Sounders FC is a local club with global ambition. This year’s opportunities on the international stage is reflective of that statement.
From qualifying for the Concacaf Champions Cup, to making a second appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup in June, the players have their sights set on putting the Sounders on the map.
“I think we want to show that not only Seattle, but the United States, can compete at this level,” said midfielder Cristian Roldan.
The club relies on the recruitment of high-caliber prospects from other MLS clubs or leagues outside of the U.S. to better the team. But, several of Seattle’s players have also come through its own backyard. Whether they grew up in the area, went through the Sounders development system, or went to college locally, the team has found a way to utilize its own city to heighten the roster.
“Being from Seattle, I take a certain amount of pride [in that],” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer.
There are a total of 13 players on the Sounders current roster that have deep ties to the Seattle community, with the Roldan brothers being two of them. Alex, a Seattle University alumni, has been a vital component to the Sounders’ backline since 2018 while Cristian, a former University of Washington Husky, has paved his way in becoming a veteran leader on the squad and a consistent contributor in the midfield.
Other notable players include Mercer Island native Jordan Morris — who recently tied Raúl Ruidíaz as the club’s all-time leading scorer across all competitions, — 2024 Defender of the Year finalist and Seattle local Jackson Ragen, Homegrown and Mexican National Team product Obed Vargas, and former Sounders 2 (now Tacoma Defiance) and Cameroon National Team defender Nouhou.
Each of these players had various experiences when it came to their paths to the First Team, but all align with one goal in mind: to win trophies on both a domestic and international level.
"We want to be one of the top clubs in MLS, in the region, in the world,” said Roldan.
In order to compete against some of the best globally, comes with having the ability to make rotations as it adheres to the Starting XI and in-match substitutions. The depth that has come through Seattle and the Sounders development system alone, has deemed this possible.
“We have a lot of guys that have come through the system, have grown as players through the Sounders organization, and to be able to compete at an international level for us is really important,” said Roldan.
Sounders FC will face Cruz Azul in the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup. Match One of the series will take place on the EQC pitch at Lumen Field on March 5. Tickets are on sale now!
This team from top to bottom is a product of the Seattle soccer environment. Regardless if a player has a past connection to the city, the team collectively embodies a strong work ethic that's been ingrained in the club for so long.
Schmetzer and the veteran players make sure of this as soon as a new addition joins the group.
“What I would say about acclimating new players to our club and the winning traditions that we have, normally in my preseason meeting, we show a photo of how many trophies we've won,” said Schmetzer. “There are [also] stories in the locker room that these guys tell to the new players, because sometimes, when it comes from me, it's a little different than when it comes for your teammates. So there's lots of little ways that we make sure that the [players] understand.”
Former FC Dallas stars Paul Arriola and Jesús Ferreira, specifically, have integrated themselves seamlessly since their arrival to Seattle in January.
“I think both those players commit a whole lot of themselves to the club,” said Roldan. “You see how professional they are, and then you see how they train each and every day. That's the grit and determination that we need on a daily basis.”
This Seattle soccer mentality will be essential on Wednesday when the team takes on Liga MX side Cruz Azul in the CCC Round of 16 and continue their path toward a second title in the international tournament (7:30 p.m. PT; Watch on FS2, ViX | TICKETS).
“We put in a lot of work in the preseason to try to make sure that we are together and the journey continues,” said goalkeeper Stefan Frei. “It's just a matter of believing in each other, staying together and wanting to achieve something.”
