RENTON — Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Brian Schmetzer is about to have the type of problem every coach actually wants. Coming off a successful Leagues Cup run fueled in large part by backups, the Seattle Sounders head coach now likely faces a reality where he doesn’t have enough playing time or even gameday roster space to satisfy all his high-quality players.
Through Leagues Cup, that was a problem essentially “fixed” by various injuries and suspensions. But with the return to full training of players like Albert Rusnák, Jordan Morris and João Paulo, already highly-contested starting spots are about to get even more competitive. Of the three, only Rusnák has already been declared ready for Saturday’s game against the LA Galaxy, but the other two aren’t far behind.
It’s not a foregone conclusion that any of them will immediately return to the starting lineup, nor are spots secured for players who have performed at starters’ levels.
“I’ve already started those conversations,” Schmetzer said. “I’ve just reminded those players that the strength of this team is the collective. That the best thing they can do is push their teammates and if they’re not in the group, train hard be ready for your opportunity.
“I’ve had that conversation with everybody, specifically with the guys coming back from injury. They have to show me they’re ready to go. That’s a given.”
Perhaps the most intriguing area of competitiveness is at goalkeeper.
Stefan Frei has been the Sounders’ nearly uncontested starter for 12 seasons and had been enjoying another solid campaign in 2025 before a concussion knocked him out of action for nearly six weeks.
In the meantime, Andrew Thomas emerged as a viable starter in his own right. Not only did Thomas go undefeated in five MLS starts, but he also guided the Sounders through a nearly perfect Leagues Cup run during which he allowed just two goals in six games and won a penalty shootout. Thomas was named the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper for his efforts, which included a Leagues Cup record four shutouts.
Schmetzer deemed that the “hardest” decision he needs to make and insisted he’s not yet sure who will start either on Saturday against the LA Galaxy or beyond that, while also insisting he intends to ultimately settle on one of them sooner than later.
“Stef has been here many years, won us a lot of trophies,” Schmetzer said. “He was the No. 1 guy. Is he still the No. 1 guy? Yeah. But Andrew could be the No. 1 guy as well.”
Beyond how well both goalkeepers have played, what makes the decision even tougher is the way they’ve both pushed and supported one another, Schmetzer said. He said that was mostly a testament to the environment created by Director of Goalkeeping Tommy Dutra.
While Schmetzer has previously insisted there was “real” competition at goalkeeper, he said this is the first time since he took over as Sounders head coach in 2016 that he’s had this level of internal conflict over the decision.
“Performances are going to dictate who’s going to play,” Schmetzer said, noting that this applies to players at various spots. “In my mind, do we give a group who won a semifinal 2-0 and a final 3-0 another game? Do they deserve that? Or do I go back and say ‘We have seven games left and I have to incorporate Jordan and Albert and get back to things.’
“That’s my deliberation and you guys will see what the outcome of that is on the weekend.”
High praise for Cristian Roldan
One player who has not yet rejoined training is Cristian Roldan, who started for the United States national team in its 2-0 win over Japan on Tuesday. Roldan didn’t necessarily star in the performance, but he was a notable addition to the lineup coming off a 2-0 loss to South Korea. Roldan played 90 minutes, completed 82% of his passes, was solid defensively and generally gave the USMNT the type of consistent performance it has often lacked in the midfield.
“He was really good,” Schmetzer said. “Tactically, you saw Cristian understanding when (Max) Arfsten was higher up the field, coming out here, relieving pressure. You could see his body language. … I thought Cristian had a great game.”
Status of internationals
Obed Vargas (Mexico U20s), Reed Baker-Whiting (USA U20s) and Snyder Brunell (USA U18s) were all back in training, albeit in limited capacities. Roldan will likely be back on Thursday, while Nouhou (Cameroon) and Georgi Minoungou (Burkina Faso) should be back no later than Friday.
