The increased depth on Sounders FC’s 2025 roster has been a talking point since the start of preseason.
Wednesday night’s 3-1 Round One, Leg 2 Concacaf Champions Cup victory over Antigua GFC showed why.
Despite a whopping seven changes from Seattle’s previous starting lineup against Charlotte FC, the team maintained its dominance on the pitch, eliminating the Guatemalan side from the international tournament.
“Credit to the entire roster for being very deep and well organized,” said winger Paul Arriola. “I'm hoping that's going to pay off in the long run for us, whether that be within the league or being able to play in tournaments like this and continue on big runs.”
Given the Sounders’ heavy schedule and only three days of rest after the home opener, rotations in the Starting XI and throughout the duration of the match were bound to happen. But Head Coach Brian Schmetzer’s confidence in the group had him taking one step further in bringing in nearly a whole new set of players to compete in the CCC Leg 2 match.
“We can't get through this stretch of games without changes,” he said. “And I think all of the players are ready to perform at the level that we need them to.”
The midfielders in particular showcased just how much talent is in that position group. While typical starters Obed Vargas and Cristian Roldan rested after a quick turnaround of matches last week, Danny Leyva and João Paulo dominated the midfield and spurred the team to another victory over Antigua. The pair finished the night with a combined 14 recoveries, five clearances, 209 touches on the ball and 24 passes into the final third.
“Both JP and Danny Leyva were ready for this opportunity,” said Schmetzer. “I thought they had a really good game.”
The dangerous demeanor of the Sounders offense was also on full display. Following a solid brace from Jordan Morris in Saturday’s draw against Charlotte, Arriola and Designated Player Pedro de la Vega continued the club’s offensive prowess with three more goals to show for.
“[Paul] could have [also] had three or four assists, so I thought he was very good tonight,” said Schmetzer. “[And] if you don't get excited watching [Pedro] play, then I think something’s off because his technical ability, the way he manipulates the ball, are fantastic.”
In just three matches, the team has produced eight goals with 18 players getting at least one start. Their ability to find the back of the net with different players on the pitch is a testament of not only the vast amount of quality on the roster, but the chemistry that has developed over the last two months between the veterans on the squad and the newcomers.
“When I first came here, I came here with a purpose, and that was the purpose to win and the opportunity to be a part of a team that's already super, super good that has had really good years,” said Arriola. “And I just want to try and help, so I'm looking forward to that.”
With the 6-2 aggregate series win, the team advances to the Round of 16 where they will face Cruz Azul in a two-leg showdown, beginning on March 5 at Lumen Field (7:30 p.m. PT).
“I'm really excited to face them,” said Arriola. “They expect championships with the roster that they built and the strength that they have. So, you know, it's going to be good for us.”
