Sounders FC has been the top defensive team in Major League Soccer over the past two years in large part due to center back Yeimar.
“Yeimar has been a beast,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer.
So much so, the Colombian was one of three defenders selected to MLS’ Best XI for the 2024 season. Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba and Steven Moreira of Columbus Crew were the other defensive players who received the end of the year accolade.
This is the second time since 2021 Yeimar has been a part of the Best XI. He and former defender Chad Marshall are the only two players in Sounders history to earn this award twice in their career.
Yeimar posted 63 interceptions, 141 recoveries, seven blocks and 158 duels won over the course of the 2024 regular season and into the MLS Cup playoffs. He also ranked third in MLS clearances prior to postseason play and finished second in challenges with 93.
The long-time defender has led by example, playing a vital role in the team’s league-leading 13 shutouts and fewest goals against (35) during the regular season.
His center back counterpart Jackson Ragen has been especially impacted by his veteran presence.
“He's been a huge mentor for me, despite the language barrier,” said Ragen. “We have a really good relationship, and he's helped me grow and helped me through tough times on the field.”
It is his leadership from both a performance standpoint and as an encouraging teammate that has ultimately made him a crucial component to the Sounders’ defensive success.
“Our relationship is just so good on and off the field that [there’s a reason] it's been one of the best defenses the last two years,” added Ragen.
Other players feel similarly.
“With the guys that I have around me, Jackson, Yeimar and Cristian \[Roldan\], those guys uplift me and give me confidence, the coaches as well,” said defender Jonathan Bell, reflecting on his Western Conference Semifinal showing against LAFC.
The five-time Defender of the Year for the Sounders organization has made a name for himself since his arrival in 2020, supporting the team to numerous achievements including a Western Conference Championship trophy (2020) and the club’s first-ever Concacaf Champions League title (2022). And with Ragen coming into his own in the last two seasons alongside the Colombian international, the backline is stronger than ever before.
“I think we have two of the best center backs in the league….You can say that very easily,” said Schmetzer.
