Leagues Cup has released the rosters for all 36 teams that are participating in this year's tournament. There were, somewhat predictably, a few minor surprises on the Sounders’ roster.
Among the 30 players listed, there are five players on Tacoma Defiance contracts. Of those, only defenders Mark O'Neill and Gallatin Sandnes have been called up for short-term loans this year. The others are goalkeeper Mohammed Shour, forward Mark Bronnik and midfielder Edson Carli.
Bronnik is among the hottest players in MLS Next Pro right now, logging seven goals and three assists in his past seven games as the Defiance have experienced a dramatic turnaround in their fortunes. The 19-year-old forward is tied for seventh in MLS Next Pro with nine goals this season and boasts a goals per 90 of .74, fifth best among qualified players.
Carlis is an 18-year-old attacking midfielder who has also improved his form in recent games, with four goals and two assists in his past eight games.
Under normal circumstances, all five Defiance players would seemingly be long shots to get meaningful minutes in a tournament like this. But the Sounders are currently in a serious injury crisis and might need healthy bodies just to field full benches.
