Where we left off last year
2023 season: 53 points, 2nd in the Western Conference
After a strong second-place regular season finish in the West, Seattle pushed past FC Dallas in the first round of last season’s playoffs before a career-defining performance from LAFC’s Maxime Crepeau sent them packing after the conference semis. In a twist of fate for the Sounders (or a silver-lining for the more revenge-minded up in Seattle), Crepeau will be starting in goal for the Portland Timbers this season.
As the year progressed, injuries and father time caught up to striker Raul Ruidiaz and attacking midfielder Nico Lodeiro. The two club legends weren’t starters by the end of the year, but Seattle’s depth was enough to cover for them. Until it wasn’t.
What changed in the offseason
Notable arrivals:
- Nathan, CB: Signed as a free agent, Nathan was a useful center back in his first two years with the San Jose Earthquakes before a knee injury kept him out for all of last season. He won’t be first-choice in the middle of Brian Schmetzer’s backline, but the 28-year-old is a strong depth option.
- Pedro de la Vega, W: The 23-year-old de la Vega doesn’t have the kind of track record that suggests he’ll break games wide open in MLS from the moment he steps on the field. But the ex-Lanus winger is clearly talented — and talent tends to do well in Seattle. De la Vega has a great right foot and loves to run at opposing fullbacks. With just 3,200 professional minutes under his belt, he’s still finding his footing in the final third.
- Danny Musovski, ST: Musovski, 28, has never been a regular starter up top in MLS but he’s been delightfully efficient while on the field. Across a few seasons with LAFC and a couple with Real Salt Lake, the striker snagged 16 goals in 3,100 minutes. It’s almost impossible to ask for better production from a reserve in this league.
