Ex-Splash Valdivia to Join the SeaDogs

Former Splash midfielder Armando Valdivia said Thursday he has agreed to join the Seattle SeaDogs.

Valdivia, 25, waived by the Splash on July 3, was injured in a one-car accident June 1 and had not played in 1996. He said Splash midfielder Raffaele Ruotolo was largely responsible for helping him get the chance with Seattle, which is coached by one of Ruotolo’s closest friends, Fernando Clavijo.

“The main thing is I wanted to go somewhere with a coach like Clavijo, someone I respected,” Valdivia said. “That’s important, for the players to respect the coach.

“The biggest problem I had was convincing teams I was fit. All I want is a chance to show teams I can play.”