The Seattle Sounders epitomized grit and resilience in FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ as they went toe-to-toe with some of the best sides in the world. The Rave Green have maintained that ethos as they’ve returned to MLS competition.
Following a competitive showing against Botafogo, Atlético de Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, the team has remained unbeaten in their last two MLS matches against Austin FC and Columbus Crew.
While a collective effort was needed to produce these outcomes, Sounders center back Jackson Ragen and midfielder Paul Rothrock in particular continue to be difference makers for the team.
“They're both tremendous human beings, and have given the group so much on and off the field,” said Assistant Coach Andy Rose.
Upon Ragen’s return from an injury that left him out for over a month, the defender picked up where he left off, making big plays against the world’s elite and finishing his last two regular season matches with a combined 8 clearances, 6 recoveries, 5 duels won and a passing rate of 93%.
“This year, obviously a little bit of a roller coaster, and he had to deal with some setbacks,” noted Rose. “And I think sometimes when you're young and you've had to persevere through something, it helps in these moments now, because, again, he doesn't lose his head. He follows the rehab protocol to a tee. He supports the group when he's out, and then he gets his chance again, and obviously has taken it so well in these last few weeks.”
Rothrock’s consistent work rate on the flank and ability to create chances in the attack has earned him a starting role on the wing in a hyper-talented position group composed of Ryan Kent, Pedro de la Vega, Jesús Ferreira and Georgi Minoungou. In the last five matches alone, Rothrock has recorded a goal and two assists for the Rave Green.
“A real energizer for the group, contagious energy, a real pleasure to coach, because he's so coachable, always looking for feedback,” said Rose. “The thing I appreciate and respect most about Paul is he'll never stop learning. He just wants to get better every single day. He is making plays at a really high level, making really important plays for our group, everything he offers off the ball is crucial to who we are, and he's got a nose for goal.”
The players’ recent displays against these competitive sides is not out of the ordinary. Ragen and Rothrock have left it all on the pitch since they began playing the sport at a young age. From competing for spots on the Sounders Academy team in their senior year of high school, to progressing to Tacoma Defiance after their college careers and Rothrock’s brief stint with Toronto FC, and eventually signing contracts with the Sounders First Team, the two locals have navigated every path to achieve the success they’re enjoying today.
90's Night (vs. Colorado Rapids)
Get ready to take it back to the 90's with a $22 ticket and a vintage-style Sounders T-shirt—the ultimate way to rep your squad in true style. Don’t miss this blast from the past!
Kickoff at 7:00 p.m. PT on July 16.
“It's really something special seeing both of them taking different roads to get here, and unconventional roads, not the easiest roads, is testament to their character, to their perseverance, and to do it as such close friends, and now end up here, really living a dream together….it's just incredible,” said Rose.
Rothrock and Ragen have earned their roles on the First Team through their own individual efforts, but their long-lasting friendship and similar soccer journeys has been beneficial when it comes to their connection on the pitch.
“Seeing guys come up through the Seattle area, through the academy, and contribute to the First Team, it's special for a guy like me, being from Seattle,” said forward Jordan Morris. “So I'm really happy for both of them. They're doing really well.”
Just last year, the Rothrock and Ragen scored in two of the same matches, with one of them being against upcoming opponent Sporting Kansas City (5:30 p.m. PT; Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360AM).
The hope is to emulate that previous victory over the Midwest side while utilizing the same demeanor that’s been present over the last handful of matches when the Sounders visit Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday night.
“We can't take this game lightly, because we know the challenge that it's going to bring,” said Morris. “They're a very good team. They're kind of climbing the table, and so we got to be ready to match the intensity.”
