The Seattle Sounders concluded their Club World Cup campaign against Paris Saint-Germain, one of the most formidable teams on the global stage. The match ended as a 2-0 loss, but this defeat felt less like a loss and more like a testament to valiant effort, as the Sounders put forth a tremendous performance. The narrative could have swung dramatically in a single moment; a deflected, errant shot that found the net meant PSG held a narrow lead at halftime, and they only scored once more, in the second half. Seattle did not generate many clear-cut scoring opportunities, and the skill disparity between the two sides was evident, but the Sounders’ defensive unit displayed remarkable resilience. They maintained a disciplined, compact shape throughout the game, effectively limiting PSG’s creative space. More impressively, there were significant periods where Seattle shed their defensive shell, pushing forward in spurts to challenge the French giants. To deliver such a strong showing against a team that contains world-class talent across the pitch and overflowing from the bench elevates this match beyond a typical defeat. Sometimes, you console yourself with the term “moral victory,” but this game actually was such a thing. The unwavering effort, the tactical discipline, and the moments of offensive push from the Seattle Sounders against a powerhouse opponent created a performance to be genuinely proud of, marking a memorable conclusion to their Club World Cup journey.
CWC Recap: A new normal was established in this tournament. Gone are the exhibition losses by handfuls of goals, and here to stay are competitive, quality matches where a world power may beat the Sounders, but not without working intensely to achieve it. And if they falter even a little, Seattle can and will push them to the limit. The Sounders played well in all three matches of the Club World Cup, and despite losing those games, the tournament was a success for the team as they measured themselves against some of the best teams in the world.
Goalkeeper
Stefan Frei – 6
You shouldn’t blame Frei for a shot going five yards wide of goal that bounces off the back of an attacker and somehow goes into the net. It’s also unlikely he’ll stop a wide open player on the back post from six yards out. Outside of those goals, 12th and 30th minute saves meant Seattle was almost always in this match. His clearances weren’t great and Seattle struggled to get the ball cleanly out of the back a number of times, but overall this was a solid effort against PSG.
CWC Recap: We didn’t get new info about Stefan in this competition. He still has elite reaction speed, showcasing incredible saves at opportune moments to keep his team in matches. He again exhibited mobility and distribution weaknesses, though, being rooted to his line almost exclusively, which limited his ability to save high quality shots from world class opponents.
Defense
Nouhou – 7 (MOTM)
Coming off a benching, Nouhou was up for this game and was tremendous. Matched up against phenom Désiré Doué, Nouhou more than held his own, limiting the PSG player from any purchase in behind or upfield, consistently forcing him central and away from the goal. On the flip side, a few nonchalant plays that have worked against MLS competition were punished, and especially going forward, Nouhou was limited. His defensive work was exceptional, however, highlighted by massive defensive plays in the 56th and 86th, each of which saved a clear goal off the line with at least one requiring incredible reflexes to deny. Stopping those two goals may help the team’s attitude and confidence going forward, as they were the difference between a 2-0 loss and a blowout.
CWC Recap: Nouhou had a turbulent tournament. Shouldering much of the blame for the most winnable match going awry, he was sent a clear message by being benched for a game and a half. He returned and made a statement by playing spectacularly against PSG. It shouldn’t take that level of discipline to force him to up his game, and in his absence other players showed well, which could impact his grip on the starting position going forward.
Jon Bell – 6 (off 71’ for Minoungou)
Bell settled into the match well. The strong outside defenders prevented much crossing, forcing PSG to penetrate the box through the middle, and Bell was solid in defending those attempts. A nice 13th minute header further supported the aerial dominance from Seattle. Jon’s biggest struggle was in navigating the horizontal pressure from PSG, who limited the Sounders’ ability to control play and build effectively from the back.
CWC Recap: After a sluggish start to the tournament, Bell settled in well, looking less like a massive liability and more like a solid, replacement level defender. His connection with the defense around him improved each match, with his best performance coming against PSG. While not a first choice starter, Jon showed the ability to play up to the opponents, and he offers a good option as others return to fitness.
Jackson Ragen – 7
Ragen had a quietly excellent match. He did most of the normal things you would expect defensively (seven clearances), but also was part of an aerial supremacy that was dominant enough to deter PSG from attempting many crosses. Offensively and through possession, Ragen was a standout, and his 26th minute vertical pass through the lines was one that few in MLS even see, let alone complete.
CWC Recap: We didn’t learn much about Ragen, because we already knew he was exceptional at progressing the ball. He showed it on his biggest stage yet, however, garnering deserved praise with his control and distribution that was on par with the superstars on the opposite team.
Alex Roldan – 6
On multiple occasions PSG attempted to get isolated against Alex on the width, and he was up to the challenge, especially in the 12th minute inside the box where he refused to bite and stood his ground. He added in an excellent 42nd minute entry pass forward to Jesús Ferreira, jumpstarting one of the better attacking sequences. He was solid all around.
CWC Recap: Alex is a known product at this point and didn’t particularly stand out in either direction. A solid and improved defender who progresses the ball but doesn’t get into the attack too often, Roldan did his job but didn’t make a case for being an exciting option, which is okay.
Defensive Midfield
Cristian Roldan – 7
Cristian was again everywhere in this match: defending, covering ground, and supporting the attack. His defense was tenacious, with five tackles and 17 duels. Offensively, his 89th minute shot was one of the best of the entire afternoon. It was clear that this was going to be a difficult match when Roldan won the ball in the 8th minute and turned forward, normally a moment for Seattle to surge forward with numbers, and instead he was greeted with no available passes and eventually had to stand on the ball.
CWC Recap: No one played better in this entire group than Cristian Roldan, and he was clearly the standout player for the Sounders. Already the team leader going into the CWC, his tenacity and two-way play was elite, even surrounded by superstars. He was spectacular, scoring the first goal for Seattle in the tournament and being integral to every bit of the team’s success. While likely too old to be considered a “breakout” performer on the world stage, Cristian Roldan showed he deserves to be considered one of the best players in MLS.
Obed Vargas – 6 (off 87’ for Morris)
Vargas’ little snapshots of class were sublimely on display against PSG, highlighted by a 44th minute turn that earned the match’s only yellow card. His control and connection in the midfield was essential for Seattle to both gain some breathing moments and force the team in offensive forays. His biggest moment was both excellent and miserable: in the 66th minute a brilliant pass from Cristian put Obed vertically in on goal with a chance to tie the match. Vargas took a poor touch, lost possession, and PSG immediately transitioned to score their second goal, as he could do little but watch.
CWC Recap: After Roldan the elder, the player making the biggest statement in this tournament was likely Vargas. He didn’t excel, but he was able to hold his own against top players from around the world with more experience and skill. His ability to mix it up and control midfield space against these teams indicates that Obed is a unique prospect who saw his stock rise considerably. At 19 years old and able to compete on an even level with these opponents, the potential for Vargas was obvious, and it’s likely the world market took notice.
Attacking Midfield
Paul Rothrock – 6
Paul had a typical Paul game. He started by winning the fight for a 3rd minute possession, sending a message to the opponent that nothing was going to be given in this match. His best moment was pressure in the 19th that forced a goalkeeper fumble that went directly to Ferreira who tried a tough angled shot. After all the effort to make that happen, Paul had a chance to dash toward goal and give another option, and instead he watched as Jesús shot into the stands. Rothrock faded when tired and matched up against high quality opponents, but he came to life in the 76th to win a corner as Seattle found some offensive success late.
CWC Recap: This event was one where Paul was able to reiterate his value to the team. Despite not having the skills and physical abilities of most of his opponents, Rothrock was able to hold his own with the intangibles he is so well known for. His hustle, intensity, physicality, and urgent play mostly made up for the gap in skill. His desire made him a factor in every match he played, and Paul was a player that was relentless and forced the opponents to constantly work.
Albert Rusnák – 6 (off 71’ for Leyva)
Against a very regimented, structured PSG team, Rusnák didn’t see the ball often, and he was more limited in his ability to impact the match than in either previous game. Each time he did get possession, he made smart decisions, and his set pieces offered some of the most opportune moments for Seattle. In the 27th minute he found Ryan Kent going forward, and we saw the beginnings of a partnership on the opposite wing. A give-and-go with Nouhou failed in the 11th minute when Nouhou forgot to go. Albert was a strong player who needed more connection.
CWC Recap: Perhaps more than anyone else on the team, Rusnák showed that his touch, control, and vision are as good as a majority of the highly-paid players he was up against. He was one of the few Seattle players who looked capable of switching teams and fitting in with the opponent. While not able to overpower the likes of PSG with his play, he stood out and showed that his technical threshold is elite.
Ryan Kent – 6 (off 57’ for Kossa-Rienzi)
Kent started on the right side instead of his usual left, and it looked like an improvement from the beginning. His connection with teammates was better, and we saw some moments where his pedigree stood out. An exciting wrinkle was that his connection going toward midfield instead of wide opened up central verticality, and Ryan was found slipping Obed or Albert forward into the attack and breaking multiple lines. This is the kind of play that will absolutely destroy MLS-level midfield shapes, and hopefully he can build off that promise.
CWC Recap: Despite supposedly having some experience with and training against this level of play in his youth, Kent underwhelmed in this tournament. He was one of the most disappointing players based not just on play, but these heightened expectations. He seems to have lost any attacking cohesion from the left, and while he improved on the right, he must figure out where he can connect with the rest of the team. His disjointedness meant Kent struggled to make a consistent, positive impact, and this was a personal opportunity that was wasted.
Forward
Jesús Ferreira – 5 (off 57’ for Musovski)
Jesús got the unenviable job of running point against one of the best teams in the world, and his service was limited. He found it hard to get going, registering only 15 total touches and a single shot. The shot came off great pressing as Rothrock forced a turnover right to Ferreira, but his shot missed. Although the options were few, when you aren’t creating many chances or getting many opportunities, you have to maximize those moments. Jesús didn’t do that.
CWC Recap: Jesús is another player who has struggled in MLS and had a chance to show an international pedigree, but failed to raise his profile. While not playing poorly, there wasn’t anything that Jesús did that showed a separation from lowering expectations. He made some good plays, yet he was largely absent from impacting the matches he played in.
Substitutes
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi – 5 (on 57’ for Kent)
Kalani entered and was a surprising control option, adding a cultured possession element to the match. He was able to help push Seattle a little more vertical than they had managed prior. Unfortunately, his defense was just okay, and he was badly beaten in the 79th minute with Seattle lucky to not concede.
CWC Recap: A young player who wasn’t even on the roster earlier this season, Kalani had low expectations and vastly outperformed them. There were a few bumps, but for the most part KKR showed he can hang with this level of competition. He rarely looked outmatched, and in fact he brought energy and play that was on par with the opponents. This was a litmus test for a young player who raised his level of play; he should be strongly considered for consistent playing time against MLS opponents.
Danny Musovski – 5 (on 57’ for Ferreira)
Musovski entered and had little impact and some negative notes, including a dribble out of bounds and poor passing connection. He had no better success in finding the ball than Ferreira, and ended with seven touches. Danny did manage a key pass, however, and was busy occupying defenders and doing dirty work, without much to show for it.
CWC Recap: Musovski didn’t separate himself from the opponents in skill or workrate, but also wasn’t completely left behind. He was up for the physical battling needed as a lone Sounders striker, but he was exposed for not having the size, strength, speed, or ability to get around world class defenders.
Danny Leyva – 5 (on 71’ for Rusnák)
Leyva got a chance to play in this tournament for the first time and found 16 touches against prime competition. His passing and verticality was a good fit for the resurgent Sounders, but he had zero impact via defensive actions.
CWC Recap: Leyva got a chance to play against PSG, which is an incredible sentence to write. He didn’t stand out, but he also didn’t look too out of place. He put in the work, and should other dominoes fall for Seattle, Danny looks like a capable piece to use in multiple central roles, should the Sounders need his skills.
Georgi Minoungou – 6 (on 71’ for Bell)
Georgi had a run out and immediately showed verticality and helped create desperately needed space for Seattle’s compact shape. A 73rd minute run illustrated this perfectly, and he pushed up the field with his usual pace and power.
CWC Recap: Georgi is another player who showed that his ability translates across any pitch, and international players weren’t much better at containing him than MLS ones. His ability to create in 1-v-1, 1-v-2, and 1-v-3 situations is clear, but he still lacks other, equally important parts of his game. Having a world class trick is a great start to success, though.
Jordan Morris – 6 (on 87’ for Vargas)
Morris finally got back on the field and was an immediate upgrade to every previous attacking player. His combination of size and speed quickly occupied multiple defenders. He was a target in the air, he got the ball on his feet once, and he instantly drove to goal and got a shot that forced a corner kick. He had everything we’ve been missing, and it’s a shame he was only available for a few consolation moments after the Sounders’ CWC was over.
CWC Recap: In only a few minutes at the end of the last game of the tournament, Jordan was instantly electric. His burst speed and ability to create a shot from almost nothing makes you wonder “what could have been” had Morris been healthy for more minutes in this tournament. This performance makes you hope for his continued health for the rest of the MLS season.
CWC Recap for Sounders who didn’t play against PSG:
Pedro de la Vega: On this huge stage, there was a massive opportunity for Pedro to “arrive,” but unfortunately he wasn’t able to distinguish himself. After two just okay matches, he didn’t even play in game three, which is pretty damning for his development.
João Paulo: Given a chance to run against top competition, JP showed exactly who he is – a solid, veteran backup who is better at going forward than offering you a defensive presence.
Kim Kee-hee: Kim appeared to be rushed back to try to play in this tournament, but he never looked right in his singular appearance.
Osaze De Rosario: Similar to JP, Osaze got a great cameo where he showed he could hang with the opponents in this tournament, but wasn’t a standout.
Reed Baker-Whiting: Reed had the most perplexing CWC of any player. Playing a game and a half, he acquitted himself well on the physical and progressive side, but was dreadful at defense. Fans were alternately thrilled with his skills at such a young age, and disappointed that he can’t seem to propel himself to legitimate stardom. He should play more until it’s evident which way the pendulum of his development will swing.
Referee
Cristián Garay – 8
This was another well refereed match in which both teams were treated fairly, and the game was better for it. It was also a clean match, with only four total fouls called on Seattle (nine for PSG) and a single Paris yellow card. One of those four was a soft foul on Rothrock in the 63rd minute. There was also no VAR look at the late Minoungou no-call on the edge of the box, but these were minor issues in a quality performance from the referee crew.
CWC Recap: The CWC refereeing was fantastic, vastly better than the majority of the MLS referees we’re used to. It will be disappointing to be back to “pull out the second yellow, sniff it, rock it back to sleep, and put it away instead of sending off deserving Sounder opponents” refereeing. Sigh.
Upcoming: Despite many positives from their Club World Cup play, the Sounders have lost five matches in a row. This is a must-win match upcoming against Austin FC.
