[MLS TRANSACTIONS] In his first MLS season, Mauro Rosales finished among MLS leaders in assists and established himself as one of the league's best attacking catalysts.

The Sounders have ensured his services for the immediate future by signing him to a new, multi-year contract at undisclosed terms. For his $42,000 salary in 2011 he registered 13 assists in addition to his five goals. Only two players, David Beckham and Brad Davis, assisted on more goals.

"Mauro was a huge impact on our team last year," said Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid of the 30-year-old Argentine who easily won Newcomer of the Year honors. "He played well and made others better with his service and use of the ball. We are pleased to have him back as a Sounder."

With Rosales orchestrating the attack, Seattle finished second to the L.A. Galaxy for the league's best record, won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for a third straight year, and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions League.

"I really am enjoying being here with the guys, with the team, with the people and the city," said Rosales. "In the first year I was thinking just to play, to enjoy the game, and it was a season of great joy."

Rosales signed with Seattle March 18 after playing nearly 400 games for River Plate and Newell's Old Boys in his native country and Dutch club Ajax. In his 22 starts Seattle won 13 games, tied six, and lost only three. The Sounders were 10-1-2 when he scored or assisted on a goal.

"We were always very confident of reaching an agreement," said general manager Adrian Hanauer. "There was a great deal of trust between ourselves and Mauro and [agent] Dario Sala. They put their faith in us and we wanted to take care of Mauro. He has earned this contract through his outstanding play, his dedication to his craft and his commitment to this club, his fellow players and our coaches.”