Many people, including me, were a little reticent about Leagues Cup. We knew that Mexican teams can play physical, rough soccer, fouling constantly, and we sure didn’t need any more injuries to our players. And then when we drew Cruz Azul, the supposed North American champs, as our first opponent, we didn’t know what to expect. That was about it for the doubting, though, as the Sounders demolished them 7-0, followed by beating Santos Laguna, Tijuana, Puebla, the LA Galaxy and Inter Miami. Thanks to six terrific team performances, Seattle won Leagues Cup, and despite the early reticence, it was a great journey. The following is a recap of player ratings, some memorable moments, and what we learned about each player.
Memorable moment: Seeing Lionel Messi watch the best team raise the Leagues Cup trophy in front of him. Sharing the Leagues Cup Final and trophy lift with my family and 70,000 friends was yet another example of how special the Seattle Sounders organization is.
What we learned: The tournament highlighted Seattle’s organization-wide commitment to securing every trophy. The Sounders stand alone in possessing all major trophies, which is a testament to their culture, team attitude, and dedication to winning.
Yeimar – 8.00 (9, 8, 7, 8, 8)
Are you surprised that Yeimar was the top-rated Sounder in the Leagues Cup? So many players had great plays or flashy goals, but Yeimar was the anchor of a defense that conceded only two goals in total, and only one in Yeimar’s five games. That one was a scramble play and a blast from outside the box that kept him from pitching a shutout in his appearances. Yeimar averaged a phenomenal 8 rating over the entire tournament.
Memorable moment: Scoring the first Sounders goal of the tournament on a header against Cruz Azul sparked the future success of this team. Goals change tournaments, apparently.
What we learned: Reports of Yeimar slowing down or needing to be shopped are premature. He still looks incredible, supporting wherever needed and showing up on both ends of the field.
Andrew Thomas – 7.17 (7, 6, 7, 8, 7, 8)
The Sounders gave keeper duties to Andrew Thomas for this tournament, and he was fabulous. His performances were both solid and spectacular, and he improved throughout, showing he is quite the prospect for Seattle. He was rightly given the award for Best Goalkeeper of the Leagues Cup tournament.
Memorable moment: The only team to sniff success against Seattle was Puebla in the quarterfinals, a team that parked the bus and played some of the most negative, ugly soccer we’ve ever seen in an attempt to get to penalties. They didn’t realize they were playing right into the mustache of Andrew Thomas, who saved two, dominated the opponent, and pushed Seattle through.
What we learned: Thomas might not yet be as polished as Stefan Frei, but he is ready to be a starter. He likely remains behind Stefan Frei this season, but after these six games, it’s hard to argue against him getting increased playing time in the upcoming months.
Jesús Ferreira – 7.00 (9, 5, 7, 7, 7)
Another surprise might be seeing Jesús rated this high, but he had consistently strong performances throughout the tournament. Filling in for Albert Rusnák centrally, Jesús connected plays and was an exceptional replacement.
Memorable moment: After scoring multiple times against Cruz Azul and being denied by the ref, Ferreira doggedly kept at it, eventually getting his goal and a deserved MOTM award, as Seattle dismantled them and made a bold statement that carried momentum to the end.
What we learned: Jesús played as the central connector, utilizing his incredible touch and vision to create for others or find direct goal danger. This tournament was a bit of a coming out for the often-criticized player: he was fantastic all tourney and showed all that was expected of him and more.
Cristian Roldan – 7.00 (7, 6, 8, 7, 6, 8)
We knew Cristian would be somewhere near the top, as he has been all year for Seattle. He tied for third-highest rated Sounder after starting and playing all six matches. He set the tempo centrally, being part of a resilient defense while also pushing the ball forward to the voracious attackers.
Memorable moment: Cristian was the team captain throughout this tournament, but when the Leagues Cup trophy was handed to him, he waited for Stefan Frei, so the two captains could carry it to their teammates together. This small thing is why Cristian is a deserving captain: he plays for the team first, he understands the culture, and he respects his teammates. The Sounders sense of community and ability to play as a team are only enhanced by this kind of elite leadership.
What we learned: The heart of the team, Captain Cristian, was maybe the best player in the tournament. His consistent two-way dominance was the Sounders’ engine. Nearly everything went through Roldan, and his ability to defend and transition was elite. Leading by voice and example, he showed his tenacity and skill, combining with those around him to push this team to the trophy stand.
Jackson Ragen – 7.00 (7, 7, 7, 7, 6, 8)
When your defense gives up two goals in an entire tournament, the center backs are doing something right, and Jackson rarely put a pass astray in the six matches he started. His passing was awesome, as was his dedication to matching up with one star attacker after another and shutting them down. He took excellent angles and made good decisions to deny all but a handful of chances from opponents.
Memorable moment: Jackson had a standout play early against Miami in the final. With a gorgeous feed into the box for Rodrigo De Paul, the visitors looked to have a golden chance to shoot. But Ragen made a perfectly timed slide tackle in the box, denying the shot and forcing the ball out for a harmless corner. This singular effort spurred the entire squad into physical, dominant team defense.
What we learned: There is no substitute for Ragen’s passing in the back. When Seattle plays through him, great things happen. Throughout the tournament, the Sounders filtered the ball through Jackson, who without fail made excellent choices, using his vision and passing range to spray the ball around.
Obed Vargas – 7.00 (8, 7, 7, 6, 6, 8)
In lock step and tied ratings-wise with Cristian Roldan was his partner Obed Vargas, who showed he is mentally and physically up for tournaments. His play was somehow even more elevated than his MLS play, with consistently strong showings both defensively and connecting forward. His ball control and vision are already elite as he continues to improve almost every match.
Memorable moment: The cocky smile as Miami players swung fists at him after the final tells a story. Obed lives rent-free in their heads, and every time they step to him, he can look up and say “scoreboard” and skip away. He outplayed a very decorated opponent and kept his cool when they attempted to unscrew his head. That smile said it all.
What we learned: The tournament at its core demonstrated Vargas’ growth and trajectory. Nearly everything about his game has matured, from his coverage area, his toughness, his vision, to his ability to combine; everything has leveled up. He fits seamlessly with Roldan, and together they roam the center and create much opportunity for the team. Obed isn’t just a solid player, he’s becoming a great one.
Ryan Kent – 7.00 (7, 7)
Perhaps forgotten due to his injury was the strong work that Kent put in on the wing in his two performances. He combined underrated defensive work ethic with crafty forward dribbling and excellent service into the box. Seattle adjusted after he was hurt, but he would have been another weapon to torture opponents in these matches. He had a ridiculous eight fouls suffered in two appearances.
Memorable moment: Against Tijuana, Kent was continually hacked and grabbed, experiencing an absurd level of physicality. He calmly handled it all in stride before making a slick change of pace to make room, charging into the box, and dropping a perfect cross to Osaze De Rosario to head in at the back post.
What we learned: What we learned prior to the injury was that Ryan Kent still has a lot to offer the team. His toughness and resiliency against the Mexican teams showed his teammates that they could persevere against the physical play and succeed. His consistent above average play was starting to show a return to form when he got injured. Hopefully that isn’t the end for him.
Osaze De Rosario – 6.83 (7, 5, 8, 5, 8, 8)
Another player who took a massive step forward was De Rosario, who seized his opportunity and scored four goals in six appearances, the second-highest number of goals scored by any player in the Leagues Cup. He was originally applauded for his goal poaching, but later showed more to his game, including vision, dribbling, connecting passes, long shots, and holdup play. There was a lot to love as Osaze found his footing and showed a high ceiling.
Memorable moment: Against the LA Galaxy in the semifinal, Seattle encountered a cagey team that didn’t create a lot, but had the tools to punish them if the Sounders couldn’t build on their one-goal lead. Osaze changed that in a truly audacious solo effort: a trap/sombrero/dribble/finish among five defenders. It was so ridiculous yet so amazing to watch over and over. Just pure symphony, removing any fight from LA and pushing Seattle into the final.
What we learned: Osaze is not only ready for more time this year, he might be a large part of the Sounders’ future plans. Improving almost game over game, his ability to score was great, but perhaps even more impressive were his movements, touches, and combinations. Those are evolving skills that are incredibly valuable in the Seattle system, and that bodes well for his future.
Alex Roldan – 6.83 (8, 7, 5, 6, 6, 9)
Perpetually underrated Alex Roldan led the tournament with four assists while playing multiple positions and showing well as a defensive right back. He did some of everything, with quiet leadership and consistent play matched up against some of the highest profile attackers in Leagues Cup.
Memorable moment: The entire final was memorable for MOTM Roldan, but his biggest moment came from the penalty spot. With the game still in doubt, Seattle looked to Alex for a moment of calm leadership, and he returned a goal, a sealed championship match, and a trophy for the squad. The pressure that Roldan casually shrugged off boiled over on the outmatched away team.
What we learned: Alex has had a number of roles for Seattle this year, and some legitimate competition for playing time, more than in the past. He has responded with elevated, consistent play. It is rarely flashy, but he’s playing the best defense of his career and adding in leadership and composure in the biggest moments, filling multiple gaps for Seattle and displaying his value to the team.
Pedro de la Vega – 6.67 (9, 6, 5, 6, 7, 7)
Any doubt that Pedro was ready to mix it up week in and week out was put to bed with his excellent showing in the Leagues Cup. While some will point to the strife after out-playing Messi in the final, it’s important to remember how strong a creator PDLV was throughout the tournament, giving opposing right backs fits from start to finish. His improved play helped spur Seattle forward, and he ended with three goals in four starts.
Memorable moment: Of course it’s his mind-boggling finish against Cruz Azul off a 40-yard Alex Roldan switching pass. No one in their right mind attempts to first-time that ball, let alone be able to hit it with pace, on frame, and score a goal. It was one of, if not the best goal a Sounder has ever scored, it was clearly the goal of the tournament.
What we learned: This is who Pedro is. When he started ramping up on the left, he needed to show consistent high level play, and he did exactly that. Having an extra six matches to show his skills meant he needed to be a DP-level player every match of the tournament, and he did that. He deservedly received the Best Player of the Leagues Cup award.
Albert Rusnák – 6.67 (7, 7, 6)
Before he was injured, Albert was doing his thing, combining with teammates, finding passes through the lines to set up big opportunities, earning shots for himself and most importantly, being a calm presence in an often heated atmosphere. Unfortunately, he was injured in the third game against Tijuana.
Memorable moment: Against Cruz Azul, it was Albert’s impressive corner kick service that found multiple goals for Seattle. This game showed the variety of attacking options the Sounders possessed, and Rusnák was involved in nearly all of them.
What we learned: Without Albert, Seattle is a different team, but they can still be a successful one. The team predictably played differently without him, and they clearly missed the things he brings, making his imminent return something to look forward to. Known to quickly combine with teammates, he should be able to transition right back into high level play for the Sounders.
Nouhou – 6.50 (8, 6, 7, 5)
Nouhou started the tournament off strong, offering lockdown defense and even scoring a goal, an alert moment late against Cruz Azul in the opening match when he put away a rebound. He played well the rest of the tournament before an unfortunate decision meant he watched the final from the stands.
Memorable moment: His tournament was defined by a late moment of too much aggression against LA in the semifinal, a match that was effectively over by that point. After battling and coming out on top all game against Gabriel Pec, Nouhou took an overly aggressive tackling angle and was sent off for dangerous play.
What we learned: Similar to Rusnák, we learned Seattle is different, but still effective when Nouhou is out, something that should concern him. Nouhou played well this tournament, but his decision making and negative plays are detrimental to a team with other emerging options.
Paul Rothrock – 6.40 (7, 5, 5, 6, 9)
Paul played pretty well in this tourney before erupting on the biggest stage. The quintessential glue guy, his movement and effort make everyone around him more effective. Whether it’s off the bench or starting and going full bore all match, you know exactly what you’ll get with Rothrock, and he showed that every single match for Seattle.
Memorable moment: The end of the Leagues Cup final starred Rothrock, and it couldn’t have been scripted better. If you can’t feel the joy Paul exuded with his arms outstretched after scoring that third goal, I don’t know what to say.
What we learned: We learned that Miami has some guys, but we have Paul Rothrock. He may not even be a starter, but everything he does is for the sole purpose of increasing the Sounders’ chance of winning. That desire, that belief, that intangible thing that Paul brings is nearly impossible to keep off the field.
Reed Baker-Whiting – 6.33 (7, 5, 7)
Reed was handed the starting spot in the biggest match of the season, and he responded with an excellent performance. This was exactly what he needed, as Baker-Whiting was building off of solid appearances earlier in the tournament to stake his claim to more minutes.
Memorable moment: When RBW and Danny Leyva stoned Lionel Messi on the sideline late in the final, there was a bit of swagger to Reed that we hadn’t seen since his early moments. It was a giant growth moment amidst a massive growth performance.
What we learned: Reed can be an effective fullback in Seattle’s system. He was beaten a few times and still has a massive upside to grow into, but we finally saw some complete performances, and the joy looks to be creeping back into a player who had been looking overly cautious.
Danny Leyva – 6.00 (7, 7, 5, 5, 6)
Leyva being down this low is a shame, as he played very well, but mainly as a substitute, and that dropped his score under others who started. Make no mistake, Danny was very good in his time on the field in this tournament.
Memorable moment: Against Santos Laguna, it was Leyva who earned a start in attacking midfield. He not only performed, but earned a MOTM award for his exemplary play. He controlled play, dealt passes, and earned multiple assists.
What we learned: Danny Leyva can play the 10 at the MLS level, and do it well. This tournament showed what everyone has hoped for years, the extra step in development which means local, developed depth at a valuable position. He is still young enough to go even higher.
Georgi Minoungou – 5.67 (5, 5, 7)
Minoungou only got a few appearances, but he saved the best for last and made his mark.
Memorable moment: It was Georgi’s dynamic speed and shiftiness, inserted into the Leagues Cup final, that created the penalty that put the match to bed. His vertical run and cut back completely bamboozled the defender and earned a clear PK.
What we learned: With elite dribbling skills and ability to stretch the field, Minoungou showed that he is a great change of pace option off the bench, a true game-changing substitute who can score, create for teammates, and be a direct force at goal.
Snyder Brunell – 5.50 (6, 5)
Snyder got his first action as a Sounder and was immediately impactful. Never showing any nerves, he used the Leagues Cup to show he is ready for more minutes across any competition.
Memorable moment: It wasn’t as much what he specifically did, but more the symbolism of his insertion. Subbing in to replace Cristian Roldan in an essential cup match against LA showed the confidence this staff has in Snyder’s ability. His teammates reiterated that confidence, playing through Brunell as he always looked smooth and competent.
What we learned: In his first match after signing a senior contract for Seattle, Brunell was thrust onto the field against Cruz Azul and looked both mentally and physically prepared for the match. Never outmatched, he immediately joined his teammates and was a seamless contributor.
Kim Kee-hee – 5.40 (6, 6, 5, 5, 5)
The versatile Kim was used often in the tournament, spelling both Ragen and Yeimar, and showing his skills as he combined with everyone around him.
Memorable moment: Against Santos Laguna, it was Kim who repeatedly headed away attempts; the Mexican opponent lofted crosses in and continually had them rejected by Kim.
What we learned: There wasn’t a lot to learn that we didn’t already know: Kim is a fantastic backup, versatile and able to give cover across the backline.
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi – 5.25 (5, 5, 5, 6)
Kalani was busy starring in MLS games, then subbing into the Leagues Cup and offering a steady presence late in matches.
Memorable moment: With Seattle under consistent pressure from Miami, Schmetzer looked to his bench and had the confidence to bring KKR into a match that needed a momentum change. Kalani brought that, helping the Sounders to regain possession and control of the match.
What we learned: A solid sub, Kossa-Rienzi showed the ability to be versatile enough to add depth at multiple positions, and he played them all with a maturity and control that will help his search for more minutes.
Danny Musovski – 5.25 (6, 6, 6, 3)
Scoring the game-winning goal late against Tijuana was exactly the kind of dangerous, goal-poaching soccer we have seen all year from Moose, and it translated to the biggest stage.
Memorable moment: Unfortunately, Danny’s last moment of the tournament was his most memorable, as he took exception to a call and bumped the ref in frustration. This moment shouldn’t define a player who has been excellent all year, but it was not a smart move.
What we learned: Going into the tournament, Danny was the starter with Jordan Morris hurt. However, his poor choice combined with De Rosario’s ascension has made competition for the striker position more interesting, and it’ll be fun to see how this plays out.
Over the course of a tournament that offered plenty of moments for the Sounders to bow out, from injuries and suspensions to key contributors, to nervy penalty shootouts, this team instead grew stronger and used those moments to remind us and the rest of North America what they are about. Seattle’s depth and resilience earn an easy 10.
