Goalkeepers (4)

1 Michael Gspurning: The spotlight will shine brightly on the tall Austrian, who starts a new era at the position following the retirement of local legend Kasey Keller.

33 Andrew Weber: Former participant in CBS reality series "The Amazing Race" has earned the backup job, at least early in the season.

35 Bryan Meredith: Pushing hard for the No. 2 spot. Won a PDL championship with the Kitsap Pumas last season, where he played against the Sounders in the Open Cup.

29 Josh Ford: The No. 3 last year currently is recovering from a knee injury and is expected to be out several weeks.

Defenders (9)

31 Jeff Parke: Seattle's returning Defender of the Year earned his first national team call-up in January and his first cap in an international friendly against Panama.

34 Jhon Kennedy Hurtado: "El Presidente" hopes to regain his 2009 form, when the Colombian was an MLS All-Star and MLS Defender of the Year finalist.

5 Adam Johansson: New starter at right back is great at joining the attack. Could serve with the Swedish national team in the European championships this summer.

12 Leo Gonzalez: Veteran left back played key role in CONCACAF Champions League. Represented Costa Rica in the 2006 World Cup.

4 Patrick Ianni: A third capable starter at center back and a physical presence who can also play as a defensive midfielder if needed.

20 Zach Scott: The oldest player on the team. A longtime Sounder from the USL days, he's always in great shape. Very versatile, too.

8 Marc Burch: Acquired in the re-entry process after five years with D.C. United. As a converted forward, he has skills with the ball and can aid in the attack from the left side.

14 Michael Tetteh: College standout at UC Santa Barbara is a dynamic option on the left. Abilities in the attack also make him an option as a midfielder.

30 Andrew Duran: Rookie from Creighton will be out several weeks after undergoing knee surgery last week. Can play any position on the back line.

Midfielders (12)

10 Mauro Rosales: Reigning MLS Newcomer of the Year earned DP status with an offseason raise. The Argentine is a fan favorite and expected to serve as team captain.

6 Osvaldo Alonso: Two-time team MVP is one of the most feared central midfielders in the league. Cuban defector is nicknamed "Honey Badger" for his defensive tenacity.

15 Alvaro Fernandez: Another designated player, he played in the 2010 World Cup for Uruguay and is perhaps the Sounders' biggest threat to score with his head.

3 Brad Evans: An engine in the middle of the midfield. Will be called upon to win duels and facilitate the possession. Went 3 for 3 on penalties kicks last season.

11 Steve Zakuani: In the final stages of his recovery from a broken leg and related complications. Has targeted a return to the field in May or June.

24 Roger Levesque: Supreme versatility, infectious personality. Former USL Sounder is known for goal celebrations and being hated in Portland.

23 Servando Carrasco: Toughness and consistency got him on the field his rookie year. He's longtime boyfriend of U.S. women's star Alex Morgan.

28 Christian Sivebaek: Awe-inspiring physically. The Dane is 6 feet 3, also one of the fastest players on the team as a wide midfielder.

22 Michael Seamon: Got in great shape over the offseason and can play any position in midfield entering his third year.

21 Cordell Cato: Young Trinidadian impressed last year in a summer tryout before earning a contract. Blazing speed, either on the wing or up front, is his biggest asset.

27 Alex Caskey: A 2011 MLS SuperDraft choice didn't make the team last year, but earned a spot this time after spending a year with Charleston (USL).

25 Andy Rose: Acquired in draft-day trade with Real Salt Lake and provides depth in the middle. Became the third UCLA player on the team.

Forwards (6)

17 Fredy Montero: The leading man up front has led team in scoring the past three years. A popular preseason pick leaguewide for 2012 MLS most valuable player.

7 Eddie Johnson: Big-name acquisition has suffered injuries in preseason, but has blue-chip talent and could become one of the league's more lethal goal-scorers.

16 David Estrada: A training camp revelation who has worked his way onto the field. Fitness coach says he's in the best shape of any Sounder in club history.

26 Sammy Ochoa: Acquired in the allocation process last season, has shown improvement recently after receiving mixed reviews in preseason.

19 Babayele Sodade: Rookie from Alabama-Birmingham is the biggest option up front at 6-3. In the player pool for Canada's U-23 national team.

13 O'Brian White: In the middle of complicated recovery from recurring blood clots in his left leg. Team might buy out his contract before kickoff Saturday.

Joshua Mayers