T. Sousa — Seattle Sounders’ #31 Pulls Off a Move That Has Opponents Asking for Their Money Back

So, you’re curious about the guy in the number 31 shirt for Seattle Sounders FC and what he actually brings to the field. That’s Travian Anthony Sousa—a left-back from Lathrop, California, who joined the Sounders late in 2024 after sharpening his game in both the U.S. and Europe.

T. Sousa plays as a defender for Seattle Sounders FC, wears #31, and gives the back line some much-needed depth and versatility.

Here’s a 23-year-old who’s already stacked up experience at different levels, including a stint in Germany with Hamburger SV’s youth system and time in MLS with Sporting Kansas City II before landing in Seattle.

His journey shows resilience and adaptability—traits that make him a solid option in a league that’s honestly pretty demanding. Sousa’s presence gives the Sounders an athletic defender who can step up when needed.

Standing at 5-foot-10, Sousa mixes balance, pace, and awareness—qualities that fit Seattle’s system well. He attended youth academies in the U.S. before heading overseas, and his return to MLS speaks to his growth and determination to secure a consistent spot.

If you follow his story, you’ll see how his journey connects with the bigger picture of the Sounders’ defensive unit and the competitions they tackle. For more, check out his Seattle Sounders profile or his career overview on MLSsoccer.com.

T. Sousa’s Role at Seattle Sounders FC

Travian Sousa gives Seattle depth at left back, letting the team rotate defenders while still getting attacking support from wide areas.

His background in MLS NEXT Pro and European academies shapes how he fits into the squad now.

Squad Position and Jersey Number

Sousa lines up as a defender, mainly at left back. For Seattle, he rocks jersey number 31, which now marks his jump into the first team after years with Tacoma Defiance.

His job demands steady wide defensive coverage. You’ll see him tracking wingers, breaking up passes, and making overlapping runs when the team goes forward.

Sousa’s path took him through Hamburger SV’s academy in Germany and the USL Championship before he came back to the Sounders system. That journey gave him a broader feel for positioning and tempo at different levels.

He’s not a locked-in starter every week, but he gives Brian Schmetzer another choice when defenders need a break in a long MLS season.

Defensive Style and Strengths

Sousa’s game runs on mobility and anticipation. At 163 cm, he’s not the tallest, but he makes up for it with speed, balance, and sharp timing in challenges.

He likes to close down space fast, forcing wingers to make quick decisions. Watching him, you’ll notice he angles his body to block central passes and shepherds attackers toward the sideline.

That left foot of his? It’s an asset in wide build-up play. He can zip quick passes into midfield or whip in early crosses. That mix of defending and advancing the ball is what led the Sounders to sign him to a first-team contract through 2025.

His strengths show in recovery runs, 1v1 defending, and short passing. He’s still working on consistency against top MLS attackers, but his skill set fits right into Seattle’s defensive plans.

Key Contributions in Recent Seasons

You can follow Sousa’s progress by looking at his numbers with Tacoma Defiance before his Sounders FC call-up. He got steady minutes and contributed on both ends.

Season	Club	Matches	Starts	Goals	Assists	Passing %
2024	Tacoma Defiance	27	23	1	4	—
2023	Tacoma Defiance	25	20	0	4	78.8
2022	Tacoma Defiance	16	7	2	2	—

In 2024, he scored against The Town FC and tallied four assists—proof he can impact the attack. The year before, he chipped in four more assists and kept a solid passing rate.

Sousa also picked up playoff experience with Tacoma, which counts when you’re making the jump to MLS. He’s played for the U.S. at youth levels, so he brings some international perspective to Seattle’s back line.

You’re looking at a defender who’s worked his way up, moving from academy and reserve play into a meaningful role with Seattle’s senior squad.

Professional Career Path

Travian Sousa’s career grew through steady work in lower divisions before he earned his Sounders contract. His journey covers MLS NEXT Pro, a European detour, and several American clubs that shaped his skills as a defender.

MLS NEXT Pro and Tacoma Defiance

Sousa built his foundation with Tacoma Defiance, Seattle’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, starting in 2022. Over three seasons, he became a regular starter and logged nearly 70 appearances.

He didn’t just defend—he added three goals and 10 assists. In 2024, Sousa played 27 matches, started 23, and chipped in with a goal and four assists. That output showed he could help in the attack and still hold down left back.

Coaches trusted him in playoff games, a sign of their confidence in his defensive maturity. MLS NEXT Pro gave him regular minutes against both young pros and seasoned vets, sharpening his decision-making.

By the end of his Tacoma run, he’d earned a reputation as a reliable two-way fullback ready to step up.

Tacoma Defiance Stats (2022–2024)

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Starts
2022	20	1	2	13
2023	21	1	4	14
2024	27	1	4	23

Previous Clubs and Experience

Before Tacoma, Sousa bounced around a bit to gain experience. In 2019, he signed with Hamburger SV II in Germany, training in a tough European system. That gave him a taste of higher technical standards early on.

He came back to the U.S. in 2021, splitting time between Oakland Roots in the USL Championship and Sporting Kansas City II in USL League One. These stops tested him against older, more physical players.

Oakland forced him to adjust to a quick, attacking league, while Sporting KC II focused on structured development. All of it helped him get ready for Seattle’s developmental path.

Transition to Seattle Sounders FC

Sousa signed with Seattle Sounders FC in December 2024 on a one-year deal through 2025, with club options for 2026 and 2027. The move came after he proved himself with Tacoma Defiance and showed he could handle steady MLS NEXT Pro competition.

At 23, the Lathrop, California native brought a mix of youth and real professional experience. He’d played in Germany, the USL, and MLS NEXT Pro, so he arrived with a background that blended international and domestic growth.

Seattle picked him up to strengthen depth at left back, a spot that needs both defensive grit and attacking support. His ability to overlap, cross, and defend 1v1 made him an obvious fit.

Sousa never played college soccer—he built his whole career through pro systems. That’s becoming more common for American players who want to skip the NCAA and go straight into pro development.

If you’re curious about his current role, check out his Seattle Sounders FC profile or his Transfermarkt page.

Notable Teammates and Defensive Partnerships

A defender’s value really shows when he’s paired with the right teammates. The Sounders have built a back line that mixes youth and experience, and Sousa’s role depends on how he meshes with guys who bring different strengths.

Leo Burney’s Arrival and Collaboration

Leo Burney joined Seattle after a standout run at the University of Pennsylvania, where he grabbed Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year twice. He’s a physical, 6-3 center back who wins aerial duels and reads the game well.

Burney and Sousa already have some familiarity. Sousa spent three years with Tacoma Defiance, while Burney played locally with Ballard FC before signing with the Sounders. That shared Northwest background helps them trust each other on the field.

Burney covers space in the middle, which lets Sousa push forward from the left. Burney’s calm play balances Sousa’s mobility. Together, they form a pairing that can press high or defend deep without losing their shape.

Key Stats (2024 season):

Player	Height	College	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Honors
Leo Burney	6-3	Penn	19	4	2	Ivy League DPOY, 2024
Travian Sousa	5-11	—	27	1	4	Tacoma Defiance starter

Cody Baker and Stuart Hawkins

Cody Baker and Stuart Hawkins bring more young talent from the Sounders Academy. Baker, a versatile fullback, has already played MLS minutes and offers steady defensive positioning. Hawkins, a center back, plays with a calmness and size that stand out for his age.

When Sousa lines up with Baker, you get two defenders who handle wide spaces well. Baker’s discipline lets Sousa overlap without leaving holes. That balance matters when facing teams that love to attack down the flanks.

Pairing with Hawkins shifts things. Hawkins plays in the center, so Sousa supports from the side. Hawkins wins headers and organizes the back line, which frees Sousa up to focus on distribution and connecting with midfielders.

Homegrown Talent Integration

Seattle keeps leaning on its academy pipeline, and you can see that influence in Sousa’s partnerships. Guys like Baker, Hawkins, and Obed Vargas all came up through the system, and their familiarity with the club’s style helps Sousa settle in fast.

Sousa isn’t technically a homegrown signing, but his path through Tacoma Defiance is pretty similar. That shared experience makes it easier for him to connect with teammates who also climbed the ranks through the club.

You’ll notice the squad blends academy grads with players like Sousa who took other routes. The coaching staff values consistency, and that’s clear in how homegrown talent meshes with new signings. It gives Sousa a stable place to build long-term chemistry.

Achievements and Honors

Travian Sousa has built his career on steady contributions at both the MLS and MLS NEXT Pro levels, earning recognition for his growth and reliability. His time with Tacoma Defiance and his move to Seattle Sounders FC highlight his role in important matches and his knack for adapting against top Western Conference competition.

Team Performance in Western Conference

Looking at Sousa’s journey, his role in the Western Conference stands out. Seattle Sounders FC has always been a contender, facing off against LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers in high-stakes games. Sousa joined at a moment when the Sounders needed fresh legs at left back.

He developed through Tacoma Defiance before getting his shot with Seattle’s first team. His defensive discipline and ability to join attacks gave coaches more options. That flexibility matters in a conference where every point can change the playoff race.

Against clubs like LA Galaxy, Sousa logged reliable minutes, helping Seattle control the flanks. Even if he isn’t always in the limelight, his contributions support a team culture that blends experienced vets with up-and-coming players.

Playoff Runs and Key Matches

Playoff soccer in MLS really comes down to the smallest details, doesn’t it? Sousa’s been right in the thick of those moments.

With Tacoma Defiance, he played every minute of the 2022 playoff matches. That says a lot about his durability and the trust the coaches put in him.

In 2023, he chipped in with an assist during the Western Conference Quarterfinal against Houston Dynamo 2. He picked the right moment to get forward, and that kind of attacking push from a defender can change tight games.

By 2024, Sousa had racked up 27 appearances with Tacoma, counting playoffs. He scored once and set up four goals. Maybe those stats don’t jump off the page, but they show steady progress and a clear role when the games matter most.

Key Playoff Contributions

Year	Team	Matches	Goals	Assists	Notes
2022	Tacoma Defiance	2	0	0	Played every minute in both matches
2023	Tacoma Defiance	1	0	1	Assist vs Houston Dynamo 2
2024	Tacoma Defiance	3	1	4	Scored vs The Town FC

Milestones with Tacoma Defiance

Tacoma Defiance gave Sousa the proving ground he needed before he jumped to the Sounders first team. He started 20 times in 2023 and finished nearly 79 percent of his passes. That kind of consistency in possession stands out.

In April 2024, he scored his first goal for Tacoma against The Town FC. That moment showed off his attacking instincts from the back line.

He also added four assists that season, proving he could impact the game at both ends.

Sousa spent years in Tacoma developing at the youth national level. He had earlier appearances for the U.S. U-14, U-19, and U-20 squads, too. That mix of international experience and pro minutes set him up for Seattle’s roster.

He came through Ballistic United SC and Sacramento Republic FC’s academy. After that, he signed in Europe with Hamburger SV.

When he returned to the U.S., his steady climb with Tacoma Defiance laid the groundwork for his current spot with Seattle Sounders FC, where he wears No. 31.

Sousa spent years in Sacramento Republic’s academy system, using that time to sharpen his skills before turning pro. That background still shows in the way he plays today.

Player Development and Background

Travian Sousa built his career by making steady progress at every level—youth, club, and pro. His path mixes early training in California, time with U.S. youth national teams, and experience in both American and European systems.

Youth Soccer and Early Training

Sousa’s soccer roots are in Northern California. He played for Ballistic United Soccer Club in 2016. That step exposed him to tougher competition and set him up for the Sacramento Republic FC Academy.

At Sacramento Republic, Sousa made 82 appearances in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. He scored 24 goals as a defender, which is honestly pretty impressive.

He stood out because he contributed to the attack while staying solid at the back.

That early stretch shaped his technical skills and decision-making. The academy focused on ball control, passing, and tactical awareness—must-haves for a left back.

Team/Club	Years	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Ballistic United SC	2016	N/A	N/A	N/A
Sacramento Republic FC Academy	2016–2019	82	24	N/A

International Experience

You might remember Sousa from his U.S. youth national team days. He played at the U-14, U-19, and U-20 levels. Those games put him up against different styles and higher intensity.

He didn’t get a senior call-up, but his youth appearances showed the federation saw something in him. Playing with top prospects helped him sharpen his defensive positioning and speed.

His time in Germany with Hamburger SV’s U-19s added another layer. He signed a pro contract in 2019, made 14 appearances, and notched four assists. That stint gave him a taste of European training and a faster pace.

Personal Background and Heritage

Sousa was born September 19, 2001, in Sacramento, California. He grew up in Lathrop, California. That Central Valley upbringing put him in a soccer hotbed that’s turned out a few pros.

His career draws on both American and international influences. The U.S. academy system gave him structure, while time in Germany offered a different pro culture.

At 178 cm and 81 kg, Sousa brings size and speed to the left back spot. He’s tough to beat one-on-one. His background blends local roots with global experience, which helps him at Seattle Sounders FC.

He skipped college, choosing to go pro right after academy soccer. That move sped up his journey to higher competition and led to his 2024 signing with Seattle.

Related Clubs and Competitions

You can follow T. Sousa’s journey through different levels of soccer, from Seattle summer leagues to tough college competition in the Ivy League. Each step helped him build his skills and reputation as a reliable defender.

Ballard FC and USL League Two

Ballard FC is one of Seattle’s newer soccer clubs. They play in USL League Two, and the team gives young guys a shot to test themselves against strong opponents during the summer. Sousa’s time there kept him sharp outside the college season.

Ballard FC built a quick following and solid program. Playing in front of local fans, you could see how players like Sousa grew under real match pressure. The club’s setup felt professional, which made moving up easier.

For defenders, USL League Two offers regular minutes and a chance to get noticed. Sousa’s games with Ballard FC helped him work on his positioning and decisions in a competitive setting that’s still about development.

Ballard FC Key Points

• League: USL League Two
• Location: Seattle, Washington
• Focus: Player development and competition during summer months

USL League Two Championship

The USL League Two Championship decides the league’s best team each season. If you follow this level, you know the playoffs get intense, with single-elimination games pushing every squad’s depth and grit. Sousa played in this environment and picked up valuable postseason experience.

The championship stage brings together the league’s top squads. For defenders, it means facing forwards who are almost ready for pro contracts. Sousa showed he could handle the pressure and adjust on the fly.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what matters in this competition:

Category	Detail
Format	Knockout rounds after regular season
Importance	Exposure to pro scouts, high-level competition
Benefit to Players	Development under playoff pressure

University of Pennsylvania and Ivy League Accolades

At the University of Pennsylvania, Sousa took on one of the toughest combinations out there—serious academics and high-level athletics. You could watch him juggle Ivy League coursework while playing Division I soccer. That’s no small feat; honestly, it takes grit both on the pitch and in the classroom.

He really made waves when he grabbed the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year honor. That moment pushed him into the spotlight outside the Ivy League, too.

The Penn soccer program focuses hard on tactical awareness and building a tight defense. Sousa fit right in, holding down the back line and helping move the ball forward when needed.

For anyone dreaming of a pro career, those years at Penn mattered a lot.

University of Pennsylvania Highlights

• Conference: Ivy League
• Award: Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year
• Role: Starting defender, key contributor in defensive unit