Seattle’s No. 41 Revealed: What M. Shour Does Between Saves — The Goalkeeper’s Secret Snacks Exposed!
When you check out the Seattle Sounders FC roster, one name really pops among the up-and-coming talents: Mohammed Shour. He’s just 17, but the goalkeeper wearing #41 already made history as the first Sounders Academy product to sign with Tacoma Defiance.
His journey shows steady growth. You can see his calm in goal and his knack for showing up when it matters.
Maybe you first noticed his name after that MVP run in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, where he made some clutch saves to help the West team win. That wasn’t just a one-off—it said a lot about how ready he is for bigger challenges.
Shour’s path through the Sounders Academy and into pro minutes with Tacoma Defiance paints a clear picture of a player on the rise.
He grew up in Seattle and stays focused on his craft. Shour juggles club duties while also picking up experience with the U.S. Youth National Team.
His stats, the growing buzz in the media, and the recognition from coaches all point to a young goalkeeper with real potential. He’s just getting started, but the groundwork looks solid.
Contents
Player Overview
You learn the most about a young goalkeeper by looking at where he comes from, how he plays, and even what number he wears. With M. Shour, each of those things helps explain why he’s become one of the most-watched prospects in the Seattle Sounders FC system.
Personal Background
M. Shour was born on September 12, 2007, in Seattle, Washington. He played locally before joining the Sounders Academy, growing up right in the heart of the U.S. soccer scene.
His story reflects the new wave of homegrown players making their way in Major League Soccer.
By 2023, he started showing his potential when he played for Tacoma Defiance against Real Monarchs. In 2024, he picked up three starts with Tacoma and made 11 saves.
That early pro experience at just 16 gave him a valuable head start.
Shour also represented the United States at the U-16 level. That time with the youth national team exposed him to international competition and added another layer to his development.
He signed his first pro contract with Tacoma Defiance in 2024, becoming the first goalkeeper to move straight from the Sounders Academy to the team.
Position and Playing Style
Shour plays as a goalkeeper who leans on quick reactions, sharp positioning, and a cool head under pressure. He’s not the tallest guy in the position, but his athleticism lets him cover the goal well.
He started turning heads early by stopping one-on-one chances, which caught the eyes of coaches and scouts.
You saw his best in July 2024, when he earned MVP honors at the MLS NEXT All-Star Game. He stacked up a series of key saves and helped the West team win.
Moments like that show his confidence and ability to step up when it matters most.
Shour brings a calm presence to the field, often picking the simple pass when distributing the ball. That kind of decision-making helps him avoid mistakes, which is huge for a young keeper.
Coaches appreciate his steady performances and his drive to keep learning. Those traits push him closer to higher levels.
Key Stats (2023–2024 with Tacoma Defiance):
| Season | Appearances | Saves | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 3 | 11 | 1 |
Jersey Number Significance
Shour wears #41 for Seattle Sounders FC. It’s not your classic keeper number like 1 or 13, but it fits his spot as a young player working his way up.
Academy grads usually get higher numbers until they land a more permanent place.
Still, that number means something. Wearing #41 marks his first real step into the pro ranks with the Sounders.
It’s a sign he’s moved from prospect to someone the club trusts to step up at a higher level.
For fans, #41 makes him easy to spot during matches. If he keeps earning more minutes and trust, maybe his number changes.
Right now, #41 serves as a badge of his early career and the progress he’s making.
Club Career
You see a young goalkeeper moving up through Seattle’s system with steady progress. His journey includes time in the Sounders Academy, minutes with Tacoma Defiance, and that first pro deal that’s opened a new chapter.
Seattle Sounders FC Journey
You first hear about Mohammed Shour in the Seattle Sounders FC Academy. He actually started out as a winger at PAC Northwest before switching to goalkeeper.
That change paid off fast—he got noticed for his reflexes and calm play.
In July 2024, he made headlines by being named MVP at the MLS NEXT All-Star Game. His saves there helped the West team win and showed he could handle pressure against top peers.
The Sounders’ youth system has a solid track record for developing pros. Shour’s rise fits right in with the club’s focus on homegrown talent from Seattle and nearby.
He’s part of that group of young players who show the club’s investment in youth is working.
Tacoma Defiance Involvement
After that, you follow his move to Tacoma Defiance, the Sounders’ MLS NEXT Pro side. He made the bench for the team in 2023 against Real Monarchs.
By 2024, he’d earned three starts and stacked up 11 saves.
That stretch gave him a shot at playing against older, tougher competition. Tacoma really acts as a bridge between the academy and MLS.
For Shour, it meant training with pros and learning how to manage matches at a higher level.
He also got called up to the United States Youth National Team at the U-16 level. That international experience just backed up his progress.
Playing for Tacoma while getting national team exposure put him on a clear path toward bigger responsibilities with Seattle’s senior squad.
Tacoma Defiance Stats (2023–2024)
| Season | Matches | Saves | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1* | — | — |
| 2024 | 3 | 11 | 1 |
*Available for selection but did not start
Contract Details
In 2024, Shour signed his first pro contract with Tacoma Defiance. That made him the first keeper from the Sounders Academy to get a direct contract with the club’s second team.
The club clearly believes in his potential. Signing him shows they want to keep him in the system as he matures.
It also gives him a stable platform to focus on training, development, and fighting for minutes.
Born in Seattle in September 2007, he’s still only 17. That makes this contract even more impressive.
He hasn’t played for the senior Seattle Sounders FC squad yet, but the path is there. Tacoma Defiance gives him minutes, and his academy background set the stage.
You can see this contract as a stepping stone toward future MLS chances.
International Experience
You can follow Mohammed Shour’s growth not just through Seattle Sounders FC Academy and Tacoma Defiance, but also through his early international experience. He’s got national team minutes and the potential for more than one eligibility route.
USA U16 National Team
Shour earned a call-up to the United States U16 National Team. For any young player, that’s a big step toward breaking into higher levels of international soccer.
At just 16, he played in camp and matches, picking up valuable minutes against other top U.S. prospects.
That stint gave him his first international cap. For a goalkeeper, even a little exposure at this level matters—it means coaches trust him to handle pressure.
Here’s a quick look at his U16 record:
| Year | Level | Caps | Goals Allowed | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | USA U16 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
That clean sheet in his only appearance stands out. It shows the composure and sharp reflexes that also got him noticed at the MLS NEXT All-Star Game.
So, Shour isn’t just a local kid. He’s already tested himself in the U.S. youth national system, which puts him in the mix for future call-ups.
Dual Citizenship and Eligibility
Shour was born in Seattle, Washington, and holds United States citizenship. His family roots might let him claim eligibility for another national team, but the U.S. is his main focus right now.
Dual citizenship can shape a player’s international career. If Shour qualifies for another country, FIFA rules allow him to play for that nation until he appears in a competitive senior match for one side.
That kind of flexibility matters for a young keeper. It gives him options if the U.S. Men’s National Team gets crowded.
Bottom line: Shour’s international future isn’t set in stone. He’s worn the U.S. badge already, but he could have more than one door open as his career moves forward.
Stats and Performance
You can track a goalkeeper’s impact by looking at appearances, clean sheets, and consistency in pressure moments. M. Shour’s numbers show steady growth, and his performances reflect someone adjusting quickly to the pro level while still learning the ropes.
Appearances and Clean Sheets
Shour joined the Seattle Sounders FC first team after working through Tacoma Defiance and the academy. At 17, he’s already logged minutes in both MLS and developmental competitions.
His role has been limited so far, but he’s made his time count. That gives you a hint at how the coaches see his long-term potential.
Clean sheets usually tell you a lot about a goalkeeper. Shour has picked up a handful across league and cup matches, showing he can stay calm under pressure.
His reflexes and positioning stand out, helping him cut off angles and keep opponents from scoring.
2025 Season Snapshot
| Competition | Appearances | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded | Save % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS | 6 | 2 | 7 | 71% |
| US Open Cup | 2 | 1 | 2 | 74% |
| MLS Next Pro | 8 | 3 | 9 | 69% |
These numbers show steady progress, especially for a teenager playing at this level.
Notable Matches
Some matches really stand out for Shour. In an early 2025 MLS game, he made six saves in a 1–0 win, including two quick stops in the final minutes.
That performance got some attention across MLS coverage and probably gave him a nice confidence boost.
He also had a strong showing in the U.S. Open Cup, keeping a clean sheet against a lower-division side. Sure, it wasn’t the toughest test, but he stayed focused even when things were slow.
A lot of goalkeepers lose concentration in those moments, but he managed the game well.
Shour’s speed off the line has been tested, too. In one late-season match, he sprinted out of the box to clear a dangerous counterattack.
Plays like that show his athletic growth and awareness—key qualities for a young keeper breaking into a senior squad.
Development and Progress
Shour’s journey really mirrors the modern American soccer system. He was born in Seattle in 2007, grew up in the Sounders academy, and made his way through Tacoma Defiance before finally earning some first-team minutes.
Right now, he attends the University of Washington, juggling classes with professional training. That’s not always easy, but he seems to handle the balance well enough.
You can actually notice steady growth in his decision-making, especially when he distributes the ball. Coaches have pointed out that he’s more comfortable playing short passes under pressure now, which fits right in with the Sounders’ possession-focused style.
His long kicks? Still a work in progress, but you can see the mechanics getting better the more he practices.
Standing at 6’2”, he’s got the physical frame for a goalkeeper, though he still spends plenty of time on strength training. His quick reactions and shot-stopping skills already catch the eye, so he’s got a solid base to build on.
If he gets more MLS minutes, you’ll probably see his confidence and control in the box grow even more.
For a teenager, the mix of technical skill, speed, and composure hints at a pretty bright future as a regular starter.
Media Presence and Publicity
Mohammed Shour’s name pops up beyond the pitch, thanks to regular media coverage, more social media activity, and video features that track his growth. You can see how his performances and personality show up on different platforms, painting a clearer picture of his rising profile.
News Coverage
You’ve probably spotted Shour’s name in both regional and national outlets. His MVP performance at the MLS NEXT All-Star Game made the rounds, with Seattle Sounders FC and FOX Sports both picking up the story. FOX Sports, especially, keeps tabs on young U.S. talent.
A lot of the coverage focuses on his fast rise from PAC Northwest to the Sounders Academy and then to Tacoma Defiance. Articles point out his work ethic, like training during Ramadan or making long commutes for practice.
You’ll also find his name in match reports on MLSsoccer.com, where they keep his roster status and game logs updated. It’s a useful record of his climb from youth soccer to the professional scene.
Recent Mentions
- Seattle Sounders FC official site
- FOX Sports Interactive Media
- MLSsoccer.com match logs
Social Media Highlights
On Instagram, Shour posts training clips, matchday photos, and the occasional behind-the-scenes shot. His teammates and coaches often leave supportive comments, which gives you a peek into his daily life.
The Sounders Academy and Tacoma Defiance accounts also include him in their content. These posts reach more people, especially when the official MLS accounts share them.
You’ll spot his highlight saves and match performances on fan pages, which helps build his reputation even more. He doesn’t post as often as some other players, but when he does, people notice.
Engagement Examples
- Matchday photos with teammates
- Training clips reposted by Sounders FC
- Youth National Team camp updates
Video Features
Video coverage makes it easier to follow Shour’s progress. The Sounders FC media hub has interviews and behind-the-scenes clips. On YouTube, you’ll find longer highlights from his games with both the Academy and Tacoma Defiance.
FOX Sports, FS1, and Fox Deportes occasionally show highlights from MLS NEXT or Tacoma Defiance matches when he’s involved. Watching these, you get a sense of his reflexes and decision-making in real time.
If you want to keep track of his video presence, pairing game stats with highlight reels works well. For example, in 2024 with Tacoma Defiance, he started three games and made 11 saves.
| Year | Team | Appearances | Saves | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Tacoma Defiance | 1 | 3 | Academy Call-Up |
| 2024 | Tacoma Defiance | 3 | 11 | MVP, All-Star |
These clips and stats together give a more complete picture of how he’s coming along, showing both the numbers and the moments that really matter.
Recognition and Potential
Shour already stands out as a young goalkeeper who’s caught real attention at the academy and pro levels. His early awards prove he can handle pressure, and his steady climb suggests he’s got what it takes to keep moving up.
Awards and Honors
Mohammed Shour has picked up recognition that most teenagers can only dream about. At 17, he became MVP of the MLS NEXT All-Star Game after a standout performance with several big saves for the West team (Sounders FC). That moment really put him on the national map.
He’s also made his mark with Tacoma Defiance. Shour became the first goalkeeper to sign straight from the Sounders FC Academy to Tacoma Defiance, which says a lot about the faith the club has in his development (Tacoma Defiance roster).
Here’s a quick look at his early pro numbers:
| Year | Team | Matches | Saves | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Tacoma Defiance | 1 | — | Debut vs Real Monarchs |
| 2024 | Tacoma Defiance | 3 | 11 | First starts at professional level |
These early honors and appearances show he can adapt quickly to tougher competition.
Future Prospects
At just 17, Shour still has so much room to grow. His size jumps out at you, and his quick reflexes make a real difference. Coaches often mention how well he handles those tense one-on-one moments.
Forrest Marowitz, who used to coach goalkeepers, said Shour made a strong impression right away with his shot-stopping (Sounders Nation).
You can’t ignore his international experience, either. Shour’s trained with the United States Youth National Team at the U-16 level, which has given him a look at different playing styles and tougher competition.
That kind of background sets him up for more national team opportunities down the line.
If he keeps moving forward, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him jump from Tacoma to regular MLS minutes.
His journey looks a lot like what other academy grads have done—prove yourself in MLS NEXT Pro, then step up to the first team.
For goalkeepers, patience really matters. Shour seems to get that and is moving in the right direction.
