A couple months after winning the 2019 MLS Cup, Seattle Sounders right fullback Kelvin Leerdam showed up to preseason as the only returning defensive starter on that championship-winning side.
Left back Brad Smith’s 18-month loan stint ended, and he returned to parent club AFC Bournemouth in England. Center back Kim Kee-hee signed with Ulsan Hyundai in his native South Korea, while fellow CB Román Torres joined MLS expansion side Inter Miami.
Leerdam was unfazed. The 14-year veteran, who scored the opener in the Cup last year, felt as comfortable as ever.