Sounders tap internal pipeline with signings of Yu Tsukanome, Sebastian Gomez

Year after year, the Sounders utilize players within their own development pathway to build a strong First Team roster. 2026 has been no different.

Announced on Jan. 13, Yu Tsukanome and Sebastian Gomez earned First Team contracts following their successful stints with MLS NEXT Pro side Tacoma Defiance. 

“With Yu, he kind of fits the mold of something we believed in year over year, which is, if you do the job for the Defiance, you will get the chance with the First Team,” said Chief Soccer Officer & General Manager Craig Waibel. “And so he definitely, categorically fits into that, based on his performance, and his goal scoring.”

“Seb is a little bit different in the sense that he's come up through our Academy, and so we're very familiar with him, and he's earned opportunities, slowly but surely,” he continued. “It was pretty apparent to us that he is exactly what we thought he would be, which is a really promising young attacking player that we think is going to continue to develop over the next two, three years.”

Following a record-breaking year in MLSNP, it made sense for Tsukanome to take his talents to the next level. In his second season with Defiance, the forward made club history with a single-season scoring record of 21 goals across all competitions. His most memorable moment of the year came when he tallied three goals in 14 minutes as a second half sub against Whitecaps 2 back in April.

“When you've been someone that scores goals, it's definitely something you want on your team, and it's that simple,” said Waibel. “He shows up every day and works hard, he does all the things you're supposed to do as a pro, but at the end of the day, attacking players like him are based and judged on whether or not they produce goals and assist them, and he's definitely done that.”

Gomez, on the other hand, has made massive strides since he first joined the Sounders Academy in 2017. The Seattle local has gone through every inch of the pathway, elevating his game throughout the process. After helping propel the U-17’s to a 2022 Generation Adidas Cup title, the midfielder began earning call-ups with Defiance the following season before signing with the team full-time in 2024 and ‘25. From there, he stood out as a key contributor to Defiance — recording five goals and six assists in 2025 alone — ultimately earning him a spot on the First Team roster. 

“Sebastian's technical ability on the ball and his willingness to exploit space off the ball, his movements are unique, kind of unique in the sense that he likes the ball at his feet, he likes to take on defenders, and so those are skill sets we were attracted to,” said Waibel.

The recent signings of Tsukanome and Gomez are not only a testament to their underlying talents and efforts, but the club’s overall commitment to player development.

The two players have taken different journeys the Sounders, with Gomez following a more traditional pathway, while Tsukanome joined Defiance after being identified through the club’s newer approach to talent identification: leveraging data analytics and scouting players who may not have initially had the opportunity to compete in a professional space.

But, the club’s objective for them was clear: to provide a structure and environment that allows them to flourish and grow in the game.

“We expose them to the mental processes and systems that have been created for all the players within the club,” said Technical Director Henry Brauner. “And if they could maximize it, and they could do really well, they can take [those] next steps.”​

With preseason underway, Tsukanome and Gomez will have the chance to compete for First Team minutes. Although they are vying for time on a deep, talented roster, breaking into the First Team has been done before and can be done again — especially from those who already understand the culture and the standard of the club. 

Former Academy and Defiance products like Paul Rothrock and Jackson Ragen have emerged as prominent figures on the Rave Green and now, it's up to Tsukanome and Gomez to follow in their footsteps.

“The next step is to put themselves in a position with the coaching staff to be selected to the roster and then to the game, and then become a name that is not even in question when it comes down to the coaches filling out their lineup card,” said Waibel. “[And] we think these two guys have a chance to kind of walk in that same path that several other guys have done.”