Seattle Sounders start the 2026 MLS season as they (hopefully) mean to go on | OneFootball

Each beginning of a season has the possibility for unimaginable success. Players wish for success for themselves and their team, having improved since last season. Teams establish goals for the season (for the Sounders, it is continue to be the premier team in the league by winning everything).

The possibility of record-breaking performances and unparalleled performances can be felt by every fan for every team. How far that feeling can be stretched depends on the team for that year.

Traditionally, the Sounders start slow and do better in the second half of the season. Maybe this year, they will dominate all year and all injuries will be minor, yet create enough adversity to make them even better.

The Sounders are starting the season with a new keeper, a new defensive midfielder, and question marks surrounding how well Paul Arriola will fit in with the club. While we have parted ways with talented players like Obed Vargas and Ryan Kent, we have retained several players who are exciting to watch.

Assuming Jordan Morris's injury will not keep him out long (hopefully), the Sounders are bringing back their all time leading goalscorer.

Georgi Minoungou has the ability to blow by any defender in MLS, seemingly at will.

Paul Rothrock, who scored and assisted in the season opener, continues to supply the heart and scrappy play that endeared him to the fans.

Albert Rusnák, who also scored in the opener, is the anchor on offense and is a fantastic facilitator and distributor.

Any Sounders fan can recognize when Nouhou is making a long galloping run up the flank, not to mention his insane athleticism on the defensive end.

The Sounders are also returning their starting defense from last season, which made it difficult to beat and almost impossible to connect passes in the air.

There were numerous injuries last year, but with a new season, all bets are off. Can Pedro de la Vega once he returns in May, Jordan Morris and Paul Arriola stay healthy? While Frei is irreplaceable, will Andrew Thomas come into his own in front of the legendary Sounders' keeper? Will the Roldan brothers improve from last year's impressive performances? How will Dotson and Petković fit in with the club? Who will raise their game to another level? Do the Sounders have Leagues Cup, CONCACAF, and MLS titles in their future? That is what is on the table right now.

With all of these hopeful questions starting the season as unanswered, it should be a fun ride to see how it all shakes out. So far, there is one win, one clean sheet, and a big bag of wishful what-ifs.