Kee-hee Kim
SEA
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Jul 13, 1989 (37)
Right
6'2"
172 lb
Seattle SoundersStarts in Portland match
Kim (hamstring) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's clash with Portland Timbers.
Analysis: Kim will bounce back to his usual center-back role despite having made just one start earlier in the season, missing most matches due to calf and hamstring injuries. With Jackson Ragen suspended and Yeimar Gomez (calf) out, Kim will likely log as many minutes as his physical form allows him, forming a central pairing alongside Stuart Hawkins.
Returns to sidelines
Kim is out for the time being due to a hamstring injury, per the MLS Player Status Report.
Analysis: Kim had been questionable with a calf injury earlier in the season and has now returned to the report post-break with a hamstring issue, suggesting either a new problem or a separate injury picked up in pre-return training. He's a central defensive option for Seattle who just returned in their match ahead of the break, earning the start. With Alexander Roldan (hip) also out, expect Jackson Ragen and Antino Lopez to start at center-back. A return for Kim is up in the air, a rough season so far for a player who would likely start if he could stay fit.
On bench for San Diego clash
Kee-Hee (calf) is on the bench for Saturday's matchup versus San Diego.
Analysis: Kee-Hee has missed the first few months of the 2026 season, but he's at least an option for future games, increasing the squad's defensive depth behind Jackson Ragen and Alexander Roldan. The veteran had averaged 3.2 clearances and 1.1 interceptions per contest in 2025. However, it's unclear when he'll see minutes and whether he'll eventually move to a starting spot.
Could play soon
Kee-Hee (calf) appears to be ready for game action after returning to full training, Niko Moreno of Pulso Sports reports.
Analysis: Kee-Hee will aim to make a comeback off the bench after being sidelined for the first nine matches of the current MLS season. While he may eventually be an option, it might take a bit longer for him to oust either Jackson Ragen or Alexander Roldan from a starting spot. Prior to the injury, the Korean defender averaged 3.2 clearances and 1.1 interceptions per game in 2025.
Out against Kansas
Kee-Hee (calf) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Sporting Kansas City.
Analysis: Kee-Hee has been unable to earn a place in the matchday squad following the club's final assessment of his progress in the remaining training sessions, extending his extended spell on the sidelines with the calf injury despite the positive evaluation that had suggested he was on the verge of a return. The South Korean defender had been a reliable presence before his injury, averaging over three clearances and one interception per game during the 2025 MLS season, and his continued absence leaves Seattle short of defensive options as the season progresses. His situation will be monitored closely in the coming days as the club hopes to have him available in the near future.
Close to return
Kee-Hee (calf) is close to returning and could be available for Saturday's clash against Sporting Kansas City, according to Jackson Felts of Sounders Weekly Shows.
Analysis: Kee-Hee has been working his way back from a calf injury that has kept him sidelined for an extended period, and the positive assessment from the club suggests he is on the verge of rejoining the matchday squad. The South Korean defender had been a reliable presence in the back line before the injury, averaging over three clearances and one interceptions per game during the 2025 MLS season, and his return would give Seattle more defensive options as the season progresses. The club will make a final call on his involvement after assessing his progress in the remaining training sessions before Saturday.
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