February 22, 2025, marks the highly anticipated season opener for Seattle Sounders FC as they take on Charlotte FC at Lumen Field. The match kicks off at 7:30 PM PT and is expected to draw considerable excitement as the Sounders begin their 17th Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign.
Seattle Sounders FC, who finished fourth in the Western Conference last season, are eager to improve upon their strong performance, which saw them reach the Western Conference Final before narrowly losing to the LA Galaxy. Adding to the intrigue of the season is the acquisition of forward Jesús Ferreira and midfielder Paul Arriola this offseason through trades with FC Dallas. Ferreira, who was honored as the 2022 MLS Young Player of the Year, scored 53 regular-season goals during his tenure with Dallas from 2016 to 2023. Arriola brought additional depth, contributing 18 goals and 19 assists across all competitions during the last two seasons with FC Dallas.
But Seattle fans have more than new signings to look forward to; they can also celebrate their team's recent 3-1 victory over Antigua GFC during the first round of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. Goals from Arriola, Pedro de la Vega, and Albert Rusnák secured the win and set the tone for the 2025 season's opening match.
On the other hand, Charlotte FC will arrive at Lumen Field with the memory of their last season fresh on the minds. Finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference and falling to Orlando City SC during their first playoff round, the team is determined to change their narrative. They secured 51 points throughout the season with a record of 14-11-9.
The excitement surrounding this season's opener is palpable, fueled by both teams' ambitions and positioning. Commentators regard the matchup as one where both squads possess talented rosters and hungry players ready to showcase their skills. After facing off against Charlotte FC, the Sounders will return to the Concacaf Champions Cup for the second leg of their Round One series against Antigua GFC, scheduled for February 26, 2025, at the same Emerald Queen Casino Pitch.
For fans unable to attend the match, multiple broadcasting options are available. The game can be streamed globally via Apple TV at 7:30 p.m. PT, with local radio coverage on 93.3 KJR FM. Spanish-language listeners can tune to El Rey 1360 AM for coverage, making the game accessible to widespread audiences.
Brought together by the foundation of competition and high expectations, this matchup between Seattle Sounders FC and Charlotte FC is bound to be one for the books. With thrilling player performances on the horizon, the anticipation is growing, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting MLS season.