Seattle’s Secret Weapon? How Y. Gómez Andrade #28 Is Making Opponents Cry, Fans Laugh, and Coaches Reconsider Retirement
When you watch Seattle Sounders FC line up, #28 Yéimar Gómez Andrade stands out—not just because he’s tall, but because he brings a steady presence and a bit of grit that makes Seattle tough to break down.
He’s one of MLS’s most reliable center backs, picking up Best XI honors and anchoring the league’s stingiest backline in 2024.
Gómez Andrade built his career in Argentina before landing in Seattle in 2020, and he pretty much became a key piece right away. Born in Tadó, Colombia, he came up through Rosario Central and Unión de Santa Fe—so he arrived with real experience, and it showed from the start.
His career path says a lot about steady growth and adapting to new challenges. That’s what it takes to last at the top.
With the Sounders, he reads the game well, wins aerial duels, and keeps the defense organized. He always seems to show up in big games, whether it’s against Portland or in the Leagues Cup.
If you look at his career highlights, his defensive partnerships, and the respect he gets around the league, it’s obvious why Seattle keeps leaning on him.
Contents
Player Overview
He’s built his reputation on consistency and a clear sense of what’s needed at the back. You see a defender who’s blended solid play in South America with standout years in MLS, earning respect as one of the league’s top center backs.
Personal Background
Yeimar Pastor Gómez Andrade was born on June 30, 1992, in Tadó, Colombia. He kicked off his professional career in Argentina before heading to MLS.
He played for Rosario Central, Arsenal de Sarandí, Independiente Rivadavia, and Unión de Santa Fe before joining the Sounders in 2020.
He never went through a U.S. college program—pretty common for international MLS guys. Instead, he learned his craft in South America, getting minutes in both Argentina’s top and second divisions.
That path gave him real defensive awareness and a toughness that travels well. By the time he got to MLS, he’d already spent nearly a decade as a pro.
Playing Position and Style
You watch Gómez Andrade and right away, you notice he’s a central defender, usually on the right side. He uses his strength and positioning to shut down attackers.
His defensive numbers jump off the page—he racks up interceptions, clearances, and wins a ton of aerial duels.
He relies more on anticipation and timing than raw speed. That helps him cut out passes and win balls before things get dangerous.
His reading of the game makes him a reliable anchor, especially with a quicker partner next to him.
The stats back it up:
| Season | MLS Appearances | Interceptions | Clearances | Aerial Duel % | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 29 | 86 | 147 | 70% | 0 |
| 2022 | 26 | 75 | 121 | 68% | 0 |
| 2024 | 28 | 82 | 93 | 70% | 1 |
That’s why he keeps getting named to the MLS Best XI.
Jersey Number and Physical Attributes
He wears the number 28 for Seattle. That number’s pretty much become his trademark since 2020.
Standing 1.87 meters (6’2″) and weighing 82 kg (181 lbs), Gómez Andrade has the build you expect from a central defender. He uses his frame to win headers and hold off physical strikers.
He’s right-footed, which fits Seattle’s style when they want to play out from the back. The combo of size, strength, and balance gives him an edge in one-on-one battles, especially in the box.
You notice how he uses his body smartly, not just relying on athleticism. That, plus his experience, makes him one of the most dependable defenders in the league.
Seattle Sounders FC Career
He showed up in MLS without much hype but quickly became one of the league’s steadiest defenders. His consistency, physicality, and game sense turned him into a key part of Seattle’s backline.
Joining Sounders FC
Yéimar Gómez Andrade joined Seattle in February 2020 after a few solid years in Argentina. He already had a reputation as a steady center back, but MLS gave him a bigger platform.
The Sounders brought him in with Targeted Allocation Money, which told you they really valued defensive stability. At 6’2″, he brought size, strength, and tactical smarts to a team that had just won MLS Cup in 2019.
He grew up in Tadó, Colombia, and played college-level soccer back home before turning pro. That background set him up for MLS, where games can get pretty physical. He ended up as Seattle’s Defender of the Year after just one season.
Key Matches and Performances
A few games really stand out. In 2020, he scored the winner against Real Salt Lake—kind of a big deal for a center back. He also played every minute of the Sounders’ playoff run that year.
In 2021, he led MLS in interceptions with 86 and made the Best XI. That year, he shut down Portland in a huge rivalry match and helped the team keep a clean sheet.
His 2024 season might’ve been his best yet. He led a defense that gave up just 35 goals—the fewest in MLS—and helped earn 11 shutouts when he was on the field. That year, he picked up his second Best XI selection and a fifth straight Defender of the Year award for Seattle.
Selected Stats (MLS Regular Season)
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Interceptions | Clearances | Shutouts with Yeimar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 19 | 2 | 52 | 68 | 8 |
| 2021 | 29 | 0 | 86 | 147 | 13 |
| 2024 | 30 | 1 | 70+ | 82 | 11 |
Role in the Team
His role isn’t just about stats. As a right-footed center back wearing No. 28, Gómez Andrade gives the Sounders structure and a sense of calm. He organizes the backline, which lets others push forward.
Coaches and technical staff keep trusting him in the biggest games. He wins aerial duels at one of the best rates in MLS and almost never loses a one-on-one.
His teammates have voted him Defender of the Year five times in a row. That says a lot about how much they count on him. For fans, it means watching a defender who not only clears danger but also helps build attacks.
His presence gives Seattle a defensive identity—one built on discipline and consistency. That’s a big reason the club stays near the top year after year.
2024 MLS Season Highlights
In 2024, Yéimar Gómez Andrade put together one of his most consistent seasons. He anchored Seattle’s defense, earned league-wide recognition, and stepped up in the biggest moments.
Defensive Records and Achievements
He made the 2024 MLS Best XI for the second time, joining a short list of Seattle players with multiple nods. That honor reflected his leadership on a backline that allowed the fewest goals in MLS.
He started 28 out of 30 matches—pretty impressive durability. Seattle kept 13 shutouts, with 11 coming when he was on the field.
He won 70% of his aerial duels, leading the team in that category.
Here’s a quick look at his key stats:
| Category | Stat | MLS Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Clearances | 82 | 3rd |
| Challenges Won | 93 | 2nd on team |
| Shutouts on field | 11 | — |
| Goals Allowed (Team) | 35 | Fewest in MLS |
At 32 and a product of Rosario Central’s youth academy, he played with real veteran savvy. His fifth straight Sounders Defender of the Year award showed how much his teammates trusted him.
Decision Day Performance
On Decision Day against the Portland Timbers, Gómez Andrade did more than just defend. He scored Seattle’s only goal in a 1-1 draw—a rare but clutch moment.
That goal came in a rivalry game with playoff seeding on the line. It was a good reminder that even center backs can change a match with one set piece.
The draw locked in Seattle’s spot on the Western Conference Final path. While his defense carried most of the year, that goal against Portland proved he can step up when it matters.
Western Conference Final Run
Seattle’s playoff run ended with a 1-0 loss to LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park, but the journey itself was impressive. It marked the club’s seventh trip to the Western Conference Final—a level of consistency most teams envy.
Gómez Andrade’s leadership kept the defense organized throughout the postseason. Seattle gave up just one goal in the final, but the attack couldn’t find a breakthrough against a Galaxy squad led by Riqui Puig.
The Sounders finished the year 22-13-12 across all competitions. Even though the loss stung, his defensive work in the playoffs showed why he’s earned league honors and why Seattle stays so hard to beat in the West.
Defensive Partnerships and Teammates
You can’t ignore how much a defender’s impact depends on those around him. Yeimar Gómez Andrade, who played college soccer at Tiro Federal before turning pro, has built solid partnerships that shape his role on the backline.
His connections with teammates highlight balance, communication, and complementary skills.
Jackson Ragen Partnership
When you watch Gómez Andrade and Jackson Ragen together, you really notice how their styles just mesh. Gómez Andrade brings strength in aerial duels and one-on-one defending. Ragen, on the other hand, offers a calmness on the ball and a nice passing range.
This balance lets Seattle build out of the back with confidence, which isn’t always easy. Ragen steps into midfield, freeing Gómez Andrade to focus on marking top strikers.
Their chemistry makes a difference. It cuts down on defensive breakdowns and helps the team transition more smoothly.
Key 2024 Stats (MLS Regular Season):
| Player | Clearances | Interceptions | Passing Accuracy | Aerial Duels Won % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y. Gómez Andrade | 82 | 45 | 84% | 70% |
| Jackson Ragen | 65 | 38 | 87% | 65% |
They form a pairing that blends physicality with technical security. Seattle has one of the most reliable central defenses in the league because of it.
Influence of Chad Marshall
You just can’t talk about Gómez Andrade’s role without thinking about Chad Marshall. Marshall, a three-time MLS Defender of the Year, really set the bar for what it means to anchor Seattle’s backline.
His calm presence and leadership gave young defenders a standard to chase. Gómez Andrade has picked up on that influence.
You see it in his positioning, how he reads attacks early, and his steady play over several seasons. Like Marshall, he rarely panics, even when things get frantic.
The connection isn’t direct mentorship, but the legacy is there. Both earned multiple MLS Best XI honors, and both anchored defenses that allowed among the fewest goals in the league.
Collaboration with Raúl Ruidíaz
At first, a center back and a striker don’t seem all that connected. But Gómez Andrade and Raúl Ruidíaz actually influence each other’s roles quite a bit.
Ruidíaz presses and moves up front, which takes pressure off the backline. That gives Gómez Andrade more space to organize the defense.
Their battles in training sharpen both players. Gómez Andrade improves his timing against quick runs, while Ruidíaz gets to test himself against one of the league’s toughest defenders.
That competitive edge shows up in matches. When Ruidíaz scores, Seattle often shifts to a more compact shape.
Gómez Andrade anchors the back, protecting leads while Ruidíaz stretches opponents on counters. Their partnership is a nice reminder that defense and attack are more connected than people think.
MLS Recognition and Honors
Yeimar Gómez Andrade’s career stands out not just for his defensive consistency but also for how often he gets recognized among the league’s best. His honors reflect both individual quality and the respect he’s earned from teammates, coaches, and league voters.
MLS Best XI Selections
Gómez Andrade made the 2024 MLS Best XI, his second career selection. He joined defenders Jordi Alba of Inter Miami and Steven Moreira of Columbus Crew on the backline.
This put him in rare company—only three Seattle players have earned multiple Best XI nods: Chad Marshall, Raúl Ruidíaz, and now Gómez Andrade.
In 2024, he anchored a defense that allowed just 35 goals, the fewest in Major League Soccer. Seattle recorded 13 shutouts, 11 of those with him on the pitch. He won 70 percent of his aerial duels, which is just impressive.
MLS Best XI Selections (Seattle Players)
| Year | Player(s) | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Yeimar Gómez Andrade | Defender |
| 2021 | João Paulo, Raúl Ruidíaz, Yeimar Gómez Andrade | Midfielder, Forward, Defender |
| 2020 | Nicolás Lodeiro, Jordan Morris, Raúl Ruidíaz | Midfielder, Forward, Forward |
| 2018 | Chad Marshall | Defender |
| 2014 | Chad Marshall, Obafemi Martins | Defender, Forward |
Year-End Awards and Accolades
You have to appreciate Gómez Andrade’s consistency when you look at his year-end recognition. His teammates voted him Sounders Defender of the Year five seasons in a row.
That kind of respect inside the locker room can mean as much as league-wide honors. In 2024, he finished third in voting for MLS Defender of the Year, behind Moreira and Alba.
That put him among the league’s top three defenders—a solid achievement in a year full of standout backlines. He even chipped in a goal, scoring once in a rivalry draw against Portland. Not his main job, but it shows he can impact games in different ways.
Comparisons with Other Defenders
If you stack Gómez Andrade up against peers like Jordi Alba and Steven Moreira, the numbers tell you a lot. Alba brings attacking flair from the left. Moreira stands out for his versatility with Columbus.
Gómez Andrade, though, gives Seattle stability and consistency in central defense. He finished third in MLS with 82 clearances in 2024, and his 93 challenges were second on the team.
Those stats show how he breaks up attacks and keeps his cool under pressure. Not many match his aerial win rate, so he’s a big asset on set pieces.
Alba thrives in possession, Moreira covers multiple roles, but Gómez Andrade shines at reading the game and organizing the backline. For Seattle, that reliability is sometimes more valuable than any flashy highlight.
Key Defensive Stats (2024)
| Player | Team | Clearances | Aerial Duel Win % | Shutouts Involved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yeimar Gómez Andrade | Seattle Sounders | 82 | 70% | 11 |
| Jordi Alba | Inter Miami | 54 | 61% | 7 |
| Steven Moreira | Columbus Crew | 68 | 65% | 9 |
Notable Matches and Opponents
You really see what a defender is made of when the pressure ramps up. Yéimar Gómez Andrade has shown up in big matchups against rivals and playoff contenders, often shaping the outcome with his positioning, aerial strength, and timing.
Performances Against LA Galaxy
If you think of tense games, Seattle Sounders vs. LA Galaxy is usually up there. Gómez Andrade played a central role in the 2024 Western Conference Final, where Seattle lost 1-0 to the Galaxy.
His presence limited chances, but one lapse decided it. In earlier meetings, he managed aerial duels against tough forwards, winning a lot of headers and cutting off service from wide areas.
His 6-foot-1 frame and sharp timing made a difference. During the regular season, Seattle’s backline, anchored by Gómez Andrade, gave up just 35 goals—the fewest in MLS.
Against the Galaxy, he matched up with attackers like Javier Hernández and Dejan Joveljić, using his strength to disrupt their flow.
Stat Snapshot vs LA Galaxy (2024)
| Match | Result | Clearances | Aerial Duels Won | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 0-0 Draw | 7 | 5 | 0 |
| Western Conf. Final | 0-1 Loss | 6 | 4 | 1 |
Key Moments Versus Portland Timbers
Rivalry games against the Portland Timbers always bring extra intensity. Gómez Andrade has been right in the middle of those battles.
In October 2024, he scored a rare goal in a 1-1 draw on Decision Day. That finish came off a set piece and showed he can contribute at both ends.
You saw him track Portland’s forwards closely, especially in transition. He stepped into passing lanes, forcing Portland wide and leading Seattle in interceptions during those matches.
The Timbers like to counter quickly, but Gómez Andrade’s positioning slowed them down. His goal against Portland highlighted his awareness, timing, and willingness to step forward at just the right moment.
Key Highlight vs Portland
- Match: 1-1 Draw, Oct. 19, 2024
- Contribution: 1 Goal, 5 Clearances, 3 Interceptions
Matches with Minnesota United
When Seattle faces Minnesota United, Gómez Andrade doesn’t really focus on scoring. Instead, he brings a calm, steady presence to the backline.
You can see him constantly organizing the defense, making sure everyone holds their shape against Minnesota’s midfielders and strikers.
In a bunch of those matchups, he stepped up and helped Seattle control the pace. He won key aerial duels and cleared out dangerous balls before they became real threats.
He talks a lot with Jackson Ragen, and that communication really stands out, especially when Minnesota tries to press high.
Seattle usually keeps Minnesota to pretty low scores. Gómez Andrade stands out when he faces players like Emanuel Reynoso one-on-one.
He reads through balls well and cuts off those central runs, which just kills off a lot of Minnesota’s best chances to score.
Defensive Output vs Minnesota United (2023-2024)
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals Conceded Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 |
Gómez Andrade played his college soccer at Rosario University in Colombia before he turned pro. He keeps showing that good defending really does change the outcome in these matchups.
