Sounders' Defensive Lineup Faces Challenges Ahead of Club World Cup Opener Against Botafogo

June 13, 2025
Sounders' Defensive Lineup Faces Challenges Ahead of Club World Cup Opener Against Botafogo
  • Head coach Brian Schmetzer announced that Jordan Morris is making progress and may return soon, but he will miss the upcoming match against Botafogo due to a minor setback.

  • In a positive development for the Seattle Sounders, Kim Kee-hee has completed two consecutive full training sessions, positioning him as a contender for the Club World Cup opener against Botafogo on June 15, 2025.

  • The Sounders are currently facing a shortage of defenders, with only Jackson Ragen and Jon Bell available as natural centerbacks, making Kim's potential return even more critical for the team's defensive lineup.

  • In contrast, Yeimar Gomez Andrade has encountered a setback, suffering a calf injury during rehabilitation for a previous hamstring issue, which is expected to delay his return by approximately 3-4 weeks.

  • The Sounders' performance has been notably affected by player availability; with Kim on the field, they boast a positive goal differential of 13-7, whereas without him, they have been outscored 18-12.

  • Despite his limited playtime this season, Jordan Morris has managed to score three goals in under 300 MLS minutes, although he has missed 13 of the 18 matches due to a hamstring injury.

  • The installation of temporary grass at Lumen Field is set to undergo two weeks of settling time, which is anticipated to enhance its quality compared to previous installations.

  • Although the Sounders will not train on the new temporary grass, they are keeping an eye on its installation through a live camera feed, which Schmetzer finds promising.

  • João Paulo, a former Botafogo player, shared insights on the club's financial struggles during his time there, contrasting it with the current success under new ownership, highlighted by their recent Copa Libertadores and Serie A title wins.

Summary based on 1 source


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