SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes selected former Colorado Rapids defender Marvell Wynne and former Chicago Fire midfielder Sanna Nyassi in Stage Two of the 2014 MLS Re-Entry Process on Thursday.
Wynne, 28, is a nine-year MLS veteran with two goals and 18 assists in his 236 games as a defender. He spent his last five seasons with the Rapids, anchoring a back line that posted 44 shutouts during his tenure. He also helped lead Colorado to the MLS Cup Playoffs in three of his five years in the Rockies, including an MLS Cup title in 2010.
The versatile defender began his MLS career with the New York Red Bulls after they took him No. 1 overall in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. He made 28 appearances, including 23 starts, as a rookie. He was then traded to Toronto FC on April 17, 2007, and made 67 appearances during three seasons for the expansion club.
Wynne has four caps for the United States Men’s National Team, his first coming on June 28, 2007 against Argentina in the Copa America. He also appeared in all three group stage games for the Americans in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, working 90-minute shifts against Japan, the Netherlands and Nigeria.
Nyassi, 25, is a six-year MLS veteran with 16 goals and 13 assists in 128 games. The Gambian international split 2014 between the Montreal Impact and Chicago Fire. He had one goal in four games to start the campaign for Montreal before heading to Chicago in exchange for midfielder Dilly Duka on July 29. He closed the season with one goal and three assists in 10 games for the Fire.
After beginning his professional career with Gambia Ports Authority, Nyassi signed with Seattle Sounders FC on Sept. 5, 2008. He made his debut for the club in 2009 and compiled two goals and three assists in 38 games during his career in the Pacific Northwest. After the 2010 season, Nyassi was selected by Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 2010 MLS Expansion Draft and was immediately traded to the Colorado Rapids for an international roster slot. The speedy winger had five goals and five assists during his one season with the Rapids, eventually landing in Montreal via the 2011 MLS Expansion Draft. He recorded eight goals and four assists in 54 games during his time with the Impact.
Nyassi has represented Gambia at the youth and senior national team levels. He has six caps at the senior level and represented his country at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada.
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – San Jose Earthquakes acquire D Marvell Wynne, M Sanna Nyassi in Stage Two of 2014 MLS Re-Entry Process.
Marvell Wynne
Position: Defender
Height: 5-9
Weight: 180 lbs.
Born: May 8, 1986 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Hometown: Poway, Calif.
Last Club: Colorado Rapids
Citizenship: USA
Sanna Nyassi
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-8
Weight: 145
Born: Jan. 31, 1989 in Bwiam, Gambia
Hometown: Banjul, Gambia
Last Club: Chicago Fire
Citizenship: Gambia
