Seattle Sounders: 5 Questions for the 2017 Season

Dec 13, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC head coach Brian Schmetzer holds the MLS Cup championship trophy during a rally in downtown Seattle at Westlake Center. Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Osvaldo Alonso (6) is at right. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC head coach Brian Schmetzer holds the MLS Cup championship trophy during a rally in downtown Seattle at Westlake Center. Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Osvaldo Alonso (6) is at right. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Seattle Sounders
Dec 13, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC head coach Brian Schmetzer holds the MLS Cup championship trophy during a rally in downtown Seattle at Westlake Center. Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Osvaldo Alonso (6) is at right. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

With the MLS Cup firmly in the rear-view mirror, we look at five questions the Seattle Sounders need to answer during the upcoming campaign.

It still almost seems like it was just yesterday, that the Seattle Sounders were holding aloft the MLS Cup. In fairness, it is actually less than two months since they were crowned champions on a bitterly cold night in Toronto.

Quite rant – this proves the MLS season lasts far too long. Players deserve more time to recover, especially those involved in the playoffs.

Regardless, here we are again, with the Sounders preparing to defend their crown against all comers. So, what can we expect from Brian Schmetzer’s team in 2017?

Well, for what it’s worth — pun not intended — the Rave Green have only been listed as fourth-favorites to win it all, at 7-1. Similarly, it’s somewhat surprisingly to see their opponents in the final, Toronto, ranked as sixth-favorites, at 11-1.

Of course, it isn’t necessarily the smartest move to rely on a sports betting site to determine how you think your favorite team will do – it’s what happens on the pitch, that counts. In any event, here are five questions the Sounders need to answer, as they look to repeat as MLS champions.