Bryan Meredith, a 2011 draft choice, and invitee Andrew Weber are locked in a competition to back up starter Michael Gspurning.

Gspurning, the Sounders' biggest offseason signing, offers stability as the clear starter, but who will be his understudy?

Meredith and Weber have combined for 235 shutout minutes in their preseason battle.

Weber, 28, played 45 minutes against Vancouver, 30 against Orlando City and all 70 against the U.S. Under-17 men's national team Thursday. He's previously played for D.C. United and the San Jose Earthquakes, and Schmid likes his experience.

"It's a very competitive situation," the coach said.