Cody Baker and Travian Sousa have both been loaned to USL Championship teams for the remainder of their respective seasons, the Seattle Sounders announced on Monday.
Baker will join Sacramento Republic, while Sousa will join FC Tulsa. Republic have eight games remaining in their regular season and are also in the Jaegermeister Cup semifinals. Tulsa have seven games remaining in the regular season. Tulsa and Republic are the top two teams in the Western Conference, respectively, and are all but assured of making the playoffs. That gives both players ample opportunity to gain playing time at a level above MLS Next Pro, where they’ve mostly been playing this year.
Baker had only played in three games for the first team this year, although he did look good in his only start against Sporting KC a couple of weeks ago. He has played in 12 games for Defiance in MLS Next Pro and the U.S. Open Cup, mostly at right back. Since signing as a Homegrown Player in 2023, the 21-year-old has made 30 first-team appearances across all competitions. He has a guaranteed contract through 2026.
“Cody is coming in at a critical time of our season and will be an important addition to our team as we compete for two trophies,” Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant said in a statement.
Sousa was signed last offseason from Defiance, but is the only field player on the first-team roster without an appearance for the Sounders. He has played 19 games across all competitions for Defiance, mostly at left back. He has a goal and two assists for Defiance this season and had a goal and five assists last season. Sousa’s contract has club options for 2026 and 2027.
“We’re excited to welcome Travian to FC Tulsa,” Caleb Sewell, FC Tulsa Sporting Director and General Manager said. “His athleticism, energy, and dynamic presence on the field will make an immediate impact Travian’s ability on both ends gives us another dimension, and we look forward to his contributions for the remainder of the season.”
