SEATTLE, WASH. – Sounders FC opens its 2021 campaign this evening against Minnesota United FC at Lumen Field (6:30 p.m. PT / FS1, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM), in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Final. Following yesterday’s loan of Shandon Hopeau to San Antonio FC, Seattle’s active roster now sits at 25 players ahead of tonight’s fixture. Today’s news comes prior to Major League Soccer’s roster compliance deadline.
The club also announced that forward Raúl Ruidíaz has received his U.S. Green Card, granting him permanent resident status in the United States, effective immediately. With resident status, Ruidíaz no longer occupies an international roster slot on the club's roster.
Additionally, Sounders FC has traded the right of first refusal over former defender Tony Alfaro to D.C. United in exchange for a Second Round 2022 MLS SuperDraft selection and future considerations based on performance.
Sounders FC's roster now sits at 25 players, including three goalkeepers, seven defenders, eight midfielders and five forwards, in addition to a pair of players out on loan. The club currently has three Designated Players, five International Players and seven Homegrown Players.
CURRENT SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC ROSTER
GOALKEEPERS (3): Stefan Cleveland, Stefan Frei, Spencer Richey
DEFENDERS (7): Xavier Arreaga (INTL), Yeimar Gómez Andrade (INTL), Jimmy Medranda, Nouhou (INTL), Shane O’Neill, Alex Roldan, Brad Smith (INTL)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Josh Atencio (HG), Jordy Delem, Ethan Dobbelaere (HG), João Paulo (DP, INTL), Danny Leyva (HG), Nicolás Lodeiro (DP), Cristian Roldan, Kelyn Rowe
FORWARDS (5): Will Bruin, Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (HG), Fredy Montero, Jordan Morris (HG), Raúl Ruidíaz (DP)
PLAYERS ON LOAN (2): Shandon Hopeau (San Antonio FC, HG), Trey Muse (San Diego Loyal SC, HG)
Sounders FC opens the 2021 MLS regular season at home tonight against Western Conference side Minnesota United FC at Lumen Field (6:30 p.m. PT / FS1). The matchup pits the two defending Western Conference finalists against each other, after the Rave Green earned a 3-2 comeback win in last year’s conference championship fixture. After Minnesota carried a 2-0 lead into the final 15 minutes of play, Seattle stormed back with three late goals, clinching the club’s fourth MLS Cup Final berth since 2016.
This marks the first time that Sounders FC has opened its regular season against Minnesota. Seattle is 6-0-1 all-time against the Loons in MLS action (including postseason). The Rave Green are 7-5-0 all-time in MLS regular-season openers, including a 2-1 home win over Chicago in 2020. This also marks the 12th time in 13 seasons that Seattle has hosted its season opener.
TRANSACTION: Sounders FC receives Second Round 2022 MLS SuperDraft selection and future considerations based upon performance in exchange for the right of first refusal over defender Tony Alfaro.
