Sanna making early impact in Sounders

As the MLS newcomers, Sounders FC, sort through free agents and draft choices during preseason training, of the new signings Sanna Nyassi, is making an immediate impression that his hopes will last.

The 20-year-old Gambian midfielder has amassed three goals and an assist in two of the Sounders' first three pre-season contests as he tries to earn a starting berth. "It's really important for me to make an impact," Nyassi said told Seattle Pi.com on Thursday during a break in training. "Right now, everybody is fighting for a spot on the roster and some are fighting for a starting position."

Nyassi came to Seattle in July from Gambia Ports Authority FC who were Gambia’s first division champions in 2006 and the Gambian FA Cup in 2007 during his three-year tenure. He also played with Gambia Under-17 and Under 20 teams, and saw action in two FIFA world championships - the U-17 tournament in 2005 and the U-20 event in 2007. With the USL Sounders last year, Nyassi played in four games while making the customary adjustments.

"It's a big difference," he said in comparing Gambian and US soccer. "In Gambia, there are a lot of long balls and a lot of running. Here, we possess the ball more." Culturally, Nyassi receives support from Seattle's community of Gambian expatriates. "Most of them come to visit me after training, so that really helps," he said. "I do go and visit some of them in their apartments or in their houses."

But Nyassi's favourite moments involve his frequent phone calls to his twin brother,  Sainey Nyassi, who plays for the New England Revolution. The pair often tease each other about facing off during the coming season. "We talk about it all the time, all the time," the Sounders FC midfielder said with a laugh.  "We talk almost every day. He tells me he is so fast that he is going to make me run for the ball. He says, 'Watch out, I'm going to score against you.' " Off the phone and on the field, however, intensity reigns.

"He is concentrating on his job, very much so," said Sounder head coach Sigi Schmid said. "He is a quiet kid. I think as he feels more comfortable and more confident, he will become more relaxed and his personality will show through." But with Nyassi involved in the biggest challenge of his career, personality can wait.