Reigning champions Seattle Sounders ready for teams' maximum effort at MLS is Back Tournament - MLSsoccer.com

"I still feel like there's a target on our back because we're the previous champions and rightfully so, I think," Roldan said.

Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer cited veteran center back Shane O'Neill as a player who has looked ready to contribute, while Roldan discussed his takeaways from training with the young players Seattle signed to the first team leading up to the tournament.

"I think it's a really good opportunity for [the young players] to prove themselves," Roldan said. "I've been impressed with all the youngsters, especially one of the latest signing, Shandon [Hopeau], a player that has that extra ability to take players on as well as Ethan [Dobbelaere], who works his butt off and listens, he's a sponge on the field, which is really good to see.

"Guys are ready, Nico's ready, and I think the team is ready to have these games start," Schmetzer said.