“Seattle’s Secret Weapon? #37 S. Brunell Is Making MLS Coaches Lose Sleep — And Opponents Lose Their Socks!”
Here’s a new name to keep an eye on in Seattle’s midfield: Snyder Brunell, the Sounders’ latest Homegrown signing, a midfielder in #37, already turned heads with a goal in his MLS debut. He’s just 18, but he’s already stepped into the first team after climbing through the Academy and Tacoma Defiance. That kind of progress? It’s what earns a kid trust at the pro level.
Brunell’s game has roots in both Sounders Academy and U.S. U-18 international camps. Born in Plano, Texas, and raised in Kirkland, Washington, he decided to stay close to home for his development. He sharpened his skills before inking a deal that runs through 2028, with an option for 2029.
His journey says a lot about the club’s strategy—Seattle really does believe in building from within. You get a front-row seat to see how raw talent matures into a first-team contributor.
Brunell’s style fits right into the Sounders’ midfield. He connects well with teammates, and his potential matters for a club trying to balance experience with fresh legs. With that first pro goal behind him, the real question isn’t if he belongs—it’s just how far he’ll go.
Contents
Profile of S. Brunell
Brunell’s a young midfielder who’s moved up the Sounders system in a hurry. He went from academy prospect to first-team player at 18, and his growth and technical skill make it clear he’s in the club’s long-term plans.
Background and Early Life
Snyder Brunell was born March 27, 2007, in Plano, Texas. He joined the Seattle Sounders Academy and quickly stood out among his peers in midfield.
By 2024, he’d moved into Tacoma Defiance, picking up valuable minutes in MLS NEXT Pro. At Tacoma, he played 13 matches, scored twice, and chipped in an assist. That kind of consistency got him promoted to the Sounders’ senior roster.
In July 2025, Seattle signed him to a homegrown contract through 2028, with a club option for 2029. Brunell skipped college, focusing on his pro career through the academy—a growing trend among top U.S. players.
Playing Style and Strengths
Brunell’s game stands out for his composure in midfield. He mostly plays as a defensive midfielder, but he’s not shy about pushing forward.
His vision helps him connect passes under pressure, and his short passing is really sharp for his age. Physically, he’s only 168 cm, so he’s smaller than a lot of midfielders, but he makes up for it with anticipation and quick feet.
He’s good at reading the game and staying in the right spot. Coaches like how he breaks up play and moves the ball quickly to attackers.
His time with Tacoma Defiance let him test these skills against older, tougher competition. That experience made him quicker with decisions and better prepared for MLS. He’ll keep working on his defensive instincts and probably add more attacking punch soon.
Key Stats (2024 with Tacoma Defiance):
| Matches | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 2 | 1 | 900+ |
Jersey Number and Position
He wears #37 for the Sounders. That number usually goes to young guys breaking in, but for him, it marks his first step into senior soccer.
Brunell lines up as a midfielder, mostly in a defensive spot. That job takes discipline and awareness, and he’s shown he can shield the back line while starting attacks from deep.
Right now, he adds depth behind the vets in midfield and soaks up MLS experience. As he grows, expect him to get more versatile and maybe play both holding and box-to-box roles.
You can check out more on his signing here.
Journey to Seattle Sounders FC
Brunell’s rise looks like a steady climb through tough competition, from youth development to professional soccer. He’s shown commitment and consistent performances, and Seattle’s investment in homegrown players is paying off.
Development in Seattle Sounders Academy
Brunell joined the Sounders Academy after leaving Crossfire Premier in 2020. By 2021, he was playing regularly in MLS NEXT, making 22 appearances and scoring four goals.
The Academy gave him access to top coaching and a chance to play against elite youth teams. That environment really sharpened his tactical awareness.
He also picked up international experience with the U.S. U-18s at the UEFA Friendship Cup in Switzerland. Facing European teams exposed him to different styles and toughened him up for the next level.
All that set the stage for his move to Tacoma Defiance, where he started his pro journey.
Progression with Tacoma Defiance
Brunell started with Tacoma Defiance as an Academy player in 2023, making 15 appearances, scoring once, and assisting twice. By 2024, he’d become a regular starter, racking up 24 matches, three goals, and four assists.
He also came through in big moments, like a playoff goal against Ventura County FC. That kind of clutch play showed he was ready for a bigger challenge.
Here’s a look at his Defiance stats:
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 15 | 9 | 1 | 2 |
| 2024 | 24 | 21 | 3 | 4 |
| 2025* | 13 | – | 2 | 1 |
*2025 stats are midseason.
By producing at the MLS NEXT Pro level, Brunell showed he could handle the speed and physicality of pro soccer.
Transition to First-Team Squad
He signed his first-team contract with Seattle Sounders FC on July 29, 2025, running through 2028, with an option for 2029. At 18, he became the club’s 25th Homegrown Player and joined a roster with names like Jordan Morris and Obed Vargas.
Coaches and teammates both noticed his work rate. Head coach Brian Schmetzer pointed out his maturity and consistency in training.
Brunell made his debut count, scoring in a road win over LA Galaxy. That moment showed he could bring his Defiance form to MLS.
For a player who started in youth soccer and worked up through the Academy and Tacoma Defiance, this contract feels like the next logical step in his Sounders career.
MLS Debut and On-Field Impact
Brunell wasted no time after signing his first pro contract—he jumped into MLS and scored right away. His early games showed composure and the ability to make things happen in real matches.
First MLS Appearance and Debut Goal
Brunell, a Seattle-area local who came up through Tacoma Defiance, signed his first-team deal on July 29, 2025. Just two days later, he was on the field against Cruz Azul in Leagues Cup. That set up his MLS debut against LA Galaxy.
He came on in the 73rd minute and didn’t look fazed at all. Twelve minutes later, he found himself in the right spot and finished a cut-back from Alex Roldan. That made him only the fourth Sounder to score in his league debut, joining Fredy Montero, Nelson Valdez, and Pedro de la Vega.
In 17 minutes, he took two shots and scored one. For an 18-year-old, that’s pretty efficient. You could see the confidence from his academy years and his calm in front of goal.
MLS Debut Stats (vs LA Galaxy, 2025):
| Minutes Played | Shots | Goals | Pass Accuracy | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 2 | 1 | 83% | 4-0 W |
Performance in U.S. Open Cup
Before his MLS debut, Brunell played in the U.S. Open Cup. These games usually give young players a shot to prove themselves under pressure.
He didn’t score, but he kept the ball well and stayed disciplined in his positioning. Coaches trusted him with minutes in midfield, which says a lot about their confidence in him.
For a player just starting out, the Open Cup was a valuable test. It’s a different kind of challenge, with physical matchups and unpredictable games. Brunell handled it with maturity.
Key Matches: LA Galaxy and Beyond
The 4-0 win over LA Galaxy was a big breakthrough. Seattle played without Jordan Morris, Albert Rusnák, Jackson Ragen, and Stefan Frei that night. Even missing those starters, the team dominated, and Brunell’s goal highlighted the depth in the squad.
Coach Brian Schmetzer praised his work ethic and positive attitude after the game. That kind of feedback matters when you’re the new kid in a veteran locker room.
Looking ahead, matches against Minnesota United and other Western Conference teams will test if Brunell can keep up this level. Will he keep making an impact in short minutes, or earn a bigger role? His early impact hints he’s more than just a prospect—he’s ready to help now.
Seattle’s approach really leans on homegrown talent like Obed Vargas and Reed Baker-Whiting, and Brunell’s rise fits right in. His goal against LA Galaxy was the headline, but his steady play in other competitions might end up being just as important.
Role Within the Sounders Midfield
Brunell brings technical sharpness and steady decision-making to the Sounders’ midfield. He’s not flashy, but his game adds balance to a group that already includes Albert Rusnák and Obed Vargas.
Tactical Contributions
Brunell, a Kirkland native who came up through the Academy and Tacoma Defiance, plays with real discipline in the center. His positioning stands out—he doesn’t chase the ball around, but holds his shape and lets teammates get forward.
In possession, he likes quick passes to keep things moving. He’s not the main playmaker, but his short combinations help the Sounders control the rhythm. Coaches appreciate that he takes smart risks but doesn’t overdo it.
Defensively, he covers ground efficiently. He relies on reading the game and stepping into passing lanes, rather than pure speed. That kind of awareness helps balance a midfield where others are pushing higher.
2025 Tacoma Defiance Stats (Pre-Sounders contract)
| Matches | Goals | Assists | Passing Accuracy | Tackles Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 2 | 1 | 84% | 19 |
Those stats show a midfielder who contributes all over the pitch, even if he’s not the star of the show.
Comparison with Albert Rusnák and Obed Vargas
When you put Brunell and Albert Rusnák side by side, the differences just pop out. Rusnák loves to play up the field, sparking attacks with his creativity and sharp vision.
Brunell, though, hangs back more. He’s all about structure and support, not so much about threading the final ball.
Nobody expects Brunell to match Rusnák’s numbers, but honestly, he fits in well alongside him.
Now, if you look at Obed Vargas, the comparison feels a bit tighter. Both guys came up through the Academy and signed first-team deals as teenagers.
Vargas brings more bite, especially in duels, and he presses hard. Brunell, on the other hand, leans into his positioning and keeps the ball moving.
They both control midfield space, but their styles don’t totally overlap—just enough to keep things interesting.
The main thing here? Brunell gives the team some real flexibility. He can play next to Vargas in a double pivot or drop behind Rusnák in a three-man midfield.
That versatility gives Brian Schmetzer extra ways to mix up the lineup or react to different opponents.
You can check out more details on Brunell’s signing with the Sounders here.
Connections and Team Integration
You’ll see Snyder Brunell stepping into a midfield that runs on quick decisions and strong chemistry.
He’ll need to build connections with teammates who already have a presence in the squad, whether they’re veterans or other young guys from the Academy.
Collaborations with Kalani Kossa-Rienzi and Osaze De Rosario
Brunell scored his first MLS goal after a play that started with Kalani Kossa-Rienzi. That moment really shows how important timing and awareness are at this level.
You can see Brunell talking with Kossa-Rienzi, calling for the ball in space, and trusting the return pass to set up a chance. These little exchanges help build trust between midfield and defense.
Osaze De Rosario shakes things up a bit. He stretches defenses, pulling defenders with him and leaving gaps for Brunell.
When they’re on the pitch together, Brunell often finds more room to work, letting him pick a pass or drive forward.
Key On-Field Connections
| Player | Role in Brunell’s Play | Impact on Midfield Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Kalani Kossa-Rienzi | Provides service wide | Creates entry points |
| Osaze De Rosario | Stretches defenses | Opens central channels |
The more Brunell connects with these two, the smoother the Sounders’ transitions look.
His ability to read their movements makes him a steady option in possession.
Influence of Jordan Morris and Other Homegrown Talents
Jordan Morris really sets the bar for Homegrown players in Seattle. Brunell seems to be learning from Morris’ approach, especially how he balances attack with defensive work.
Watching Morris, you get why patience and steady growth matter in a pro’s career.
Other Homegrowns like Obed Vargas and Reed Baker-Whiting also offer good examples. They’ve both earned minutes by showing they can be trusted in big moments.
Brunell seems to be following that same path.
Notable Homegrown Contributions
- Jordan Morris: Veteran leader, attacking presence
- Obed Vargas: Midfield stability, ball recovery
- Reed Baker-Whiting: Versatility across positions
Brunell came up through the Sounders Academy after high school in Washington. Now, he faces the same expectations as the guys before him.
He’ll need to deliver steady performances and keep learning from the core group if he wants to stick with the first team.
Future Prospects and Career Development
Snyder Brunell’s signing shows both his steady rise through the Sounders system and the club’s commitment to young talent.
He’s put in good performances with Tacoma Defiance and picked up experience with the U.S. U-18s, which gives you a sense of where he could go next.
Potential in MLS and International Play
Brunell has already made a mark in MLS NEXT Pro, signing a pro contract with Seattle through 2028, plus an option for 2029.
At just 18, he’s shown composure in midfield, racking up goals and assists for Tacoma Defiance.
He can control the tempo and contribute on both ends, so he’s definitely a candidate for more MLS minutes. Seattle’s midfield depth will push him, but that kind of competition usually helps players grow.
Brunell also played for the United States U-18s in the UEFA Friendship Cup. Facing European teams gave him a chance to test himself against different styles.
If he keeps progressing, maybe he’ll move up to higher U.S. youth teams—or even get a senior team look down the road.
Recent Club Stats (Tacoma Defiance)
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 9 |
| 2024 | 24 | 3 | 4 | 21 |
| 2025 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 10 |
Sounders’ Commitment to Youth Development
You can trace Brunell’s path all the way back to the Sounders Academy. He joined up in 2021, hoping to break through like so many before him.
The club keeps building its reputation for promoting local players, and Brunell’s signing as the 25th Homegrown player just adds to that story. Seattle’s had guys like Jordan Morris, Obed Vargas, and Cody Baker—each of them started in this system and eventually found their way into MLS roles.
For Brunell, that’s a pretty clear roadmap. He can look at their journeys and see how to go from academy standout to first-team regular.
The Sounders clearly believe in Brunell’s long-term value. They signed him to a multi-year deal, which gives both him and the roster a bit of stability.
If you’re a fan, it’s a sign the club expects him to grow into a reliable contributor—maybe not right away, but soon enough.
Brunell grew up in Kirkland, Washington. He really is the kind of local talent the Sounders want to show off at Lumen Field.
His story just shows how committed the club is to developing players who get the culture and know what’s expected from day one.
