In Major League Soccer, a league known for its parity, developing and maintaining championship-caliber rosters yearly is a tall task. Only three teams have ever repeated as MLS Cup champions.
For the Seattle Sounders however, a crop of new players from the Primary Transfer Window and the summer Secondary Transfer Window has provided a fresh perspective and impactful contributions to a side seeking its second MLS Cup championship in as many years.
“It started back in January,” said Vice President of Soccer & Sporting Director Chris Henderson. “This is what we needed to do to defend our championship. The guys who came in the summer are catching up quickly.
“They’ve been at other big clubs, and they know what’s at stake when you win something,” he continued. “The messaging that [Head Coach] Brian [Schmetzer] has given to the players is pretty clear in what we need to do and goals we want to accomplish. They’re all on board, they’ve adapted and are doing everything they can to contribute.”
And contribute they have.
Forward Will Bruin finished second on team with 11 goals over 1,800 minutes. Midfielder Gustav Svensson started 30 of 32 matches, providing depth across several positions during a season sprinkled with injuries. Kelvin Leerdam flashed his experience from the Dutch Eredivisie at right back en route to 14 starts in 15 matches, including helping spark the longest undefeated streak in club history.
Perhaps the league’s breakout player of the year, midfielder Cristian Roldan heaped plenty of praise upon the club’s newcomers.
“I think they add confidence,” said Roldan, now in his third year in Seattle. “Kelvin is a really good player. Will has been a massive, massive addition.”
Last season’s S2 regular Nouhou has also risen to the occasion, slotting in at left back and pushing Joevin Jones to left midfield, filling the left side of the field with speed and excitement.
“Nouhou has been able to let Joevin roam more forward,” added Roldan. “They’ve been great additions and great pieces to our team, not just offensively, but defensively they’re very solid. They’re going to help us in the playoffs going forward especially with all our injured bodies.”
Added Nouhou: “In the beginning of the season, I didn’t have any expectations to start because the team won MLS Cup. Joevin Jones did well and is a great player, but I was patient and waited for my opportunity, and when I got it, I took it. I thank God for that, and I want to keep growing.
“I’m a young player and have a lot of energy and that’s how I approach games. Sometimes I can read very well where the ball’s being played and intercept it and run forward. I try to do that as much as I can.”
The Western Conference Semifinals of the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs against Cascadia rival the Vancouver Whitecaps will provide each 2017 addition the opportunity to display their efforts on the national stage.
The margins are slim and the implications massive, but Schmetzer is confident in what his team brings to the table.
“They already have [contributed] with their personalities and skill sets,” he said. “I’m confident in the squad. They’re talented players and they do a good job for this club.”
