The Seattle Sounders return from the offseason ready for a big 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 ended 2024 as a strong contender, reaching the Leagues Cup Quarterfinal, the U.S. Open Cup Semifinal, and the Western Conference Final. With most of the squad returning for 2025, the goal is to build on last year’s determination and unity, while aiming for even more success in all competitions.
“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.”
The Sounders are bringing back key players, including Albert Rusnák, who recently extended his Designated Player contract through 2026, with an option for 2027. Rusnák had an impressive 2024, scoring 11 goals and setting a club record with 19 assists.
“Albert had a good year, a career year for himself,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. Joining Rusnák is Jordan Morris, who earned a DP spot after scoring 18 goals in all competitions last season.
“He earned that,” said Schmetzer. “And Jordan got better as the year progressed…And he’s going to get [even] better.”
Pedro de la Vega, the team’s third DP, faced injury struggles last season but showed moments of brilliance that should become more consistent in 2025 with a full season and better fitness.
Young players like Paul Rothrock, Georgi Minoungou, Reed Baker-Whiting, Jackson Ragen, and Obed Vargas are also expected to have a bigger impact after strong performances last 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.”
Veteran players like João Paulo, who re-signed with the team for one year on Jan. 10, will continue to play important roles with their leadership and long tenure with the team.
However, the addition of new players Jesús Ferreira and Paul Arriola could help take the team to even greater heights as they prepare for a busy season.
With many trophies up for grabs, these two bring experience from both club and international play, which can strengthen an already solid team. Ferreira and Arriola have both signed three-year contracts after spending eight (Ferreira) and three (Arriola) years 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 ended his time with FC Dallas with 53 goals and 34 assists in 163 regular season games. He has also scored 15 goals in 23 appearances with the U.S. Men’s National Team. His ability to score consistently and play in multiple positions will give the Sounders an offensive weapon they were sometimes missing last season.
“What Jesús presents to our group is fantastic and phenomenal,” said Waibel. “We wanted to add a really dynamic attacking player, and [he] definitely fits the bill.”
Ferreira joining the club on a TAM contract, despite his DP-quality talent, is a big move for the Sounders.
“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.
In addition, Arriola’s 11 years of professional experience have exposed him to a variety of playing styles and competition. Whether through his time in MLS, Liga MX, the EFL Championship, or with the U.S. Men’s National Team, his versatility and ability to play at a high level provide the Sounders with a strong option on the wing.
The Chula Vista native has 10 goals in 50 appearances with the National Team and has scored 51 goals with 38 assists at the club level since 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 participating in up to five competitions, including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the club is gearing up for an exciting yet challenging year.
Schmetzer is confident that the team is well-equipped to compete for multiple trophies. “I think the team is going to be pretty darn good.”
