Cuban midfielder won four U.S. Open Cups, MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield with Sounders | Image Credit: Seattle Sounders FC
SPOKANE, Wash. – Aequus Sports, LLC, the ownership entity of USL Super League's Spokane Zephyr FC and USL League One's Spokane Velocity FC, today announced the addition of Osvaldo "Ozzie" Alonso to its growing ownership group.
"We are honored to be bringing an MLS legend into our investor group," said Ryan Harnetiaux, Managing Partner of Aequus Sports, LLC. "Ozzie's journey into the U.S. and the impact he has had on the game here are a testament to working hard to follow your dreams. We couldn't be happier to have someone with the legacy of excellence, dedication to the sport, and family values Ozzie possesses to continue to raise the bar for our young club."
Ozzie Alonso is among the most storied Sounders players and best defensive midfielders to play in the U.S. After playing for FC Pinar del Río in his native Cuba as well as earning seventeen caps with the Cuba national team, Alonso defected in 2007 and became a U.S. citizen in 2012.
He immediately made a name for himself by winning the United Soccer League's Newcomer of the Year Award in 2008 playing for the Charleston Battery. This earned him a contract with Seattle Sounders FC where he played until 2019, garnering for himself four MLS All-Star appearances (once as inactive) and an MLS Best XI selection in 2012. More importantly, he helped the Sounders win their first MLS Cup in 2016, four U.S. Open Cup titles, and the Supporters' Shield in 2014.
"It was always a dream to be able to invest in soccer if I was given the opportunity," said Alonso. "Being able to do it in the Pacific Northwest where I was given so much as a player is amazing. My goal is to help the community of Spokane in its development and growth of this beautiful game."
Alonso's gritty, audacious style of play – a defensive midfielder who could play up the pitch as a significant scoring threat – earned him the nickname 'Honey Badger.' This doggedness extended his career to Minnesota United FC and later Atlanta United FC, before an ACL injury ended his MLS career in 2022.
On Feb. 29, 2024, he signed a one-day contract with the Sounders, fulfilling his dream to retire in Seattle. He finished his illustrious career with 339 appearances for the Sounders, a club record for an outfield player.
"It's exciting to see Spokane Zephyr FC and Spokane Velocity FC build on their incredible first-year momentum by welcoming a figure as influential as Ozzie Alonso to its ownership group," said USL Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Real Estate Officer Justin Papadakis. "Ozzie's deep connection to the USL, having launched his domestic playing career here, makes this partnership especially meaningful. His addition is part of a growing list of former professional athletes investing in USL clubs, recognizing the league as a great platform for growing the game, and bringing communities together through soccer."
Spokane Zephyr FC competes in the USL Super League, a USSF-sanctioned Division I league currently in its inaugural season that has dramatically expanded opportunities for women in soccer. Zephyr FC is currently on winter break of its inaugural season, resuming play on Feb. 22 at Dallas Trinity FC. Spokane Velocity FC competes in USL League One and became the second expansion team in League One history to advance to the USL League One Final in its inaugural season. The team kicks off its second season on March 16 at ONE Spokane Stadium.
Aequus Sports, LLC is led by Club President and Co-Owner Katie Harnetiaux, Managing Partner and Co-Owner Ryan Harnetiaux, and includes investors Whitney and Jordan Tampien along with many other community leaders some of whom are former professional and collegiate athletes. As the club grows, Aequus Sports, LLC will continue to pursue enthusiastic, community-minded individuals who align with the belief that sports drive equity, economic development, and opportunity to join its investor group.
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