The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season kicks off with a highly anticipated matchup between Seattle Sounders and Charlotte FC at Lumen Field in Seattle on Saturday, February 22. This clash features two teams with high expectations and star-studded lineups.
Seattle Sounders
- 2024 Record: 16-9-9, 4th in Western Conference, reached the Western Conference Final
- Key Players: Brian Schmetzer (Head Coach), Jesús Ferreira, Paul Arriola, Yeimar Gómez Andrade, Jackson Ragen, Nouhou Tolo
- Strengths: Seattle Sounders are known for their deep and talented squad, with a strong defensive record. They allowed the fewest goals in the league last year, conceding just 35 times in 34 matches.
- Challenges: The Sounders struggled to find a consistent goal scorer after parting ways with Raúl Ruidíaz. They will need to find new sources of goals to be successful this season.
- Key Departures: Raúl Ruidíaz, Josh Atencio, Léo Chú, Nathan
- Key Signings: Jesús Ferreira, Paul Arriola, Kim Kee-hee
Charlotte FC
- 2024 Record: 14-11-9, 5th in Eastern Conference, reached the playoffs but lost in the Eastern Conference Round One
- Key Players: Christian Lattanzio (Head Coach), Karol Świderski, Ashley Westwood, Ben Bender, Joseph Mora
- Strengths: Charlotte FC has a strong attacking lineup with Karol Świderski and Ashley Westwood leading the charge. They finished second in MLS in goals allowed last year with just 37 goals.
- Challenges: Charlotte FC struggled to find consistency last season and will need to improve their overall performance to compete at a higher level.
- Key Departures: Karol Świderski, Jere Uronen, Junior Urso
- Key Signings: Wilfried Zaha, Eryk Williamson
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
- Broadcast: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Team News and Lineups
- Seattle Sounders: The Sounders have added Jesús Ferreira and Paul Arriola to their squad, and will rely on their experienced players to lead the team to a strong start to the season.
- Charlotte FC: Charlotte FC has added Wilfried Zaha and Eryk Williamson to their squad, and will look to their attacking duo of Karol Świderski and Ashley Westwood to provide the goals.
Key Matchups
- Jesús Ferreira vs. Charlotte FC Defense: Ferreira’s presence on the field will be a major factor for Seattle Sounders. His ability to create scoring opportunities and finish them will test Charlotte FC’s defensive capabilities.
- Charlotte FC’s Front Line vs. Seattle Sounders Defense: Charlotte FC’s attacking duo of Karol Świderski and Ashley Westwood will look to exploit any weaknesses in Seattle Sounders’ defense and create scoring chances.
