The Sounders on Wednesday added left back Brad Smith on a loan from English Premier League club Bournemouth. Smith is expected to not only push incumbent Nouhou for playing time, but will likely team with him at times along the left side by bumping up to a wing position.
Fixing the biggest Sounders offensive declines from their past two finalist seasons has been seen by the team as largely a two-pronged issue.
The one that got all the public attention was resolved a few weeks back when Peruvian striker Raul Ruidiaz was signed to a multi-year deal as a replacement for the injured Jordan Morris.