The Seattle Sounders have been notoriously slow starters in recent seasons ... but there's no reason to expect that trend to continue this year.
They aren't awaiting the return of injured stars, with Jordan Morris looking to make up for lost time, nor waiting for a big midseason addition. The Sounders figure to be a top team in the Western Conference, with Raul Ruidiaz, Nicolas Lodeiro and Chad Marshall leading the charge.
Star players
Key acquisitions and departures
- OUT: Osvaldo Alonso
Projected Starting XI
Team strengths and weaknesses
- Strength: In Raul Ruidiaz, the Sounders have one of the league's top five forwards, who can make something out of nothing. A total of 13 goals in his first 16 competitive appearances for the Sounders tell the story.
- Weakness: It came up a lot last year, especially after Jordan Morris went down with a season-ending injury: Where's the Sounders' team speed? With Morris back, can they scare teams again in transition?
Predictions
- Ben Baer: 1st in West
- Calen Carr: 4th in West
- Charlie Davies: 1st in West
- Matt Doyle: 3rd in West
- Bobby Warshaw: 5th in West
- Andrew Wiebe: 2nd in West
