Some bold Seattle soccer predictions for 2023

We’re formally closing the books on 2022, a 12 months fairly in contrast to any in Seattle soccer historical past. The Seattle Sounders reached their highest excessive by changing into the primary MLS group to win Concacaf Champions League and possibly their lowest low once they didn’t make the playoffs for the primary time since becoming a member of MLS in 2009.

There have been loads of positives elsewhere within the group as properly. The Sounders Academy received the GA Cup for the second consecutive time and the Tacoma Defiance made the playoffs for the primary time since 2015.

To not be overshadowed, OL Reign had arguably their most necessary season after transferring to Lumen Subject full time. They went on an epic end-of-season run to assert the NWSL Defend on the ultimate day after which hosted a playoff sport in entrance of a document crowd of 21,491 individuals.

Right here’s a few of the issues our writers assume are in retailer for 2023:

We’re beginning right here as a result of it’s probably the most instantly related: I believe that is the 12 months we’ll really let ourselves recognize the positives of 2022. One factor I used to be consistently amazed by this 12 months was how many individuals genuinely needed to behave as if the Sounders profitable CCL didn’t actually matter by way of how they regarded on the season. My rivalry all alongside was that when the season was securely within the rearview mirror, changing into the primary MLS group to win CCL can be way more related than something that might occur within the common season. Now we discover out simply how true that’s.

The Sounders made historical past, don’t neglect that. We had been handled to an evening in contrast to every other and it lived as much as each attainable expectation. Perhaps they had been at all times doomed to endure some letdown after that, however I don’t assume we’ll be too frightened about that anymore. – Jeremiah

OK, this one is a bit apparent because the Sounders are assured to make some form of historical past once they grow to be the primary MLS group to ever really compete within the Membership World Cup. Though the LA Galaxy certified for the 2001 model by profitable the Concacaf Champions Cup — the precursor to the CCL — that 12 months’s match was canceled. However I’m going to go a step farther and predict that the Sounders may even grow to be the primary MLS group to truly win a Membership World Cup match.

The Sounders will face considered one of Auckland Metropolis (New Zealand), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), Al Ahly (Egypt) or Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), the latter three of which can successfully be taking part in residence video games. Just like the Sounders, Auckland Metropolis will probably be popping out of their offseason, whereas the opposite three groups are throughout midseason.

Regardless of these built-in disadvantages, I believe the Sounders will in all probability have a expertise benefit and it could not less than be argued that they’ll have fewer exterior distractions. Their total preseason will probably be constructed round ramping up for this sport and as of proper now they are going to possible be at or very near full power. – Jeremiah

Though the playoff semifinal was an emotional letdown, OL Reign’s first full season at Lumen Subject was inarguably an enormous success each on and off the sector. The membership broke attendance information a number of instances and much surpassed expectations going into the season, particularly given the quick turnaround time to promote season tickets after the group introduced their transfer and the small advertising group they’ve continued to develop over the course of the 12 months. But there’s nonetheless an enormous alternative for additional development — 2023 is a World Cup 12 months, and if previous historical past is any indication, the second half of the approaching season will see one other large inflow of latest and lapsed followers filling the stands. In each 2015 and 2019 attendance greater than doubled in the summertime months, setting new information annually.

The membership obtained some invaluable expertise with the logistics of opening further sections at Lumen Subject for the 2022 semifinal, which ought to make the method a lot smoother general for video games with massive crowds in 2023. Along with having considerably extra lead time to market common season video games, they now have a greater concept of which sections are most in demand, excellent value factors, and may supply multi-game packages for followers to see not simply the numerous USWNT stars across the league, but in addition the opposite worldwide stars who will probably be in Australia and New Zealand.

Even when the USWNT doesn’t declare the trophy for a third-straight match I’ve little question some OL Reign video games later this summer season will draw upward of 15,000 followers, maybe even eclipsing the present standalone document of 21,491. – Steve

The Sounders have seldom stood in the best way of a participant pursuing completely different alternatives, domestically or overseas, which has sometimes manifested in mutually agreeing to terminate a contract or in any other case half methods. In response to Transfermarkt, within the group’s MLS period they’ve solely acquired a charge of some type for a participant 12 instances — it’s solely 11 gamers, as Sporting CP first paid a mortgage charge for Fredy Montero earlier than paying a further switch charge — and 4 gamers have been bought to overseas golf equipment. That appears prone to begin altering, even when we solely see the start of that transformation in 2023.

Danny Leyva’s rumored switch to Liga MX with further curiosity from European golf equipment may see him instantly positioned among the many Sounders’ highest outbound switch charges if he brings in something near they’re reported asking value of $2 million. Leyva appears prone to be the primary in a coming wave of potential outbound transfers being led by Homegrown expertise. Reed Baker-Whiting is at present coaching with Bundesliga aspect SC Freiburg, with the group reportedly contemplating a mortgage with an choice to purchase. Baker-Whiting couldn’t be part of the group on mortgage till he turns 18 on the finish of March, however is a highly-rated prospect who’s been evidently attracting European curiosity for a while. In August Obed Vargas turns 18, and if he can get well absolutely from his again damage he appears prone to be the Sounders first sale that approaches the 8-figure mark.

With the membership’s visibility on a world scale rising, having despatched 4 gamers to the World Cup and now getting ready to participate within the Membership World Cup, there’s by no means been a greater alternative for the Sounders to enter the switch market as an actual participant. – Tim

Again in 2021 Wade Webber’s males ran out a variation on the 3-4-2-1 [house] and in 2022 there was his use of high-pressure wingers offering ahead protection. These have trickled as much as the primary group too.

Perhaps with their depth at centerback and the present lack of heart forwards there will probably be a mix of an odd-man backline with excessive stress. Early within the 12 months Tacoma Defiance ran with three 8s and no conventional 6. Excessive stress generally confirmed up in rave inexperienced, often from attacking midfield.

There is also one thing just like the field midfield once more, with so many 6s and 8s within the group needing to play, Defiance could also be a spot to run 4 interchangeable mids who’re 6/8/10 as wanted, and perhaps even with out conventional wingbacks and fullbacks.

This is able to imply extra touches for the sellable youth and prep them for the depth of MLS play. – Dave

The final time the Sounders beat the Timbers at residence within the common season was on Could 27, 2017. They’ve gone 0-4-2 towards their largest rivals at Lumen Subject since then. Whereas that’s considerably counter-balanced by their 5-4-1 document at Windfall Park in that very same time, it’s an ongoing frustration regardless.

I predict this streak will lastly finish in 2023. The Sounders will really get two probabilities to reverse the streak, on June 3 and towards on Sept. 2. Though each video games are on quick relaxation, the primary match guarantees to be significantly simpler. In that one, the Sounders are closing out a three-game homestand. The second assembly has the Sounders returning residence from Austin only a few days prior. – Jeremiah

The pandemic was fairly arduous on the Sounders, and their attendance was already on a gradual downward tick earlier than that. I don’t know that this would be the 12 months that turns round, however I do hope they begin to get a bit extra inventive by way of how they use their stock.

Right here’s what the Mariners do: You pay an upfront charge which then lets you choose which video games, the place you sit and what number of tickets you need at numerous discounted costs. There doesn’t look like any cause the Sounders couldn’t supply one thing completely different — at a a lot decrease entry value — within the third deck. – Jeremiah

I don’t assume it’s that loopy to assume the Sounders may contend for the Supporters’ Defend or the MLS Cup, however I’ve a sense they’ll make a severe run on the Leagues Cup. They’ve proven they’ll beat Liga MX opponents in every of the previous two seasons and I’ve to assume that have will serve them properly throughout this summer season’s expanded match.

Other than the Sounders’ efficiency, I believe I’m really kinda wanting ahead to seeing how this match goes. I positively perceive the skepticism, and suspect attendance will probably be everywhere, however I believe there’s some actual potential for this to show right into a compelling match and wouldn’t thoughts the Sounders setting the tone. – Jeremiah