Since the start of the club’s MLS era back in 2009, the Seattle Sounders have always enjoyed the services of elite central defenders.
The likes of Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Tyrone Marshall, Zach Scott, Djimi Traore, Chad Marshall, Kim Kee-hee and Román Torres have been pillars of the club throughout the years. But beyond the individual players, a strong center back pairing has been a cornerstone of every successful Sounders squad.
As Seattle begins its quest for a third MLS Cup title, they’ll rely heavily on their stalwart defenders, Yeimar and Jackson Ragen, to usher them through the postseason.
“I think we have two of the best center backs in the league,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “You can say that very easily.”
Relentless Since '74
Join us as we host the Houston Dynamo at Lumen Field on Oct. 28 in Round One, Game 1 of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Operating in the spine of the Sounders back line, Yeimar and Ragen have been essential to the club’s defensive success the last two seasons. In 2023, Seattle led the league shutouts (14) and finished tied with Nashville SC for fewest goals allowed (32). They repeated those feats in 2024, once again posting the must clean sheets (13) and conceding the fewest goals (35).
Defending is a teamwide collective effort. It requires a gritty, relentless refusal to allow opposing attackers any advantage. That dogged mentality is perfectly embodied by the pairing of Yeimar and Ragen, whose complementary skillsets make them an ideal partnership.
“I think we're, in my opinion, definitely the best pairing in the league, but very different skill sets,” said Ragen. “I think he embodies more [of an] actual defender, whereas I'm good with the ball, passing and [distribution]. And I think that’s what makes our relationship so great.”
An imposing figure on the pitch, Yeimar is one of the most dominant defenders in Major League Soccer. Seattle’s hulking center back is a two-time MLS Defender of the Year finalist (2021, 2023) and consistently leads the league in key metrics. In 2024, Yeimar finished in the 98th percentile for interceptions, 84th percentile for clearances and 81st percentile for tackles won per 90.
Ragen, who was named a 2024 Defender of the Year finalist on Thursday, is arguably the best ball-playing center back in the league. The Seattle native is in the 94th percentile for progressive passing distance, 93rd percentile for long passes completed and 86th percentile for passes completed per 90.
“[Yeimar’s] been a huge mentor for me, despite the language barrier,” said Ragen. “We have a really good relationship. And he's helped me grow, helped me through tough times on the field. I feel like our relationship is just so good on and off the field that it's been one of the best defenses the last two years. So, it's working, and we want to keep it going.
Flanked by fellow top-class defenders Nouhou and Alex Roldan, and backstopped by one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of Major League Soccer in Stefan Frei, the Sounders will need to rely on their defensive unit to make a run in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
That journey begins on Monday, Oct. 28 when they host the Houston Dynamo (6 p.m. PT; Watch FREE on Apple TV, FS1, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM, SiriusXM FC 157 | TICKETS) at Lumen Field in the first match of the Round One, Best-Of-Three Series.
