MLS NEXT Pro's finest: A closer look at 2023's Best XI
The 2023 MLS NEXT Pro regular season has come and gone, but the stellar campaigns delivered by many standout players won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
2022 (Seattle): Cissoko started all five of his 2022 appearances for the Rave Green and was available for selection on 15 occasions, tallying eight interceptions. The centerback also started 14 matches for Tacoma Defiance and was third on the team with seven goals. He also played all 120 minutes Sounders FC’s 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against San Jose (May 11), with the Rave Green falling in penalties.
2021 (Seattle / Tacoma): Cissoko signed with the First Team after impressing during in preseason. The French center back made his First Team debut as a starter in Seattle’s 2-1 win over the LA Galaxy (June 19). He started 12 of 14 appearances for Sounders FC, totaling of 966 minutes. Cissoko made his Audi MLS Cup Playoffs debut as a late substitute against Real Salt Lake. When the match went to penalties, Cissoko went third and scored his attempt. He made five starts for Tacoma Defiance on the season, logging 405 minutes.
2020 (Defiance): Cissoko made 12 appearances for Tacoma during the 2020 campaign, including nine starts. He scored one goal as well, coming against Reno 1868 on September 18, 2020. He amassed a total of 818 minutes.
N/A
Came up through local French club CO Les Ulis, which was the first club of French internationals Patrice Evra, Anthony Martial, and Thierry Henry. Competed as an amateur for SD Zest of USL League 2 in 2019 prior to signing with Defiance.
Signed to Defiance’s roster on December 18, 2019.