Seattle Sounders FC

THE BASICS:

• Seattle Sounders FC
• Western Conference
• Home: CenturyLink Field

HONORS:

• Supporters' Shield: 2014
• U.S. Open Cup: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014

SOUNDERSFC.COM:

• Tickets
• Schedule
• Jerseys/Gear

2016 Storylines

If the Seattle Sounders are going to exorcise their last remaining demon and win the franchise’s first-ever MLS Cup in 2016, they might have to do so making use of a new tactical wrinkle.

This preseason, the Sounders have abandoned their traditional 4-4-2 in favor of a forward-heavy 4-3-3. The move should allow Clint Dempsey, Nelson Valdez and Homegrown newcomer Jordan Morris to take the field at the same time. This creates what looks to be one of the more talented attacking corps in all of MLS on paper – even with the loss of star forward and two-time team MVP Obafemi Martins to Shanghai Greenland Shenhua of the Chinese Super League.

Forwards Nelson Valdez (L) and Jordan Morris

How the team ultimately adjusts and executes within the new formation will go a long way in determining the trajectory of Seattle’s season. But increased production from depth players is also a necessity this year no matter what formation they play. With Dempsey and Martins each missing extended time last summer, the Sounders spiraled into one of the worst stretches of offensive soccer in franchise history, at one point going more than 300 minutes without scoring a goal.

To avoid a similar situation this year, Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid and general manager Garth Lagerwey have each said that making the roster younger and faster was a top priority. Signing Morris was the most important step in accomplishing that goal, but look for additional young faces to get their opportunities in MLS, US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League play for Seattle this season as well.

"We believe we have a good team and we believe we have a lot of good players," Lagerwey said, during Seattle’s media day at CenturyLink Field. "Might we look different than last year? Yeah. But can we be successful with the team we have? We believe we can."

Armchair Analyst's Take

A new formation, a departed superstar, a grumbling captain, a club legend on the trading block, and a reconstructed midfield. It seems like the Sounders should be in for a year of (relative) misery and a slight rebuild, but it’s hard to ignore their performance against Club America in the CONCACAF Champions League. Yes, they missed Martins, but damn… the pieces all fit, didn’t they? Dempsey was cutting in from the left, Morris was extending the game on the right, and Ozzie playing as a true shield instead of ranging far and wide as a destroyer, and it all looked perfectly natural.

As usual, though, health and availability are the big questions. Seattle cratered last year without a number of key cogs, and they’ll need the kids – especially Cristian Roldan – to bear a larger portion of the burden if they’re to avoid the same in 2016.

I suspect they’ll hold onto that DP slot the sale of Martins opened up, then make their decision on where to spend it during the summer window. The Sounders are still wearing an “under construction” sign, but don’t be surprised if this project turns out to be further along the path than most expected.

Key Offseason Transactions

Player to Watch: Jordan Morris

The Seattle Homegrown, about whom you might know a thing or two, is already flying down the wing alongside Clint Dempsey and Nelson Valdez.

Projected Lineup:

Frei; Mears - Marshall - Evans - Jones; Alonso - Friberg - Ivanschitz; Morris - Valdez - Dempsey

Fantasy Soccer

With Obafemi Martins out of the picture, the way is now clear for Clint Dempsey ($11.0m) to become the No. 1 target for the Sounders offense – and a top forward target for fantasy managers. Also, you may want to keep an eye on Osvaldo Alonso ($8.5m) early because, as long as he stays healthy, the new point system should give him an overall boost.

SLEEPER PICKS:

• Michael Farfan
• Jordan Morris