Kalani Kossa-Rienzi Bio
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi (born June 27, 2002) is an American professional soccer player who competes for Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer. A versatile defender and midfielder, he wears jersey number 85 for the Sounders and has quickly developed from a college prospect into a contributor at the top level of American soccer. His path through the youth ranks, college game, and professional pipeline reflects a steady rise built on consistent performances.
Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Kossa-Rienzi emerged as one of the top young players in the Bay Area before continuing his career at the University of Washington. After earning numerous accolades at Berkeley High School and starring for the Washington Huskies, he entered the professional ranks with Seattle Sounders FC.
Early Life and Background
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi was born on June 27, 2002, in Berkeley, California, in the United States. He grew up in the Bay Area and developed his early love for soccer while playing with Mavericks SC, a well-known youth club in the region. His time in the Mavericks development system helped shape his technical foundation and understanding of the game.
He attended Berkeley High School, where he starred for the school team. As a junior, he was named the WACC-Foothill Player of the Year and the North Coast Section Player of the Year. He was also selected to the All-USA Second Team and earned All-American honors, signaling his status as one of the top high school players in the country. Kossa-Rienzi is of Chinese and Canadian descent, a heritage that reflects the diverse background of the Bay Area community where he grew up.
Path to Soccer
After a decorated high school career, Kossa-Rienzi committed to the University of Washington, where he joined the Washington Huskies men’s soccer program in 2020. He made his collegiate debut on February 4, 2021, recording an assist against the Northwest Eagles, and scored his first collegiate goal on September 24, 2021, in a 2–0 victory over the Portland Pilots. These early contributions marked him as a rising contributor in the Pac-12 Conference.
Following his sophomore season, he was named an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention. In 2022, he earned a place on the All-Pac-12 First Team and the All-Far West Region Second Team. Ahead of his senior campaign, he was named to the Pac-12 All-Preseason Team and finished his final college season on the All-Pac-12 First Team and All West Region Second Team, while also receiving an invitation to the MLS College Showcase. Across four seasons with the Huskies, he recorded six goals and 11 assists in 76 appearances.
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi Career
Early Career (2023)
In 2023, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi played for Crossfire Red in the National Premier Soccer League. The stint provided him with a bridge between the college season and the professional ranks, allowing him to compete against experienced players in a competitive adult league. His time with Crossfire Red helped him transition physically and tactically from the college game to higher-level competition.
During this period, Kossa-Rienzi also prepared for the upcoming MLS SuperDraft, showcasing his abilities in front of professional scouts. The combination of his college resume, his high school accolades, and his brief experience with Crossfire Red made him an attractive prospect for Major League Soccer clubs.
Seattle Sounders FC Breakthrough (2024–Present)
At the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi was selected in the first round, 23rd overall, by Seattle Sounders FC. After participating in pre-season with the first team, he signed a contract with their second team, Tacoma Defiance, in MLS Next Pro in March 2024. Throughout the 2024 season, he was called up on short-term loans with the Seattle Sounders first team, where he made his first start on May 22 in a U.S. Open Cup match against Phoenix Rising FC. In that match, he scored his first goal for the club, the winning strike in a 2–1 victory that helped Seattle advance to the quarter-finals.
In March 2025, he signed additional short-term loan agreements with the first team. On March 8, 2025, he scored his first Major League Soccer goal in a victory over Los Angeles FC. Two days later, on March 10, 2025, he signed a full MLS contract with Seattle Sounders FC for the remainder of the season, with club options for 2026 and 2027. The contract confirmed his promotion to the first team and represented a major step in his professional journey.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although this heading is traditionally used in motorsport coverage, in Kossa-Rienzi’s case, his strengths are evident on the soccer field. Listed at 5 feet 7 inches, he competes as both a midfielder and a defender, demonstrating positional versatility. His college record of 11 assists highlights his ability to create chances, while his six goals show a willingness to contribute in the final third. His composure in cup competition, including scoring the winning goal against Phoenix Rising FC, suggests a player who rises to big moments.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Kossa-Rienzi’s most memorable moments is his first Major League Soccer goal against Los Angeles FC on March 8, 2025, a victory that announced his arrival as a professional scorer. His winning U.S. Open Cup goal against Phoenix Rising FC on May 22, 2024, marked his first goal for the Seattle Sounders organization and helped the club reach the quarter-finals. Being selected 23rd overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft stands as another defining milestone, launching his professional career.
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi Career Wins
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s professional career is still in its early stages, but he has already contributed to several important results for Seattle Sounders FC. His winning goal against Phoenix Rising FC in the U.S. Open Cup stands as a signature moment, and his first MLS goal against Los Angeles FC helped secure a notable league victory in 2025.
Seattle Sounders FC Highlights
With Seattle Sounders FC, Kossa-Rienzi has registered his first MLS goal and multiple appearances in league play, along with his decisive U.S. Open Cup strike. His contract with the first team, signed in March 2025, runs through the end of the season with options for 2026 and 2027, providing stability as he continues to grow within the organization.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his first-team experience, Kossa-Rienzi has built his craft with Tacoma Defiance in MLS Next Pro and previously competed with Crossfire Red in the National Premier Soccer League. These experiences have helped him sharpen his game and prepare for the demands of Major League Soccer.
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
While Kalani Kossa-Rienzi is not from a motorsport family, his personal heritage reflects the diverse makeup of the Bay Area. He is of Chinese and Canadian descent, a background he has carried throughout his life and career in Berkeley, California.
Personal Life
Kossa-Rienzi focuses on his developing professional soccer career and remains connected to his Berkeley roots. Public information about his personal relationships is limited.
2025 Season Performance
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi’s 2025 season has marked a breakthrough in Major League Soccer. He opened his MLS account with a goal against Los Angeles FC on March 8, 2025, and followed that up two days later by signing a first-team contract with Seattle Sounders FC that runs through the end of the year, with options for 2026 and 2027. The quick transition from short-term loan to signed MLS player reflects the organization’s confidence in his development.
Earlier in 2025, he had already signed additional short-term loan deals with the first team in March, allowing him to train and play with the senior squad before his full contract was finalized. His early-season form suggests he will continue to feature in the Sounders’ rotation as a midfielder and defender, with opportunities to contribute across multiple competitions.
With his contract secured and a first MLS goal to his name, Kossa-Rienzi enters the remainder of the 2025 season as a player to watch. The Sounders’ depth and his versatility should give him consistent minutes as he looks to establish himself as a long-term contributor at the club.