Seattle Sounders 2024 season - three things to be excited about

The Seattle Sounders FC are gearing up for their 2024 season, which marks their 50th anniversary as a professional soccer club. The Sounders have a packed schedule of 34 matches, including 17 home games at Lumen Field and 17 away games across the United States and Canada. The team will also play the Leagues Cup in the summer with at least two games at Lumen Field.

The Sounders want to recover from their early departure in the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, when they lost to Los Angeles FC in the Conference Semifinals. The team boasts one of the best defenses in MLS, but struggles to score goals and maintain form. The Sounders aspire to claim their third MLS Cup trophy and their first since 2019.

The Sounders have a loyal and passionate fan base that supports them at every home game. The team also has a fierce rivalry with the Portland Timbers and the Vancouver Whitecaps, known as the Cascadia Cup. But here are three things to be excited about this season.

1. 50th anniversary

Founded in 1974, the Sounders are one of the most successful and storied franchises in North American soccer. They have claimed two MLS Cups, one Supporters' Shield, four U.S. Open Cups, and one Concacaf Champions League title in their illustrious history.

As they approach their 50th anniversary in 2024, the Sounders have revealed a new crest, a special jersey that honors their legacy and identity, and a state-of-the-art training facility that will serve as their new home.

This season features a variety of special games that are sure to excite sports fans. You can find out more about these exceptional games by following this link.

2. New Young Designated Player

The Sounders made a splash in the transfer market by signing Pedro de la Vega, a 23-year-old forward from Argentina. De la Vega is the first Young Designated Player in Sounders history, meaning he occupies a special roster spot that allows the team to sign him for a lower salary cap hit.

De la Vega has scored 17 goals and provided 13 assists in 126 appearances for Lanús in the Argentine Primera División. He is also a former Argentina U-20 international who played in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

De la Vega is a creative and skillful addition to the Sounders' offense, joining Raúl Ruidíaz and Albert Rusnák. He can play in various attacking positions, such as both wings, second striker or central attacking midfield. This will increase the competition for the starting roles in the attack.

3. The new generation

The Seattle Sounders have a reputation for developing young players who can make an impact on the first team. Some of the most promising talents in their roster are Josh Atencio, Jackson Ragen, Danny Leyva, Obed Vargas, Reed Baker-Whiting, Cody Baker and others.

They have played for their national team at various youth stages, acquiring useful skills and recognition. The 2024 season is a chance for them to excel and assist the Sounders in reaching their objectives.

These players have demonstrated their abilities and talents in different roles, from midfield to defense, and it remains to be seen if they have gained the confidence of coach Brian Schmetzer.