Sounders sign former Virginia forward Will Bates

Published Apr. 19, 2013 8:29 p.m. ET

foxsports

Seattle Sounders FC signed former University of Virginia forward Will Bates on Friday and waived defender Andrew Duran.

The 22-year-old Bates, selected fifth overall in January in the supplemental draft, had 46 goals in 77 games in four seasons at Virginia.

''Will is dangerous in the box and always plays hard,'' Sounders sporting director Chris Henderson said. ''He can score with both feet and with his head. He provides us with depth at forward.''

Duran didn't make an appearance for the Sounders and spent part of last season on loan to the Atlanta Silverbacks of the North American Soccer League.