A notable milestone was reached in Seattle Sounders club history earlier this season, as Jordan Morris smashed his 87th career goal for the MLS team to set a new scoring record. His achievement was acknowledged at half time in the recent match against Houston Dynamo, with an on-field ceremony taking place at half time.
Morris was in attendance for the match, and soaked in the acclaim of the fans despite being missing for selection at present due to injury. It was a day of celebration overall for the Sounders, as they also honoured former player Nico Lodeiro, who spent seven years with the franchise before taking a new challenge.
During his playing career with the Sounders, the player won the MLS Cup on two occasions and also the CONCACAF Champions League. The Sounders also used their recent home match to celebrate Cristian Roldan, who recent made history by becoming the player to have made the most appearances for the franchise.
Even though the Sounders are not favored right now in the MLS odds, according to YouBet, it’s still a feat to celebrate.
Jordan overtook the long-standing record held by Zach Scott, who played 353 games for the Sounders after making his debut for the team in 1974.
Striker’s Breakthrough
Morris is already on track to become a club legend at the Sounders, and that potentially was always promised. He made his breakthrough playing at youth level for Eastside FC in Washington, where he would play between 2004 and 2012.
During his time at the team, he helped the side win the Washington State title in six of his seven years. He was also named in the Best XI in 2011, and was later awarded the Golden Ball in 2012. After a respected career at youth level, he was signed to the Seattle Sounders in 2012.
University Success
Despite signing a deal with the Sounders, Morris would continue his progression playing college soccer at Stanford University. During his freshman year, he played 21 games and led the PAC-12 with seven assists and six goals. His performances led to major history being made, as the Cardinals made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009.
Following an early elimination, Morris spent time with the Seattle Sounders FC U23 in the Development League. University success would follow in his sophomore year, as Morris was the standout player as the team won their first PAC-12 Championship in 20 years.
Morris would continue to catch the eye in his junior year, scoring 13 goals as he led the Cardinals to the PAC-12 and NCAA Championship. In the latter, he scored five of Stanford’s 12 goals. In the championship match, Morris netted twice.
Declining European Offer and Returning to U.S.
Morris’ performances throughout his stay at Stamford attracted the interest of clubs in Europe, leading to his getting a trial at German team Werder Bremen. However, despite impressing and being offered a contract, the American turned down the offer and returned to the United States, which was questioned by some soccer experts.
Morris signed for the Sounders on a professional deal in January 2016, and he was handed the highest-ever homegrown contract in MLS history. He would later make his professional debut in a CONCACAF Champions League match against Club America.
He would quickly find his feet in front of goal at the highest level, scoring against the Philadelphia Union in April 2016, before netting in each of his next three appearances. His goalscoring heroics also led to the team winning their first MLS Cup, and he was later awarded the MLS Rookie of the Year after netting 12 goals.
Injury Setback
However, Morris’ career hasn’t all been about success, as he was forced to miss nine months and the entire 2018 MLS season after suffering an ACL injury in February 2018. After returning from injury, the striker netted ten goals in 2019, as the team won a second MLS Cup.
He would then look to test himself overseas, signing with Championship outfit Swansea City in January 2021. However, his stay in England was cut short after suffering a second ACL injury just four weeks later.
Return
Morris needed to battle back to fitness, and would play a bit part throughout the 2021 season. However, he looked back to his very best in the 2022 season, scoring three goals as the Sounders won the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League. His 50th goal for the team was netted in a defeat against Montreal in June 2022.
There were signs that he was back to his very best throughout the 2023 season, scoring a second hat-trick and four goals in separate matches. His four efforts against Sporting Kansas City saw him become the first player in franchise history to achieve that feat.
His place in club history is already assured, but he will be targeting more history this season with the Sounders. The signs already look promising after netting three goals in as many appearances in the MLS.
