The Seattle Sounders are facing a major challenge in their final regular-season home game against Real Salt Lake, missing 11 outfield players due to injuries, international duty, and suspensions, which tests their team depth.

Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake is also short-handed, missing nine players due to international commitments, with DeAndre Yedlin returning to Lumen Field and expected to start for RSL.

To fill the gaps, the Sounders will call up three players from Tacoma Defiance, including four academy graduates, highlighting their strong development pipeline.

Despite the depleted lineup, experienced players like Danny Leyva, Osaze De Rosario, Stuart Hawkins, and Alex Roldan are expected to be part of the squad, showcasing the club’s successful youth development.

Jesús Ferreira emphasized the team's resilience and leadership, noting that the squad's depth will help maintain performance despite the absences.

João Paulo, returning from injury, is likely to start in midfield alongside Leyva, replacing players with national team commitments, such as Cristian Roldan and Obed Vargas.

The match is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Lumen Field, with coverage on Apple TV+ and local radio stations KJR 950 AM and El Rey 1360 AM.

The game will feature the unveiling of the Sounders' Leagues Cup championship banner, celebrating their historic achievement as the first U.S. club to win all major regional trophies.

This celebration underscores the club’s rich history and strong fan support, adding significance to the final home game of the season.

The team will rely heavily on Tacoma Defiance players, including four academy graduates—Leo Burney, Sebastian Gomez, Peter Kingston, and Antino Lopez—who are competing for spots on the matchday roster.

Defensive options are limited due to injuries to Kim Kee-hee and Yeimar, with Nouhou also unavailable due to international duty, prompting the use of reserves like Stuart Hawkins and Jon Bell.

This game provides an opportunity to observe young talents such as Hawkins, Leyva, and Lopez, who could have larger roles in future seasons as the team transitions.

Despite the squad's upheaval, head coach Brian Schmetzer expressed satisfaction with the team's effort during training, praising the youth system and players' dedication.