Hey, remember that time I predicted Seattle to win last year? Yeah, you can thank me I guess. Oh and this guy. Always thank this guy.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG-jMjvnua8]
It was a beautiful return to glory for Seattle. A team that didn’t win a single preseason game last year, and scored an only semi-respectable 52 goals all season showed their experience and won the damn thang. 1 year after a disappointing end on penalties, they were lifting the trophy again for the 2nd time in 3 years.
I can’t sit here and tell you that what they did was surprising. At least not to me. I saw their potential at the beginning of the season. And while it isn’t much going out on a limb to say they’d win the championship, it is fact that I was correct. While many people fell head and heels over what LAFC was doing, I died on my hill and reaped my benefits. So I’ll make a new hill and say, The Seattle Sounders Will Not Repeat As Champions.
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!…
The Good: Champagne, beer and parades, and more champagne.
The Bad: That the offseason starts way too soon.
Seattle’s Spongebob Gif
This is Seattle Sounder’s fans when Roman Torres and Victor Rodriguez weren’t brought back for 2020. TBH, it was in the best interest of everyone. Victor gets to go home to Spain. Roman is gonna be in South Beach showing off his physique. And Seattle moves on with trying to replace some of their best players ever. A retool season is never great, but in the midst of Seattle probably seeking the CCL championship, it could turn out to be the best.
At the start of 2019, the question surrounding Seattle was how they would replace Ozzie Alonso in midfield. Now, it’s replacing a staple of their defense and possibly their most talented midfielder. In return, the Sounders went for creating depth. I fully expect them to focus on the CCL while keeping a respectable position on the table.
Offseason Moves
I don’t know if any team has done more with less than Seattle. Talk about efficiency. Joao Paulo hit. Yelmar GA hit. Miguel Ibarra hit. The only possible thing you could argue is they didn’t do possibly enough to create depth in the backline.
I’m more than excited to see Joao Paulo on this Seattle team. Slotting behind Lodeiro, Morris, Ruidiaz, and whoever is on the right-wing. Also him in midfield with Svensson should be as lockdown as it gets. There is talk about Svensson moving to the center back position. Big mistake! I think they should let Yelmar settle in that backline with Arreaga. Maybe the chemistry won’t be there at first but with an offense like that, and midfielders of high caliber, Seattle will be totally fine.
Starting Lineup
I love that attacking front. Ruidiaz should absolutely be in the golden boot conversation. Not because of the people around him, but because of those defensive midfielders. I’m willing to wager, that nobody will have more interceptions and balls stolen in the midfield than Svensson and Paulo.
Most of what everyone is talking about is the defense. Sure all the starters left, but they aren’t being replaced by bums. They also have a top MLS goalie behind them. I wouldn’t be worried for Seattle. I’m more worried about the depth in defense. One injury, and who replaces who in defense?
Betting Odds
+700 via Bovada
I’m maybe more interested in seeing their performance in the CCL. For some reason, it’s impossible to find their odds to win the championship. But you’d be an idiot if you don’t think they are on a collision course with Tigres. I think they’ll play in the semi-finals and beat the shit out of each other. More importantly, I don’t know if Seattle can handle playing in three tournaments this season, so just be careful with this +700.
Best Watches
Talk about a tough second half of the season. It’s the reason I don’t have Seattle in the top 3 this year. I don’t wanna go over the whole thing, but I midaswhale. @Revs, @Galaxy, vs NYCFC, vs MNUFC, @RBNY, @ATLUTD, @TFC, vs Houston, than back-to-back vs LAFC. YIKES!
If they can get 6 of those 9, Seattle is definitely finishing in the top 2. But I don’t believe so. And with Concacaf in the rearview mirror, Seattle could focus on the league. So for sure, Seattle finishes top 5 this season.
Predictions
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFOracFClBg?start=19]
I don’t assume Seattle will take a big step back. Maybe they don’t finish 2nd in the west again, but it won’t be a step back. Ruidiaz will be in contention for the golden boot and dare I say it, MVP conversation? They’ll get at the very least past the first round. I don’t think Seattle will repeat as champions. I do believe they have a good, VERY GOOD, chance of winning the CONCACAF championship though.
Hey! If you hated this blog! You’re gonna hate the other 25 blogs! Be sure to check them out as I count down each MLS team from worst to first for 2020.