Option declined following 2016 season.
PRONUNCIATION: Free-‐burg
You’ll have a hard time finding a player who’s wormed his way into a fan base’s good graces quite like the all-action Erik Friberg did during his time in Seattle. The Swede emerged as a valuable member of Seattle’s midfield in 2011, and his return in 2015 was a welcome sight for Sounders fans everywhere. Friberg is an all-action box-to-box midfielder with the ability to both trek forward and dynamite attacks as a sitting defensive bulwark. His ability to pick big moments to score the few goals he does isn’t exactly unwelcome either.
INTERNATIONAL: When he was with Malmö in 2012, Friberg earned his first call-up to a Swedish national team camp. He appeared in two matches that month and has not featured again.
OUTSIDE MLS: Friberg came up with Swedish first tier side BK Häcken in 2007, and he made 94 appearances for the club before joining Seattle for the 2011 season. After a successful year, he moved back home to join Malmö for two seasons and earned a transfer to Italian Serie A club Bologna. He started five matches during the 2013-14 season and joined Danish club Göteborg for 2015 before leaving again for Seattle.
NOTES: Earned the title “Mr. 100 Percent” for scoring six goals on six shots during the 2013 season with Malmö.
