The energy at Starfire Sports this past week has been palpable as the Seattle Sounders kicked off their 2023 preseason.
Following a disappointing end to the 2022 campaign, in which the Rave Green failed to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time in club history, the mentality of players and staff has focused on righting the ship heading into the new season.
“We just weren’t playing up to our standards, and we know that,” said Jordan Morris. “We know that we needed to be better throughout the year. We’re looking forward to doing that this year.”
Head Coach Brian Schmetzer echoed those sentiments on the opening day of preseason camp.
“They are a proud group,” he said. “This is a proud franchise. We didn’t take last year’s playoff miss very well. So, we will come back strong.”
According to players and coaches, that bitter taste from missing out on the postseason fueled the player’s motivation to increase their preparations during the offseason. With the FIFA Club World Cup less than a month away, the entire squad came into camp ready to hit the ground running.
“I think the guys all handled themselves really well in the offseason,” noted goalkeeper Stefan Frei. “Everybody came in really fit, hungry and ready to go.”
Since bursting onto the MLS scene in 2009, making the postseason has been viewed as more of a requirement than a lofty objective for the Sounders organization. Coming up short in that regard in 2022 has not altered the club’s ethos. If anything, it has led to a reinvigorated desire to constantly contend for silverware.
“I want to compete for trophies,” said Frei. “That is the standard of this franchise.”
The addition of veteran forward Héber from New York City FC should bolster the Sounders attack as they battle for trophies across various competitions, including the FIFA Club World Cup, U.S. Open Cup and the revamped Leagues Cup. The 31-year-old Brazilian striker has 26 goals and six assists in just shy of 4,000 minutes across MLS play.
“He’s a true goal scorer like Raúl [Ruidíaz] and Fredy [Montero],” said Schmetzer. “It doesn’t take many chances to score – that’s where he’s made his name … He’s a good guy and fits in with the locker room very [well], so we’re happy to have him.”
A longtime leader in the locker room, Frei spoke openly about the need for the club to re-establish itself as a standard bearer in MLS. The veteran goalkeeper was asked if he had a motto for the upcoming campaign, and his response shed light on the club’s singular focus for 2023.
“Look for new heights,” he said. “I think we’ve always tried to have a high standard and make history. Even with the frustrations of last year, we were able to make history [winning Concacaf Champions League]. But always look for something new – a new challenge, a new goal, a higher standard. I hope we can make that one of our goals.”
