Meet the Sounders' 2019 Starting XI
With the addition of Jordan Morris, back from injury, to a Sounders squad that made a late-season run, this is a well-rounded team with high aspirations. Meet the Starting XI who will attempt to return Seattle to the MLS Cup finals, beginning Saturday against FC Cincinnati.
Scroll to continue
24 | Stefan Frei | GK
Hometown: Altstaetten, Switzerland
Age: 32
Height/Weight: 6-3, 195
Coming off arguably his best season in which he controversially lost the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award to Zack Steffen. Had a 1.03 goals allowed average, saved 76 percent of shots and was awarded MLS Save of the Year for a July 4 stop on Shkelzin Gashi in Colorado.
11 | Brad Smith | D
Hometown: Penrith, Australia
Age: 24
Height/Weight: 5-10, 155
Should split time with Nouhou early on but has the nod as starting left back for now. Big question is whether his hamstring stays healthy given his game relies on speed. Could be recalled to England come August.
14 | Chad Marshall | D
Hometown: Riverside, Calif.
Age: 34
Height/Weight: 6-4, 190
Climbing toward mid-30s but still coming off one of best seasons as finalist for what would have been his fourth MLS Defender of the Year award. Controls the air and serves as dual attacking threat off set pieces.
20 | Kim Kee-hee | D
Hometown: Busan, South Korea
Age: 29
Height/Weight: 6-2, 175
An intimidating, physical presence on back line both in the air and in tackling ability. Took time getting to know Marshall but improved communication should serve him well after his first full training camp with the team. Now knows the league better as well.
18 | Kelvin Leerdam | D
Hometown: Utrecht, The Netherlands
Age: 28
Height/Weight: 5-10, 154
Battled nagging ankle problem all season that limited his effectiveness compared to his 2017 debut. Should benefit more than most from extended off-season and solidify the right side of the field. Long throw-in ability an added benefit.
4 | Gustav Svensson | MF
Hometown: Gothenburg, Sweden
Age: 32
Height/Weight: 6-0, 170
Versatile veteran solidified his grip on a starting midfield position with consistently strong performances for a second straight year. His physical presence will be needed more than ever with Osvaldo Alonso no longer alongside him. Won’t have World Cup distractions either.
7 | Cristian Roldan | MF
Hometown: Pico Rivera, Calif.
Age: 23
Height/Weight: 5-8, 165
Long considered the heir apparent to Osvaldo Alonso, now he gets to prove it. Will get to focus more on defensive midfield this year after being bumped up to right wing the latter part of last season. Not the intimidator Alonso was, but covers ground quicker at his age.
8 | Victor Rodriguez | MF
Hometown: Barcelona, Spain
Age: 29
Height/Weight: 5-7, 154
Health and durability were issues his first two seasons, but enters 2019 injury-free. The creative playmaker will be used primarily on left wing but can play any midfield spot. An underrated component in what should be an improved team attack.
10 | Nicolas Lodeiro | MF
Hometown: Paysandu, Uruguay
Age: 29
Height/Weight: 5-7, 150
Assumes the captain’s mantle from Osvaldo Alonso and is arguably the team’s most valuable performer. Crucial to set pieces and running play creativity, his overall play blossomed with the arrival of Raul Ruidiaz as an additional attacking threat for teams to focus on. Begins season healthy and should endure less physical targeting than pre-Ruidiaz as well.
13 | Jordan Morris | F
Hometown: Mercer Island, Wash.
Age: 24
Height/Weight: 6-0, 185
His speed alone provides Sounders an additional threat for defenses to focus on. Looks comfortable on right wing and could serve as second striker up top late in games. Knee is fully recovered from ACL tear but he could still need time to mentally regain complete confidence in his on-field movements.
9 | Raúl Ruidíaz | F
Hometown: Lima, Peru
Age: 28
Height/Weight: 5-7, 145
A gifted finisher that puts the ball in the net better than anyone on the team. If he picks up where he left off last year, he’ll threaten Obafemi Martins’ franchise record of 17 goals from the 2014 season. Not as bad defensively as advertised, but is here for scoring and little else. Takes heat off Lodeiro and provides Sounders multi-layered attack with few peers.