Seattle Sounders Start MLS 2025 Regular Season with 2-2 Draw Against Charlotte FC

The Seattle Sounders kicked off their 2025 MLS regular season with a 2-2 draw against Charlotte FC. The visiting team traveled 2500 miles to face the Rave Green on another rainy afternoon in Seattle.

Jesus Ferreira on the Bench & Schmetzer’s Strategy

Head coach Brian Schmetzer opted for a 4-5-1 formation, leaving Jesús Ferreira on the bench and prioritizing a more balanced midfield.

With veterans like the Roldan brothers and Brazilian João Paulo available in the squad, Seattle aimed to start the season with a win before their crucial Concacaf Champions Cup matchup.

Match Summary: Seattle Sounders vs. Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC took the field in a classic 4-3-3 formation, led by center-back Tim Ream, who captained the defense in front of Kristijan Kahlina, one of the top goalkeepers in MLS. Head coach Dean Smith deployed a front three featuring Vargas, Abada, and top scorer Patrick Agyemang in attack.

Seattle started on the front foot, and in the 18th minute, Jordan Morris opened the scoring. The forward capitalized on a perfect cross from Minoungou, guiding the ball into the net with no chance for Kahlina.

The home side nearly doubled their lead with another cross from the right, but Kahlina made a great save to keep Charlotte in the game.

Charlotte Equalizes & Second Half Action

Charlotte FC found the equalizer in the 34th minute from a set-piece play. Defender Malanda won an aerial duel against Ragen and headed the ball home to level the match.

After halftime, the game remained intense. Jordan Morris struck again, completing his brace after a precise assist from Albert Rusnák. One-on-one with Kahlina, Morris finished clinically, putting Seattle ahead once more.

In the 71st minute, Paul Rothrock nearly sealed the victory, but Kahlina made another brilliant save, keeping Charlotte’s hopes alive.

Just when it seemed like Seattle would take all three points, Charlotte snatched a last-minute equalizer. After Kahlina initiated a play down the right, Yeimar Andrade accidentally turned the ball into his own net, securing a 2-2 draw and a positive result for the visitors.

Seattle Sounders’ Upcoming Matches

Seattle now prepares for their Concacaf Champions Cup second leg against Antigua GFC on Wednesday, once again at home. Holding a two-goal advantage, Schmetzer may choose to rotate players with upcoming MLS clashes against Real Salt Lake (away) and LAFC (at Lumen Field) in mind.