Having Major League Soccer’s highest attendance brings high expectations. Fans expect a championship this year, and the Seattle Sounders are desperate to make it happen even if it means paying a quality player to leave. The club bought out the contract of Christian Tiffert’s, and numerous reports claim Nigerian forward Obafemi Martins is close to signing with the Sounders, although that move remains in limbo. That would not be the first designated player news this winter. Fredy Montero went on loan to his native Colombia, and MLS veteran Shalrie Joseph was picked up in a trade from Chivas USA. The moves change the team’s entire makeup. Joseph and Osvaldo Alonso generally play similar defensive roles, so Sigi Schmid would have the option of playing one or both. Meanwhile, Mario Martinez and Steve Zakuani will be asked to take on bigger roles this year.

Martins, paired with Eddie Johnson, could put the Sounders over the top. If that deal does not happen, expect the Sounders to push for a similarly big signing this summer.

EXPECTED FINISH: 1st in the Western Conference. Trusting the Sounders get at least one more big signing, this team is one of the favorites to win a championship this year.