Seattle Sounders: Fisher Traded, Eikrem shines and offseason notes

The Seattle Sounders are under two weeks away from the start of the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League. Here’s a look at key offseason news.

The Seattle Sounders have been rather quiet during this offseason, at least in regards to the transfer market. While that may be expected after making two straight MLS Cups, and retaining the majority of last year’s starting XI, it is a bit surprising considering the added action with CONCACAF Champions League action starting this month.

But the past few weeks have increased activity, including an odd trade, three preseason matches, a lackluster jersey reveal, and a new signing starting strong.

Fisher Traded to DC United

The Sounders backup right back, Oniel Fisher, was traded to DC United for $50K in GAM. While he wasn’t in line to start this season, with 2017 signing Kelvin Leerdam securing the spot last summer, he was the best option for cover.

With CCL action starting soon, it’s surprising to see Seattle give away a player when the club wasn’t near the roster limit. The move leaves the Sounders with only six defenders signed to the senior team.

And while Christian Roldan or Gustav Svensson can play at RB if needed, it moves them out of their best role and disrupts the movement forward. Surely the Sounders have already lined up a target to fill in as the #2 at RB, either from Sounders 2 or in the transfer market.

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Positive Preseason Results

Seattle started preseason in Tucson defeating their rivals the Portland Timbers 2-1, starting the majority of the first team. Notable from the match was the Sounders switching to the diamond midfield formation with Morris and Bruin up top. Recent signing, and homegrown player, Handwalla Bwana netted the winner.

The next day the Sounders second team (and several S2 players) dropping a result to the Columbus Crew 2-1. Both 2018 draft pick Marcus Fjortoft and highly touted S2 player Sam Rogers formed the starting CB pair. Look for at least one of them to move into the first team during 2018.

To continue building up fitness ahead of CCL action the club played a series of closed-door scrimmages against lower league opponents. While the competition level is a drop-off, the club’s newest signing Magnus Eikrem Wolff shined in the 5-1 victory over California United FC. Magnus scored twice, with both assists from Clint Dempsey, while also providing an assist for Will Bruin.

2018 Home Kit Revealed

It’s new kit time of year and Seattle fans got to see the latest Rave Green home kit this past week. After very popular shirt during the 2016 title-winning season and the Sound blue third kit in 2017, this one fell a little flat.

The jersey either looks like it’s already been through a mid-summer match, soaked in sweat or that they let Clint Dempsey run the design process this year (is that a camo influence?). Either way, it’s safe to say a lot of fans will be sticking with their previous kits or holding out for the away and third kit reveals.

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Upcoming Schedule

The Sounders return to action on the 15th with a friendly against USL side, and MLS expansion hopeful, Sacramento Republic FC. Then it’s a week until they travel to Santa Tecla FC for the first leg of the CCL knockout round on the 22nd.