Football Season Guide

After a horrendous start to the 2016 campaign, the Seattle Sounders would recover magnificently, going on to lift the MLS Cup in a tense victory over Toronto FC. Seattle would lose just 3 of their final 20 matches in the league, with new coach Brian Schmeltzer leading his side to glory. This season, the Sounders will be hoping to defend their title, although it will certainly prove to be a tough ask. Nicolas Lodeiro could prove to be key to the Sounders’ hopes this year, with the Uruguayan international scoring 4 goals and recording 8 assists, despite only joining in the summer transfer window in August. The good news for the rave green is the return of Clint Dempsey after the experienced forward suffered a heart scare last season. His addition should prove to be a major boost for the team heading into this campaign. As well as Dempsey, the Sounders have added a couple of new players to their squad in the off-season, who will hope to provide something new. Experienced midfielder Gustav Svensson arrives for an undisclosed fee, hoping to strengthen the centre of the park. Will Bruin and Harry Shipp will also add some depth to the squad, especially given their considerable MLS experience. The departure of Erik Friberg from the club will certainly prove to be a loss for the Sounders, with the Scandinavian midfielder putting in a series of solid performances last season. Andreas Ivanschitz, Dylan Remick and Tyrone Mears will all also be missed after departing the club. Brian Schmeltzer’s side face a tough start to the season, with two away games opening their 2017 campaign. If they are able to keep key players healthy and replicate their form towards the end of last season, there is no reason why they cannot defend their title.