Seattle Sounders FC concluded their European preseason tour with mixed results on Thursday at Marbella Football Center in Spain, defeating Swedish side Hammarby IF 3-1 before falling 3-0 to Ukraine’s FC Metalist 1925. The matches marked the return of winger Paul Arriola, who made his first appearance since suffering an ACL tear in March 2025.
Osaze De Rosario led the Sounders’ attack in the opening match against Hammarby, scoring in the 8th minute and adding a second goal in the 65th to complete his brace. Jesús Ferreira contributed to the scoring with a goal in the 63rd minute as Seattle controlled proceedings against the Swedish club.
The second match of the doubleheader proved more challenging, as FC Metalist 1925 shutout the Sounders 3-0. The Ukrainian side’s victory highlighted the defensive adjustments Seattle will need to address before the regular season begins.
The most significant development came with Arriola’s 60th-minute substitute appearance, his first competitive action in nearly 11 months following reconstructive knee surgery. The veteran winger’s return provides a crucial boost to Seattle’s attacking options as the club prepares for the 2026 MLS campaign.
Seattle will host Louisville City FC in their final preseason friendly on February 15 before opening the MLS season against the Colorado Rapids on February 22.
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