Football Season Guide

Seattle Sounders

In


Magnus Wolff Eikrem (mid) (Malmo), Calle Brown (gk) (Houston Dynamo), Handwalla Bwana (att) (draft), Jordan McCrary (def) (Toronto FC), Waylon Francis (def) (Columbus Crew)

Out


Oniel Fisher (def) (DC United), Joevin Jones (def) (Darmstadt), Victor Mansaray (mid) (Umea FC), Brad Evans (def) (Sporting Kansas City), Álvaro Fernández (mid) (San Martin), Calum Mallace (mid) (Los Angeles FC), Tyler Miller (gk) (Los Angeles FC), Aaron Kovar (mid) (Los Angeles FC)

Defending their 2016 Major League Soccer title, the Seattle Sounders would put in yet another fantastic season in 2017. Finishing in second position in the Western Conference table, and making it all the way to the MLS Cup final, the Sounders were so close to being crowned back to back champions. They would unfortunately fall at the final hurdle however, with Brian Schmeltzer’s team narrowly losing to Toronto FC in the final. Nonetheless, Seattle continue to prove that they are one the very best sides in MLS, and should once again be prepared for a successful season. The rave green haven’t altered their squad an awful lot from last year, with only a few incomings and outgoings having been confirmed so far. In terms of those leaving the club, the most notable players include the departure of veteran defender Brad Evans. Having made over 200 appearances for the Sounders, Evans was a firm favourite amongst the Seattle faithful and will definitely be missed. An injury ridden season limited his playtime in 2017 though, and so his absence shouldn’t hurt too much. The other player who will need to be replaced is Joevin Jones. Jones recorded a total of 11 assists last season, so the Sounders will certainly need to find a pacey equivalent, who can work down the left hand side. Waylon Francis could be the man, having recently arrived from the Columbus Crew. Midfielder, Magnus Wolff Eikrem, also looks like an interesting prospect, coming into the league from Malmo.

Target


Having reached the final for the last 2 years running, the Sounders will once again be aiming to win the MLS Cup.