Seattle Sounders make bold moves with defensive signings for 2025 season

Seattle Sounders leave no doubt: defense is the priority for 2025. The club announced the signing of defenders Travian Sousa and Leo Burney, two players set to strengthen the squad with a mix of youth, potential, and local experience. Sousa signed through the 2025 season, with club options for 2026 and 2027. Burney, meanwhile, secured his deal through 2025, with options extending to 2028.

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The moves the Sounders have made underline a key focus: to fortify their backline with players who fit into the team's system but still have room to grow. These signings not only showcase confidence in the club's development pipeline but also highlight the push for defensive stability in a season that promises challenges in the MLS.

Travian Sousa: a rising talent polished at Tacoma Defiance

Travelin Sousa, 23, is no stranger to the Sounders ecosystem. Over the course of three seasons with Tacoma Defiance, Seattle's MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, he accumulated 68 games, notching 3 goals to go along with 10 assists. It seems every season, Sousa has marked noticeable improvement, and for a coaching staff, that was unmistakable.

With previous stints in Germany, having played for Hamburger SV, and experience in the U.S. with Oakland Roots SC and Sporting Kansas City II, Sousa brings an international edge that could be pivotal as he makes the leap to Seattle's first team.

Leo Burney: local talent reflecting academy strength

If there is one word that describes Leo Burney, it has to be consistency. Hailing from Seattle, it is no less than a miracle how Burney came into the ranks of the Sounders. Moving from Sounders FC Academy, he had an illustrious career in the University of Pennsylvania. He received Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year accolades twice and sustained an excellent level of playing for four seasons.

During his collegiate career, Burney played 69 matches, netting 11 goals and providing 5 assists. He anchored a defense that set impressive marks, including a 0.57 goals-against average in 2024.

Beyond college, Burney shined with Ballard FC in the USL League Two, where he was instrumental in their 2023 national championship title. Across 43 matches with Ballard, Burney contributed to 14 clean sheets and a staggering +71 goal differential.

This is the kind of performance the Sounders are banking on. Burney now becomes the 24th Homegrown Player in Sounders history, furthering the club's commitment to developing local talent.

"We're excited to add Travian and Leo to the squad," said General Manager Craig Waibel. "Both players have taken unique paths to get here, but each is a testament to the development system we've built. I'm confident they'll add the skill set we need as we head into the new season".