General Manager and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky commented on what Riley brings to Tacoma. “James is a true professional in the game we love, and he is a proven winner at the highest level. Adding his leadership qualities, along with his proven track record, helps bolster our team for the upcoming season. We needed a veteran defender that buys into the
team first mentality here and he ticks every box. Our roster is getting close to being finalized and we are very excited to get going with James and the group.”

Tacoma Stars owner, Lane Smith, added, “James is an all-around great guy. An outstanding, passionate player and longtime ambassador of the game at many levels. We are very excited for him to join the Stars family. His skills as a player combined with his community outreach is a perfect fit for the Tacoma Stars organization.”  

Riley comes to the Stars looking to add to his collection of on-field successes as well. In addition to his U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup Championships, he has also been a three-time MLS Cup finalist, three time MLS Eastern Conference Champion, and MLS Western Conference Champion in 2014. Riley also won a National Futsal Championship in 2004 while a member of the Pittsburgh Futsal Club.

The Stars kick-off the season on Saturday, December 1 against the Turlock Express. Guarantee your seat to all the action by calling 1-844-STARS-84 or go to www.tacomastars.com.