Sounders acquire defender Waylon Francis from Columbus

SEATTLE – The Seattle Sounders have bolstered their defense by acquiring defender Waylon Francis from Columbus in exchange for $50,000 in general allocation money.

Seattle made its first significant move of the offseason on Thursday by adding depth to a position of need. Seattle is losing starting left back Joevin Jones, 26, to a club in Germany this offseason and while Nouhou Tolo, 20, played well during his opportunities for the Sounders, Francis provides depth and experience.

The 27-year-old Francis has spent the past four seasons with the Crew after five seasons playing professionally in Costa Rica. Francis started 75 of 83 appearances for Columbus and had 18 assists in his four seasons. Francis has made five appearances for the Costa Rican national team.

Seattle also re-signed goalkeeper Bryan Meredith. Seattle needs a backup goalkeeper after Tyler Miller was taken by Los Angeles Football Club with the first pick of the MLS expansion draft.