Sounders forward accused in civil lawsuit

Seattle Sounders forward Nate Jaqua has been accused in a civil lawsuit of sexual assault on a University of Oregon student in 2007.

The lawsuit, which seeks more than $10 million in damages, also names Major League Soccer, the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo, Jaqua's former teams. He was playing for Houston at the time of the alleged assault, soon after Los Angeles traded him that season. The suit was filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court on Tuesday.

Jaqua's attorney says that his client denies the allegations and has never been contacted by the plaintiff, her lawyer, the police or prosecutors in connection with the alleged assault.

The plaintiff, who played soccer for the Ducks, alleges Jaqua sexually assaulted her on July 1, 2007, as he walked her home from a night out with friends at a Eugene bar.

Attorney David Angeli issued a statement Friday on behalf of Jaqua, a native of Eugene who has started all 15 games in which he's played for Seattle this season. He was MLS' player of the week recently for having two goals and an assist against Colorado.

"Nate Jaqua was shocked to learn of these allegations. The complaint - which has not even been served on Nate - is baseless," the statement said. "It alleges events that purportedly took place two years ago. In the past two years, Nate has never been contacted by the police, the District Attorney's Office, the plaintiff, her lawyer, or anyone else regarding these allegations. Nate has confidence in the legal system and is certain that these allegations will be proven to be false."

Jaqua's father Jon and mother Connie also issued a statement supporting their son. They said the family received a copy of the civil suit Thursday.

Jaqua played Wednesday and had an assist in Seattle's win at Portland in the U.S. Open Cup.

"We were stunned to learn of a complaint filed recently against our son, Nate. The allegations contained in this civil lawsuit are not only so bizarre as to be unfathomable to us, but are also completely incompatible with everything that we and the people closest to Nate know about him," his parents said.

"Nate is an amazing person and we are very proud of him and all that he has accomplished in his lifetime. He is a wonderful son and family member. At age 28, he's never been in any legal trouble in his life. ...

"We can only conclude that the plaintiff in this case must be a troubled young woman who has been very poorly advised. ... Her initial platform for making these very troubling and detailed allegations of criminal conduct has blindsided all of us with a civil lawsuit demanding $10 million, filed just one day before the statute of limitations would have extinguished her ability to demand money."

The Sounders did not immediately have comment on Jaqua's situation. Their next game is Tuesday night in Tukwila, Wash., against MLS rival Kansas City in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup.