Editor’s note: This is part of a series of stories looking at the individual performances of Defiance players who are under contract in 2025. You can find all the stories here.
Snyder Brunell is the latest in a long line of central midfielders to come through the Sounders Academy. Capable of playing as a 6 or an 8, Brunell is a solid passer and an engine in midfield willing and able to go into challenges against any opponent.
Born: March 23, 2007 (17)
2024 stats: 4 goals, 4 assists, 20 shots, 1,939 minutes
Total professional minutes: 2,903
Year in review: Brunell established himself as a key part of coach Hervé Diesse’s squad from the beginning of the season. He played in 26 of Defiance’s 30 games between the regular season and playoffs, and made another pair of appearances for the Sounders first team during the early rounds of the U.S. Open Cup. He made the second-most appearances, tied for the most starts, and played the fifth-most minutes for Defiance despite being the youngest player signed to the team. Following Frank Daroma’s departure, Brunell became the central piece in the team’s midfield as he continued to impress folks throughout the organization.
If it all works out: Brunell could be the heir to Cristian Roldan’s place, taking over the No. 6 role when Roldan is ready or forced to step aside. He has already spent time in preseason with the first team, and seems very likely to be the next player to graduate from academy to Defiance to the big leagues. If he can continue to grow his game he could be a metronomic midfielder at the heart of Seattle’s future.
