Sounders Road Trip Continues with a Journey to St. Louis

The Seattle Sounders head to the “Gateway to the West” to take on St. Louis CITY SC this coming weekend. The Rave Green have won 5 of their 6 meetings all-time against St. Louis, including two wins on the road.

Brian Schmetzer’s side came up short last weekend against Real Salt Lake, losing 2-1 despite a late push for a comeback. The Sounders lone goal came from captain Cristian Roldan off a corner kick provided by Albert Rusnak.

The squad has had a bit of an injury bug as of late, with four different wingers being listed on the injury report. Georgi Minoungou was a late addition last weekend with a minor fracture in his foot, although he has been cleared by doctors to play. Paul Rothrock picked up an ankle injury during the match against RSL and was out of training all but one day this week.

“Georgi’s fine. Paul (Rothrock), he’s a tough kid. He should be fine, but he is gonna be listed questionable just because his foot is still bothering him,” Head Coach Brian Schmetzer said in regards to the injuries. Rothrock’s ability to play this weekend will be determined on if he can power through the injury. Schmetzer indicated that Rothrock would take “anti-inflammatory” medication and go from there.

Photo: Ryan Hampton / House of Sounders

Additionally, Ryan Sailor was absent from training as he joined the Inter Miami team at the White House celebrating their 2025 MLS Cup. Sailor has been injured with, what Schmetzer called, a “degenerative knee issue.” Sailor joined the Sounders this offseason but has not been in training since the knee issue flared up during the first week of preseason.

The Sounders are on game two of their five straight MLS road games, as Lumen Field is getting grass placed in preparation for the World Cup. The Sounders went 5-4-8 on the road last season with a -8 goal difference, compared to their 10-6-1 home record in 2025. In 2024, the Sounders had a winning record on the road (8-2-7), but had a significantly worse home record than in 2025.

The Sounders are 2-0-1 on the road against St. Louis, losing last season on the road 1-0. The Sounders previously had won 2-0 and 2-1 in 2024 and 2023 respectively. The Sounders are undefeated at home against STL. Last year’s match in St. Louis was decided by a 15th minute set piece goal by Eduard Löwen.

Seattle has a midweek matchup against the Vancouver Whitecaps following this weekend’s match. It will be the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16. The Sounders will likely use some form of rotation within the starting lineup as the fixture congestion begins to hit.

Photo: Ryan Hampton / House of Sounders

“Provided we have enough healthy bodies, yes we will make rotations,” said Brian Schmetzer when asked about potential rotations for the match against St Louis CITY following Friday’s training session.

In regards to the CCC matches, Brian Schmetzer has indicated that Stefan Frei will be the starting goalkeeper for that tournament. “(Stefan Frei) is gonna get the CCC competition. That’s for sure. Later in the season, let’s just see how the season progresses. That’s what I’ve normally done. You want to keep your goalkeepers in some sort of rhythm and form,” said Schmetzer.

Stefan Frei was notably the Concacaf Champions League Golden Ball winner in 2022, given to the player of the tournament. The Sounders won the CCL in 2022 after defeating PUMAS in the cup final.

“Andrew (Thomas) has started off the year well, he’s done good. Stef will get a couple games here in CCC, let’s see how far we can go in that competition. And then after the World Cup break when Leagues Cup comes around we’ll make another determination,” said Schmetzer in regards to potential goalkeeper rotation.

Photo: Ryan Hampton / House of Sounders

Additional rotation may be required for the Sounders if neither Minoungou or Rothrock can start against STL. If that is the case, expect Paul Arriola to see his first start of 2026 and his first start since suffering a torn ACL in CCC last March. Arriola, when asked about if he was fit to go for 90 minutes, stated he was “ready to go” if he is needed to start.

Another potential spot for rotation would be up top at the center forward position. Osaze De Rosario has been the starter for the opening two weeks after a great preseason, however he has yet to find a goal in 2026. If the Sounders intend to start De Rosario in the CCC match, then Danny Musovski may likely start against St. Louis.

Musovski led the Sounders with 18 goals across all competitions last season. In the match against his former club Real Salt Lake, Musovski had put the ball in the net as a second-half substitute, but the goal did not stand as Paul Rothrock was offside in the buildup.

Lastly, there is potential for rotation in the midfield. Hassani Dotson won the starting role next to Cristian Roldan after Obed Vargas’ departure to Atletico Madrid. Snyder Brunell has come off the bench in the first two matches, while u-22 loanee Nikola Petkovic made his first appearance for the Sounders last match against RSL. If the Sounders would like to try a new look in the midfield, one of the young midfielders could be given a chance this weekend.