For the third consecutive season, the Seattle Sounders qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs.

The squad had quite a successful 2025MLS campaign that saw them finish 5th place in the MLS Western Conference.

Additionally, the club left the 2025 season with some hardware after they were crowned champions of Leagues Cup after defeating Inter Miami 3-0.

Unfortunately in MLS play, Seattle fell in their best-of-three first round matchup to Minnesota United FC in three games, with their two losses coming in penalty shootouts.

Seattle were the strongest team at home in all of MLS this season as they posted a 10W-1L-6D record. On the road, they were 5W-8L-4D. 

The biggest question for Seattle entering 2026 is: What direction will Brian Schmetzer take the club? What are their positional needs? Can Seattle build off of their 2025 success? 

In the offseason guide:

The Positives

Danny Musovski had a monstrous breakout season. The 29-year-old forward who joined Seattle in a 2024 trade with Real Salt Lake for $250,000 in GAM only had 2 goal contributions in his first season with the Sounders, however, in the 2025 season, things were different. In 31 matches for Seattle this season, Musovski had 18 goal contributions (14 goals & 4 assists). He was an essential part of Seattle’s attack this season.

Additionally, Designated Players Albert Rusnák (11 goals & 10 assists), Jordan Morris (5 goals & 2 assists), & Pedro de la Vega (4 goals & 5 assists) combined for 37 goal contributions. 

In comparison to 2024, Seattle scored 7 more goals than last season and are only going to get better. They had 14 different goal scorers this season.

The club also ended the season with some hardware as they took down Lionel Messi & Inter Miami CF in the Leagues Cup Final in a commanding 3-0 victory. The victory secured a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup which is a massive accomplishment.

A massive offseason positive for the club was that they announced that they will not be picking up the option of forward Ryan Kent (a TAM player for the club in 2025 that had 0 goals & 4 assists) which should open up some roster flexibility this offseason.

The Negatives

As mentioned above, Ryan Kent was extremely disappointing. The 29-year-old forward was brought in to replace Paul Arriola and he ultimately was disappointing. Just 4 goal contributions (0 goals & 4 assists) in 15 MLS appearances for Seattle this season.

Seattle significantly needs to improve on the road. Yes, 5W-8L-4D is still positive, however, if Seattle was stronger on the road, they’d be a comfortable shoe-in for the Supporters’ Shield race.

This team struggled defensively in comparison to last season. While directly comparing the 2024 standings to the 2025 standings, the club allowed 13 more goals. A simple difference maker that could’ve massively impacted their Western Conference finish.

Penalty Shootouts.

Roster Flexibility

Seattle has a good amount of roster flexibility. At the moment, the club has three designated players (Pedro de la Vega, Jordan Morris, & Albert Rusnák) and one U-22 initiative signing (Reed Baker-Whiting). 

This club currently has the choice of whether they want to enter the 3DP, 3U22 model or the 2DP and 4 U-22s model, which includes up to $2 million in GAM. 

As of September 15, 2025, the club has $1,146,234 in General Allocation Money.

The club announced their end-of-season roster update, where they announced most contract option decisions. The club is entering the 2026 season with 22 players rostered. 

Offseason Priorities

Without a doubt, the club should target at least 2 U22 initiative signings. 

Determine whether or not the club is instilling their trust in young goalkeeper Andrew Thomas. If not, the club definitely needs to sign a goalkeeper.

Sign a solid defender to replace Jon Bell & a depth midfielder to replace João Paulo. It’s also important for the club to consider signing a depth striker due to the departure of Paul Rothrock.