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While the Sounders have more players under rights control than they can have signed, barring use of the Injured List, one could look at a simple depth chart just by a player's primary role and see that they have depth capable of starting. It is unlikely that someone not currently under rights will make the senior roster, but with the MLS Transfer Window not closing until mid April, things could happen.
What is more likely is that the Team invites a handful of players to camp that are currently not rights controlled so as to have some competition, and possibly look at players for the Reserve League games. Players like Jamel Wallace, Tye Perdido, Jordan Jennings, Akeem Adams and others should be expected to be back in camp at the least.
Many of the Sounders can play multiple roles, so the "holes" in this depth chart are only guides. For example Right Back may only be two deep on this chart, but Brad Evans, Patrick Ianni, Jeff Parke and Juan Cruz could all slide there. The biggest hole though is still in the Defensive Midfield. Certainly there are a few players who could step into the CDM behind Osvaldo Alonso, but the fall-off is significant. Alonso can't play every game, and who takes his non-starting appearances may determine the success of Seattle's non-League season.
The following depth chart is in the 4-1-3-1-1 that Sigi has typically used when fully healthy. It could be described as a +W as well, as the fullbacks do get forward, nearly as often as the CDM.
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Nkufo Jaqua White |
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Zakuani Montano |
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Montero Fucito Noonan |
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Fernandez Levesque Estrada |
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Friberg Evans Seamon Caskey |
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Gonzalez Tetteh Wahl Earls |
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Alonso Carrasco |
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Riley Scott |
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Hurtado Parke Graham |
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Ianni Baudet Cruz |
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Keller Boss Meredith |
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The hardest position to fill was actually the two attacking wings, as most of the players listed on the right have appeared on the left at times. Miguel Montano is listed there as I expect him to be starting most non-League and Reserve Games this season, and that would seem to be his most opportune spot. Obviously the competition in training camp will clarify the depth chart and we'll look at weekly movement. The next one will go up when the full list of training camp invitees is announced. Here at Sounder at Heart the team roster has been updated. Players not under contract, but under control of the Sounders are listed as "Inactive." Players on the injured list are listed as injured.
What are your thoughts on the current depth? Do you prefer just the primary role depth chart, or should it include secondary or other roles as well?