It's that time of year again.
MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday unveiled its first installment of the 2022 MLS Power Rankings. Each week, the editorial staff over at MLSsoccer.com will vote on the best teams in the league, spotlighting the most in-form teams throughout the campaign. Ahead of the Sounders home opener on Sunday, Feb. 27 (5:00 p.m. PT; FOX 13+, Prime Video, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS) , the Rave Green were named the No. 2 team for the upcoming season, one spot back of reigning MLS Cup Champions, New York City FC.
Much of the Sounders commentary focused on the return from injury of key players like Jordan Morris and Nicolás Lodeiro, both of whom missed most of the 2021 season due to various injuries, to a star-studded side that finished second in the West. According to MLSsoccer.com, the return of those two 2020 MLS MVP finalists, coupled with retaining key players and a few strategic offseason additions, makes the Sounders among the favorites for trophies in 2022.
"Seattle added Albert Rusnak to the team after an 11-goal, 11-assist season with Real Salt Lake and, even with a litany of injuries last season, they finished with 60 points," wrote MLSsoccer.com's J. Sam Jones. "They seem like a lock to surpass that number this season."
You can read the full Power Rankings HERE.