Seattle Sounders FC has the pride of beating a LIGA MX club for a Concacaf Champions League trophy. Now, they'll look to best their MLS and Mexican counterparts to lift another international trophy as Leagues Cup 2023 gets underway.
However, the squad led by Brian Schmetzer will have a tough challenge getting out of Group West 2. Real Salt Lake is one of the clubs battling for that No. 1 spot in the Western Conference. The other team in the group is CF Monterrey, who will bring enough firepower to challenge both MLS teams.
Seattle Sounders FC's form heading into Leagues Cup 2023
Seattle Sounders FC has hit the ground running as one of the top Western Conference teams. Schmetzer and Co. will look to carry that momentum into Leagues Cup, a competition they have yet to win.
CF Monterrey and Real Salt Lake will be tough clubs to beat out. Still, if Seattle Sounders FC comes out of the group, they can ride that wave to win Leagues Cup and finish this season on a
high note and make a deep run in the playoffs for an MLS Cup.
Nicolás Lodeiro, Seattle Sounders FC's undisputed leader
Since he arrived at the club in July 2016, Nicolás Lodeiro has become an invaluable piece to the starting lineup. The Uruguayan has lifted trophies while in the Pacific Northwest. Lodeiro has won two MLS Cups and a Concacaf Champions League.
At 34, Lodeiro's playing career is winding down. Additionally, he will become a free agent later this year, and if this is the end of the midfielder with Seattle Sounders FC, lifting more trophies would be the ideal send-off.
Jordan Morris, the goal scoring abilities continue to shine
The 28-year-old American is decisive for any championship aspirations that Seattle Sounders FC has this season. Morris has been vital for the squad during his tenure with the club, winning three trophies like Lodeiro.
Morris' good form hasn't gone unnoticed, as he earned a call-up for the United States national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Gold Cup 2023 competition.
A young Brazilian talent to bolster Seattle Sounders FC's attack
Seattle Sounders FC, like many MLS clubs, is betting on young South American talent. For Schmetzer and Co., the club might have hit the jackpot by signing Léo Chú. Game after game, the Brazilian is producing for the attack, so he'll be critical if the squad wants to advance to the knockout stages of Leagues Cup.
