Sounders sign South Korean defender Kim Kee-hee

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South Korea's Kim Kee-hee, center right, heads the ball with Lebanon's Joan Oumari , center, during their soccer match for Asian qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Ansan, South Korea, Thursday, March 24, 2016. South Korea defeated Lebanon 1-0. Photo: Associated Press/Ahn Young-joon

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Sounders have signed South Korean defender Kim Kee-hee.

Seattle announced the signing on Tuesday, five days before its season opener. Kim comes to the Sounders after spending the past two seasons with Shanghai Shenua of the Chinese Super League. The 28-year-old center back was acquired via targeted allocation money, the fifth Seattle player to be acquired using TAM.

Kim started all 45 of his appearances in his two years with Shanghai Shenua. He previously played in the K League 1, the top division in South Korea, before his move to China.

Kim also has international experience for the South Korea national team. Kim has made 23 appearances for South Korea, including six during World Cup qualifying.

Opening day for MLS is Saturday, and Seattle begins its season on Sunday against expansion Los Angeles FC.

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