Eight answers, including the big one: Yes, Sounders can win it all

Q: Did the Sounders meet their top stated goal of getting younger and more athletic?

A: Their depth got younger and more athletic, which is probably a good thing. And they got younger and more athletic at one starting forward spot — but sliding Jordan Morris into Obafemi Martins’ old spot could take a while (if ever) to be viewed as a good thing.

But in general, the Sounders’ core is old: two of their three starting forwards are over 30, as are all three starting midfielders and three of their four starting defenders.

The window is closing.

The goal for this season was to surround the aging stars with a renewed sporting cast. Next season, the renewal can be expected to extend deeper into the starting 11.

Q: How much will they miss Obafemi Martins?

A: Oh, quite a bit.

This team has parted with talented and popular players before while surviving and sometimes even improving. Farewell Fredy Montero, goodbye Eddie Johnson, bon voyage DeAndre Yedlin.

But Obafemi Martins was Seattle’s two-time goals leader, a near-perfect partner to Clint Dempsey and a human highlight reel for fans. There is no player conveyer belt that simply serves up the next one of those.

The excitement over signing Jordan Morris was a welcome distraction, but some may still be underestimating how close to irreplaceable Martins was.

Q: Is the 4-3-3 a better formation for these Sounders?

A: It is a logical sidestepping of this roster’s obvious imbalances.

The club is forward heavy, so this gets Dempsey, Valdez and Morris on the pitch.

It also neatly accounts for the departures of Marco Pappa and Gonzalo Pineda without rushing youngsters into roles they haven’t yet earned.

But as mentioned, the three starting midfielders are all over 30, and to some degree this formation asks them cover more ground over a nearly endless MLS season.

So, this seems right for the Sounders of March. But if that open designated-player spot yields a midfielder, if Roman Torres returns good as new … then we’ll see.

Q: Will they continue to be weakened by international obligations?

A: A fair case could be made that international duty and injuries — and yes, disciplinary issues — were primarily responsible for the Sounders’ deadly playoff positioning in 2015. That team, at full strength, was about as good as MLS gets. But minus Dempsey and Evans and Pappa and more, they got a soberingly close look at the playoff red line.

Just as some college basketball teams benefit from having players who are good, but not great enough to jump to the NBA, MLS teams can benefit from having players that are good, but not great enough to be constantly called away to their national teams.

Jurgen Klinsmann’s plans for Dempsey, Morris and Evans could end up being the key to the Sounders’ season.

Q: Are the newcomers upgrades?

A: One of the surprising things about the offseason was how few newcomers arrived. Joevin Jones seems better than any left back they’ve had for a while. But there’s no case to be made that Morris is better than Martin. Farfan? Sturgis? Anderson? They’ll get their minutes, and therefore their chances to show it for themselves.

Q: Is the rest of the league improving faster?

A: Dallas and Vancouver finished ahead of Seattle in the standings, and are younger teams that could easily project as better still in ‘16. Portland finished ahead of the Sounders and will be playing with the confidence that comes from a star above their crest. Seattle still can go talent for talent with anyone in MLS. But there isn’t going to be anything easy about winning the West or adding to the trophy case.

Q: Is this core’s window of opportunity closing?

A: There’s a lot of mileage on those odometers. There comes a moment when the experience that had been an asset stars working against you. And so often in sports, the tipping point becomes clear only in retrospect. It seems likely that 2016 is the last chance for the existing Sounders core.

Q: Can this team win MLS Cup?

A: Certainly. These Sounders project solidly among the top six teams in the West. After that, they have more playoff potential than 2009 champs RSL, 2010 champs Colorado or reigning champs Portland. There also should be a beneficial sense of urgency, because if these Sounders don’t get it done, expect a swarm of new faces in 2017.

This story was originally published March 5, 2016 at 6:48 PM with the headline "Eight answers, including the big one: Yes, Sounders can win it all."