Depth Chart: 3 XIs for Sounders Two Weeks Into Training Camp

The Seattle Sounders are done with two weeks of training camp and we've seen trialists come and go. Nearly all of the Supplemental picks have left as well, and I would expect that only Josh Ford stays the length of camp. Guys like Baptiste, Prieto, Bah and to a lesser extent Neagle have a longer road to run to make the squad particularly with so many returning players. Sean Okoli even made a brief appearance in camp, though he's already returned to Seattle as the Academy is facing Real Salt Lake's AZ squad. I would expect that the revolving door of trialists/invitees will continue that few will stay.

Sigi has tried a few new things, most notable is sliding Tyson Wahl back to the center of the defense and Roger Levesque getting time as a right back. For neither of these players is this a huge change. Prior to coming to Seattle Wahl was a centerback, so this shift is a bit expected, and due to the slight injury to Taylor Graham it may be as much about necessity as it is about increasing his utility. Utility though is almost certain what has inspired the Levesque to right back shift, one that I don't expect to be any indicator of him starting there in non-league matches, but instead a way that he can be a super-sub in the 18 for every single match. In MLS we have seen the Mainer play up top and wide midfield. Back in the USL days he worked at times in the central midfield and spotted time other places as well. Being a barely above minimum player who can play in 7 of the 11 roles in Sigi's system has a ton of value. Whether he winds up being Willie Bloomquist or Mark McLemore will have to be seen.

The charts below should be fairly intuitive, and I expect the most movement over the next month to be at the two widemidfield spots. It is notable that without any Supplement Draftees or trialists the roster is at the limit of 30, but with a move to the injured list the addition of a Lamar Neagle (who would slot into forward, right mid and right back) or Jonathon Prieto (who would slot at the more advanced midfielder, maybe forward or left wing), or Josh Ford as a 4th Keeper also being possible. Whether I drop Pat Noonan from the 3 11s and shift Levesque up to the 3rd Right Wing is relatively immaterial at this point, as I think those shifts are more based on which other players are signed. If a player is on the Injured List proper they will be removed from the 3 XIs. Those carrying injuries that effect practice and possibly game time would be in orange, but left in their "healthy" space.

In the depth by role section I've listed a player who could spot 30 minutes or more in a role in Sigi's system. Those in bold are the ones who are League starting quality, those in standard are non-League (rotationals) starting quality, while italics are for those who are Reservists.

The depth chart will be updated once a month or when major changes warrant. The next one will be in early March as part of our preview of First Kick 2011.