Why 2026 will be a success
Because they’re running it back, mostly.
If you’re good, continuity is good. That’s how it works. The Seattle Sounders were very, very good last year even across one of the busiest schedules in MLS history.
Why not run it back, then?
Sure, not everybody is back. Obed Vargas is a major departure, and his ball-winning, intensity, and increasingly clever ball progression will be missed. But it’s literally just Vargas who’s gone (well, and Jon Bell, too, but he played 1,300 minutes in the back and is very replaceable…outside of those two guys, every single Sounder who played at least 710 minutes in last year’s regular season has returned). Plus, a healthy chunk of what Seattle lost in Vargas will be made up by Hassani Dotson. They should also expect to be better in the attack, with Osaze De Rosario ready to make a massive leap at the No. 9 position. Don’t be surprised if the 24-year-old, who played just 260 minutes in the 2025 regular season, notches 2,000 minutes and 15 goals this year. He’s beyond legit.
Seattle will be slightly worse in some areas. They’ll be slightly better in others. And on balance, they’ll be really, really good.
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Why it won’t be
Because the top of the West is only going to be tougher this year.
For the Seattle Sounders, success is winning trophies. They’ll absolutely have a chance to win trophies this season, but the other teams positioned at the top of the West won’t make it easy for them.
In fact, the top three seeds in last year’s Western Conference playoffs could all conceivably be better this year than last. San Diego FC, who topped the West, are entering just their second year of play and will build on their impressive stylistic foundation from last year. The Vancouver Whitecaps will get to enjoy a full year of Thomas Muller and should get at least something out of Ryan Gauld this year. And LAFC? They have a full year of Son Heung-min on the docket.
Seattle will be competitive with all three of those teams. They could even end up being better than all three of those teams. But a tougher crowd at the top of the West is bad news for the Sounders.
