Sounders FC

Sounders FC's 56 goals last season were by far the most in MLS.

But will Seattle, seven weeks away from its first league game, be able to maintain that torrid scoring pace in 2012? Signs point to yes.

The team's nine offseason departures net a loss of just two of those 56 goals — midfielder Erik Friberg (who transferred to Swedish club Malmo FF) and defender Tyson Wahl (traded to expansion Montreal) had one apiece.

Of the 11 Sounders who had multiple MLS goals last year, all 11 are back in preseason training.

"We seem to have a bounty of personnel on offense — it's a lot of fun," said forward Mike Fucito. "Each guy brings his own style; it's great. You can throw out any lineup at any time."

Due in part to the salary cap, team officials initially didn't think they could keep their talented group together beyond three seasons. Successful roster juggling, however, has set up the power-packed Sounders for an MLS Cup run in Year 4.

And while the window for keeping that core in Seattle might close after the 2012 season, prospects look good until then.

"I don't see a lot of weaknesses out there," said general manager Adrian Hanauer. "(Will) we win an MLS Cup? I don't know. But I know that this group is capable of winning an MLS Cup."

Confidence is shared throughout the team.

"I think guys know what they are capable of accomplishing this year, as long as we go about our business well," said coach Sigi Schmid.

By now, many Sounders fans know the usual suspects in the attack.

Forward Fredy Montero, 24, has led the team in scoring the past three years and his 18 goals in all competitions last season were the most of any MLS player.

Midfielder Mauro Rosales, potentially the team's third designated player in 2012, set a franchise record last year with 13 assists. Midfielder Alvaro Fernandez added nine goals.

Several others, like Fucito, midfielder Lamar Neagle of Federal Way and forward Sammy Ochoa, are expected to be contributors as well.

Two more game-changers on offense — Steve Zakuani and O'Brian White — are recovering from injuries and could return at some point this season. Offseason additions in midfielders Christian Sivebaek of Denmark and Cordell Cato of Trinidad provide danger on the wings.

"We have really good players," said Montero, "and we have the opportunity to show that by winning the MLS Cup."

Notes

• Sounders FC announced a partnership Wednesday with Tacoma Tide FC to have the local Premier Development League team re-branded as the Sounders FC U-23s and integrated into the organization's youth development system.

Darren Sawatzky, Seattle director of youth development, was named coach of the U-23s, whose home games will be played in Pierce County at a venue to be announced later. The team's traditional yellow uniforms will be replaced by Rave Green.

The PDL is in the fourth tier of the American soccer pyramid.

Hanauer said the U-23s, an amateur team, will fill a gap in player development as a summer option for college players that graduate from the Sounders FC's academy. The PDL roster could also include other college players and trialists that don't make the MLS team.

• Goalkeeper Andrew Weber, a nonroster invitee in camp, will be on the upcoming season of "The Amazing Race" with his twin brother, Elliot. The reality series airs on CBS starting Feb. 19.

"I can't really say much except it was a good time and I hope that everyone enjoys watching it when it airs," Weber said.

Joshua Mayers: 206-464-3184 or jmayers@seattletimes.com.

On Twitter @joshuamayers