Kalani Kossa-Rienzi Bio
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi (born June 27, 2002) is an American soccer player who plays for Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer. He attended Berkeley High School, where he earned several accolades, and later played college soccer at the University of Washington. Kossa-Rienzi has shown significant promise as he transitions into professional soccer by displaying strong performances during his time with both Seattle Sounders FC and their second team, Tacoma Defiance.
Early Life and Background
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi was born in Berkeley, California. He played youth soccer with Mavericks SC, where he began to develop his skills on the field. Kossa-Rienzi attended Berkeley High School, where he distinguished himself as a talented player. During his junior year, he was recognized as the WACC-Foothill Player of the Year and the North Coast Section Player of the Year. Additionally, he earned honors as an All-USA Second Team selection and an All-American. Kossa-Rienzi is of partial Chinese descent, which adds to his unique background in the sport.
Path to Soccer
After completing high school, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi continued his soccer journey by attending the University of Washington in 2020. He joined the men’s soccer team and made an immediate impact, recording an assist in his collegiate debut on February 4, 2021. Over his college career, Kossa-Rienzi scored six goals and provided eleven assists in a total of 76 appearances. His performance earned him several accolades, including All-Pac 12 Honorable Mention and selections to the All-Pac 12 First Team and the All-Far West Region Second Team during his time at the university. These achievements laid a solid foundation for his transition into professional soccer.
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi Career
Early Career (2023)
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi began his professional career in 2023 with Crossfire Red in the National Premier Soccer League. His performances during this time caught the attention of Major League Soccer scouts. At the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, Kossa-Rienzi was selected in the first round (23rd overall) by Seattle Sounders FC. This marked a significant milestone in his career, as he transitioned from college soccer to the professional arena.
Breakthrough (2024-2025)
After being drafted by Seattle Sounders FC, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi participated in the team’s pre-season activities. He signed a contract with their second team, Tacoma Defiance, in March 2024. His breakthrough moment came during the 2024 season when he went on short-term loans with the Seattle Sounders first team. On May 22, 2024, he made his first start in a U.S. Open Cup match against Phoenix Rising FC, where he scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory, helping the club advance to the quarter-finals. This performance solidified his place within the team and showcased his potential as a rising star in Major League Soccer.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s signature work includes his impactful performances with Seattle Sounders FC, particularly his first MLS goal scored on March 8, 2025, in a victory over Los Angeles FC. His contributions to the team have been recognized by fans and analysts alike, marking him as a player to watch in the coming years.
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi Award Nominations
Throughout his early career, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi has received recognition for his performances, although specific nominations have not been detailed at this time.
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi Awards Won
As of now, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi has not won any official awards, but his promising career trajectory suggests that he may achieve significant accolades in the future.
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi Family
Information regarding Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s family is not publicly available at this time.
Personal Life
Details about Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s personal life, including relationships or children, are not disclosed publicly. He remains focused on his soccer career and aspirations within the sport.
