SOUNDERS FC: Jaqua brings proven MLS quality to Sounders front line

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Perhaps the biggest acquisition in the Sounders’ Expansion Draft came when they selected Nate Jaqua, 27, from the Houston Dynamo. Listed at 6’4, 205, the native of Eugene, Ore., is the son of former NFL safety Jon Jaqua and brings a tough, goal-scoring mentality to the Sounders’ front line.

In six full seasons in the MLS, Jaqua has proven himself to be a proficient goal-scorer and good assist man. He will provide the Sounders with much needed height at the forward position, providing a big target for midfielders Freddie Ljungberg and others to cross the ball to.

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Jaqua will compete with Sebastian Le Toux, Fredy Montero, first overall draft pick Steve Zakuani, and Jarrod Smith to be a starter at forward for the Sounders when the season kicks off on March 19. Given his proven ability in the MLS and his great size, it is likely Jaqua will be an integral part of the Sounders’ first season as an MLS franchise.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Jaqua attended South Eugene High School where he won the Oregon 4A Player of the Year twice and was a two-time All American, helping his school to a championship in 2006.

As a forward for the University of Portland, a school also attended by Sounders GK Kasey Keller, Jaqua cemented himself as a star of the future by winning Freshman of the Year honors in the West Coast Conference. He scored 29 goals and also contributed 22 assists for the university before entering the 2003 MLS Superdraft.

Selected third overall by the Chicago Fire, Jaqua began his career as a reserve but soon found himself a partner to Chris Rolfe in one of the most talented striking duos in the MLS. Jaqua scored 21 goals for the Fire in four seasons before he moved on to the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.

Though productive, Jaqua was traded to the Houston Dynamo mid-season in 2007, a move that would prove fruitful for his professional career. In 15 games with Houston, Jaqua provided 6 goals and 2 assists. Known as a clutch performer, he scored the game-winning goal in the Western Conference Final that year, helping Houston to their second MLS Cup championship.