The Sounders depth at midfield will get a boost for their fourth-round matchup with Kitsap Pumas as they begin their quest for their fifth Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy. The team announced that Sounders FC 2 rookie Zach Mathers has been signed to a short-term contract with the first team in order to be available against the Pumas.
Major League Soccer teams are allowed to "call up" players from their USL squads up to four times a season, for up to four days each, but only for non-MLS competitive matches. Since MLS affiliate teams are no longer allowed to participate in the USOC, there's no conflict of a player being "cup-tied" to one squad or the other.