FORMER DCFC KEEPERS SIGNS WITH SOUNDERS 2

Former Detroit City FC goalkeeper Cody Lang had his sporting dreams come true earlier this month when he signed his first pro contract with Seattle Sounders FC 2.

“It has been wonderful,” Lang commented. “It’s something I’ve dreamed about.  It’s great to sign with a team like the Sounders.”

Lang added that it was “a perfect fit,” growing up in Washington and being a big-time Sounders supporter himself.

A four-year starter at Seattle Pacific University from 2013-2016, Lang earned 2015 GNAC Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors and holds the all-time conference record with 28 career shutouts. He participated in three NCAA Tournaments and finished his collegiate career with a 46-13-12 record.

“We were competitive in DII,” Lang continued. “They prepared me well and all thanks goes to everyone at Seattle Pacific.”

While being a college standout is special, nothing compared to Lang’s time in the NPSL.  Lang spent the 2016 NPSL season with Detroit City FC, finishing with five starts and one shutout.  He made quite an impression with the supporters and coaching staff.

“Huge congratulations to Cody and the Sounders organization,” DCFC head coach Ben Pirmann stated. “Cody is a talented goalkeeper and an even better person. I am proud to have had the chance to coach him and I wish him the best in his new endeavor.”

The Spokane, Washington native was equally impressed with what he saw during his time with Le Rouge.

“It was one of the coolest experiences I ever had,” Lang added. “Honestly it was amazing.  I still get messages from Detroit City supporters.  I didn’t expect the fan support to be so cool.  I hope they continue to grow as a club.”

The NPSL experience helped Lang prepare for the collegiate season and eventually, his first professional season.

“It brings you into the professional experience,” Lang said. “The level was good.  You played against the top players.”

Lang, who has gained the reputation as one of the country’s top shot stoppers, has been training with the Sounders since the 2017 preseason.

“Cody has been on our radar for a while now and he has done well with our group in training sessions,” Sounders FC 2 Head Coach Ezra Hendrickson said. “He brings talent and depth to our goalkeeping corps.”

Sounders Director of Player Personnel Kurt Schmid was also bullish on Lang’s potential.

“We are very excited for Cody to get this opportunity.  He has shown great effort and attitude throughout the season at training sessions, and he is deserving of this chance to sign his first professional contract.”

Lang is now focused on some solid goals for the rest of the 2017 USL season.

“With the season coming to a close, I am looking to get that next contract,” Lang said. “Someday I want to be a starting MLS goalkeeper.”

His message for NPSL players wanting to make the jump to the pro game? It’s simple.

“Hard work ultimately gets you where you want to go.”