Enemy Scouting Report - Seattle Sounders
(image via Seattle Sounders FC)
The Houston Dynamo make their return to action after the first international break of the MLS season this weekend against the Seattle Sounders. Here’s what you need to know going into tonight’s matchup.
The Sounders had a goalless draw away at Minnesota in their last game, despite controlling 68% of the ball in that game, they were only able to create 0.62xG. This weekend’s game marks the end of a 5 game away stand for Seattle in MLS. They have an away record of 3W-1L-1D in all comps to start this season.
Seattle has boasted one of the best defenses in the league so far, keeping clean sheets in 4 of their 5 games so far. However, they have also only scored 5 goals in those games, ranking them as the 3rd best defense and 10th worst offense in the MLS so far.
The Dynamo have historically struggled against the Sounders, with a record of 6W-22L-9D in 32 matches. Even at home, the Dynamo have a poor record of 6W-7L-5D against Seattle. The last time the Dynamo beat Seattle was in 2021. Since then, the Dynamo have lost 8 of their 10 games played against Seattle, including 2 penalty shootout losses in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Key Players
Paul Rothrock
A longtime Sounder who came through their youth ranks, Rothrock is having himself a breakout season so far. In 6 games played, he has 4 goals and an assist, and has also been great at pressing the ball, winning the ball back 2.05 times in the final third per 90 (best in MLS)
Albert Rusnak
Rusnak has been Seattle’s talisman since joining the club in 2021, having over 20 goals and assists in each of the last two seasons. He has 6 goals and 2 assists in 17 games against the Dynamo.
Andrew Thomas
Thomas was Seattle’s backup goalkeeper in the last two seasons behind Stefan Frei until he won the starting role this season and has performed remarkably well. He has only conceded 2 goals this season from 6xG against him.
Head Coach
Brian Schmetzer
Schmetzer has been a part of the Sounder’s coaching staff since 2002, initially serving as the head coach of the Sounders when they were playing in the second tier A-League. After joining the Sounders as an assistant upon their MLS debut, Schmetzer got the head coach job close to 10 years ago. Under his leadership, Seattle has won 2 MLS cups, a Leagues Cup and a historic CONCACAF Champions Cup, which remains the only edition won by an American team in the last 25 years. He has an all time record of 14W-2L-6D against the Dynamo as a head coach.
Last Match Staring XI (from Sofascore)
Here’s how Seattle lined up for their last game, a 0-0 draw against Minnesota.
2026 Roster
Goalkeepers: Max Anchor, Stefan Frei
Defenders: Cody Baker, Yeimar Gomez Andrade, Stuart Hawkins, Kim Kee-hee, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Antino Lopez, Jackson Ragen, Alex Roldan, Ryan Sailor, Nouhou Tolo
Midfielders: Paul Arriola, Hassani Dotson, Nikola Petkovic, Cristian Roldan, Paul Rothrock, Albert Rusnak
Forwards: Osaze De Rosario, Jesus Ferreira, Jordan Morris, Danny Musovski, Pedro de la Vega