Sporting Kansas City has acquired midfielder Sal Zizzo from the Portland Timbers FC in exchange for allocation money, the club announced onFriday. Zizzo has been added to Sporting Kansas City's roster and will occupy a senior roster spot.
"He's a player I spent some time with around the United States Under-20's," Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said. "He's a very good wide player, someone who is going to help give us some more firepower out on the wing channels. He is someone we have been looking at for the last couple years."
In four MLS seasons, the 26-year-old Zizzo has made 70 appearances with two goals and eight assists while playing for Chivas USA (2010) and Portland (2011-2013). He entered MLS through a weighted lottery in July 2010 after spending his first three seasons as a professional with Hannover 96 in Germany's Bundesliga.
"I'm excited to continue my career in Kansas City," Zizzo said. "They have been a top team in the league for years with a good core of players and coaches. I'm anxious to contribute to the team and hope to bring another title to the city in 2014."
Zizzo has made one appearance for the U.S. Men's National Team, debuting in August 2007 against Sweden, and has represented the United States extensively at the Under-18, Under-20 and Under-23 levels. He started all five of the U.S. matches at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and helped the U.S. Under-23's qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympics.
A San Diego, Calif. native, Zizzo starred at UCLA where he was an NSCAA/adidas All-American and led the Bruins to a national championship appearance in 2006 as the NCAA tournament's top goal scorer. Sporting Kansas City defender Chance Myers and Zizzo were teammates on the 2006 UCLA squad.
Zizzo was married to his wife Destiny Moniz last month and is currently on his honeymoon.
Transaction: Sporting Kansas City (MLS) acquires midfielder Sal Zizzo from the Portland Timbers FC (MLS) in exchange for allocation money.
Sal Zizzo (ZEE-zoh)
Position: Midfielder
Number: TBD
Born: 4/3/87
Height: 5-10
Weight: 165
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
Birthplace: San Diego, Calif.
Citizenship: United States, Italy
Last Club: Portland Timbers FC (MLS)
College: UCLA
Twitter: @SalZizzo
