The Seattle Sounders return from the offseason poised to take on the massive year ahead.
“I really like where we're at,” said General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel. “And I really like that we could have a skill set of players that make each Starting XI a difficult conversation for our coaches to have.”
Seattle finished 2024 as a consistent contender, advancing to the Leagues Cup Quarterfinal, U.S. Open Cup Semifinal and Western Conference Final. With all but four players returning for the 2025 season, the expectation is to emulate the grit and togetherness displayed last year while pushing further in each competition.
"We were so close last year, and so there's a lot of things we can replicate, and sprinkle in a little bit more here and there, and improve a little more in all aspects," said goalkeeper Stefan Frei. "[So,] I think we'll have a good chance."
Seattle welcomes back big pieces to the roster, including Albert Rusnák, who recently renewed his Designated Player contract through the 2026 season, with an option for 2027. Rusnák finished 2024 with 11 goals across all-competitions and a single-season club record of 19 assists.
“Albert had a good year, a career year for himself,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer.
The Slovak international is accompanied by Jordan Morris, who obtained the role of a DP after collecting 18 goals across all-competitions in 2024.
“He earned that,” said Schmetzer. “And Jordan got better as the year progressed…And he's going to get [even] better.”
The team’s third DP, Pedro de la Vega, struggled with injuries last season, but showed flashes of brilliance that are expected to come more into play in 2025, now that he has a season under his belt and improved fitness. Along with de la Vega, other young players like Paul Rothrock, Georgi Minoungou, Reed Baker-Whiting, Jackson Ragen and Obed Vargas are bound to make an impact after their breakout performances in the previous year.
“There were difficult moments, obviously early in the season,” said Waibel. “But a lot of our young players developed and contributed quite a bit.”
Veterans on the squad such as João Paulo, who re-signed with the team on a one-year deal on Jan. 10, will also play meaningful roles given their leadership attributes and long tenures with the club.
But, it will be the support of newly acquired players Jesús Ferreira and Paul Arriola that could set the team up to reach even greater heights as Seattle gears up for a jam-packed season ahead. With multiple trophies on the line, the two players have experience on both the club and international levels that could strengthen a team like Seattle that already possesses a solid foundation. Ferreira and Arriola join Seattle on three-year contracts after spending eight (Ferreira) and three (Arriola) seasons with FC Dallas.
“I think the world of them as players,” said midfielder Cristian Roldan. “They bring experience, they bring goals, and they have a re-energized feeling about them. They want to win, they want to win trophies, and they're going to bring that competitive nature in them.”
Ferreira closed out his FC Dallas tenure with 53 goals and 34 assists in 163 regular season competitions. Beyond MLS, he’s contributed to 15 goals in 23 appearances with the U.S. Men’s National Team. His consistent goal scoring and ability to play multiple positions will add an offensive weapon that was lacking at times last season for the Sounders.
“What Jesús presents to our group is fantastic and phenomenal,” said Wiabel. “We wanted to add a really dynamic attacking player, and [he] definitely fits the bill.”
This is especially true with Ferreira joining the club under a TAM contract despite being a DP quality player.
“We have Jesús coming in as a non-designated player, which is, I think, a remarkable feat and something that speaks not just to the situation that he was in or we were in, but to the entirety of our organization, our crowd, our environment, and our success over years and years and years,” said Waibel.
Additionally, Arriola's professional resume has exposed him to a number of different playing styles and competition over the last 11 years. Whether it be his participation in MLS, Liga MX, EFL Championship or the U.S. Men’s National Team, his versatility and talent to play at a high level gives the Sounders another strong option on the wing. The Chula Vista native has 10 goals in 50 caps with the National Team and has collected 51 goals and 38 assists at the club since he made his debut with Tijuana in 2013.
“Paul is a very experienced, polished player,” said Schmetzer. “He's going to help us with depth and he's going to help us with scoring goals…He can be goal dangerous.”
With the Sounders taking part in upwards of five competitions, including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the club is in store for an exciting, but demanding year ahead.
Schmetzer is confident the roster has what it takes to contend for multiple trophies.
“I think the team is going to be pretty darn good.”
