Saad Abdul-Salaam (born September 8, 1991) is an American former professional soccer player who played as a defender. Abdul-Salaam currently works as an academy coach for the Columbus Crew.
Career Early career Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Abdul-Salaam grew up in Gahanna, Ohio where he played for the local high school side that won the state championship in 2009. Abdul-Salaam then went on to attend the University of Akron where he played for the Akron Zips.
Sporting Kansas City After his four-years at Akron, Abdul-Salaam was drafted as the twelfth overall pick during the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by Sporting Kansas City. On May 19, 2015, Abdul-Salaam was recalled from his loan with the San Antonio Scorpions by Sporting Kansas City.
San Antonio Scorpions (loan) On April 1, 2015, it was announced that Abdul-Salaam would be loaned out to the San Antonio Scorpions for the North American Soccer League spring season. He made his professional debut for the team on April 4 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. He started the match and played the full 90 as San Antonio fell 3–1.
Returning to Kansas City He was called back on May 20, 2015. He was subbed on for Krisztian Nemeth in the 90th minute making his first MLS appearance. He finished the 2015 season starting 10 games and played 22 games and had 1 assist. In the playoffs he made the most iconic moment. In the penalty shoot out against the Portland Timbers, he had the chance to win it all but he instead hit both goal posts and the ball went out. In 2016, his sophomore season, he played in 30 games, scoring none but having 6 assists which was more assists than any other SKC player that season. In 2017 he scored his first professional goal in the team's 3–0 win against Minnesota United on June 21.
New York City On December 14, 2017, it was announced that Abdul-Salaam was traded to New York City FC in exchange for Khiry Shelton. He was loaned to Phoenix Rising FC on August 13, 2018.
Seattle Sounders FC On February 26, 2019, Abdul-Salaam's rights were traded to Seattle Sounders FC in exchange for $50,000 of Targeted Allocation Money. He was released by Seattle at the end of the 2019 season.
FC Cincinnati On December 3, 2019, Abdul-Salaam was selected by FC Cincinnati in Stage Two of the 2019 MLS Re-Entry Process.
Columbus Crew On April 17, 2021, Abdul-Salaam was selected off waivers by Columbus Crew, who had been waived a few days earlier by Cincinnati following their acquisition of Edgar Castillo. Following the 2021 season, Columbus opted to decline their contract option on Abdul-Salaam.
San Antonio FC On June 22, 2022, San Antonio FC announced that they signed Abdul-Salaam for the remainder of the 2022 season.
Career statistics
ClubSeasonLeagueDomestic CupInternationalAppearance(s) in CONCACAF Champions LeagueOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsSporting Kansas City2015MLS22050—102802016300102010340201712130—10161Total641902030781San Antonio Scorpions (loan)2015NASL5000——50New York City2018MLS4010—0050Phoenix Rising (loan)2018USL13000——130Seattle Sounders FC2019MLS18010—00200Tacoma Defiance (loan)2019USL30———30FC Cincinnati2020MLS80———80Columbus Crew2021180—10—190Career total115111030301321
Honors
Seattle Sounders FC MLS Cup: 2019
Columbus Crew Campeones Cup: 2021
San Antonio FC USL Championship (regular season): 2022 USL Championship Final: 2022
References
External links