The Sounders’ Monday morning practice was very similar to the first day of school after a long summer vacation. Smiles, hope, and optimism. After the practice, Paul Arriola, head coach Brian Schmetzer, and newcomer Hassani Dotson, a former Minnesota Loon player with local ties. Dotson’s time with Crossfire Academy and Washington Premier before his collegiate career at Oregon State University.
TEAM FULL OF POTENTIAL
Schmetzer gave the players his annual pep talk and reminded them before they hit the field to kick off the 2026 season. The pep talk is both a review of the past season and a grounding of opportunity for the upcoming season.
“In my pre-game meeting, before we got out on the field, I certainly had a couple of slides of that loss ( playoff loss to Minnesota) What could we learn? You know, the idea of making sure that they really understand the importance of home-field advantage in that first round of three. I think that caught us a little bit. You know, we talked about defending a little bit with, letting in a few more goals, especially on set pieces, “ said Schmetzer“We talked about some new ideas that we want to formulate to try and evolve the team, attack-wise. “
Danny Musoviski led the team with 14 goals in 31 games played and was followed by Albert Rusnak’s 11 goals and 10 assists in 29 games played. Jordan Morris, the club leader in goals scored, had nine goals in 17 games. As a club, the Sounders scored 58 goals, which ranked them seventh overall. On the flip side, the Sounders allowed 48 goals, which equated to a plus-ten goal differential, which ranked them tenth in the overall
OPEN COMPETITION
Being competitive in the club World Cup and winning the Leagues Cup over Inter Miami were benchmark accomplishments for the club. Losing to Minnesota in the MLS Round One best-of-three series was a low point. With a talented roster that has a mixture of veterans and young players ready to blossom , Schmetzter was quick to point out that there are open competitions for several spots.
“ I mean, Danny, Masowski, and Jordan, you know, maybe Albert and Hayesus, Paul, and Pedro, and Paul, and whoever else on the right hand side, it’s Jesus, Jordan, it’s whoever on the right, you’ve got Christian, plus Obed, plus Hassani, plus Sneider, plus Serbian. Everywhere, Jackson, Stewie’s gonna come, Kim Kihi, Ryan Saylor, he wasn’t out here today, but he’ll be pushing, you know, Nouhou is now the captain of Cameroon. I’m very proud of him about that. But Reed looked good in training today,’ said Schmetzer. “ Paul Rothrock might end up there if we change the way we play, and we a little more attack minded. Maybe that’s a position that’s still up for grabs. So on the right hand side, Kalani, Reid, Alex, Andrew, and Steph, you already talked about, there’s good competition all over.
LOOKING FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND LEADERSHIP
In addition to the competition for starting and playing time, Schmetzer is looking for some leadership among the players. The leadership Schmetzer is looking for each player to hold themselves and teammates accountable. The accountability to self and teammates is something that has been lacking in the current Sounders.
“I reminded them of their strength. And then I added a layer onto that about just, you know, doing a better job of maybe holding each other accountable. You know, because I think that’s one area we can evolve and be a little bit better at. You know, when I look back over the years, you had leaders, you know, leaders on the field, Zach Scott, you know, Clint, and those guys, led by example, You had Ozzy, was a good, good leader, Romantorus, was a good leader, ” said Schemtzer.
Nico was a good captain and leader, vocal,’ And as we start to go, you know, and Steph, where is he at? Where’s Christian coming, maybe, in a wave here? I keep putting pressure on Jackson a little bit. You know, what is Hassani gonna bring? So just making sure that we try and change the message a little bit, to keep pushing the team forward.
OBED VARGAS CONTRACT SITUATION
One topic of contention for Schmetzer is the Obed Vargas contract situation. Vargas is in the final year of his contract. The budding star and Mexican International turned down a contract extension from the Sounders beyond this season. Vargas has stated his intention to play in Europe. Contract negotiation between the Sounders and Vargas management continues.
Sounders FC finished fifth in the Western Conference with 55 points (15-9-10) in 2025, qualifying for the postseason for the 16th time in 17 seasons. In all competitions, the Rave Green played a club-record 50 matches, with a 23-13-14 record, and also competed in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, FIFA Club World Cup 2025, and Leagues Cup 2025, winning the latter for the ninth major trophy since joining MLS in 2009.
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