JOAO PAULO NEWS

On bench for Colorado match Paulo (calf) is on the bench for Saturday's trip to Colorado Rapids.

Impact Paulo was inactive throughout September but returned to training at the end of the month and made the match squad Saturday. His comeback should strengthen the team's defensive midfield, adding some depth behind Cristian Roldan and Obed Vargas. The Brazilian can't be trusted for a lot of minutes yet but he may still produce from passes, set pieces and defensive actions.

OCTOBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Spotted in training Thursday Joao Paulo (calf) was spotted in training Thursday and could be an option to face the Dynamo on Saturday, Jeremiah Oshan of Sounders at Heart reports.

Impact The Brazilian midfielder has missed the Sounders' last three games, and while his availability for Saturday remains uncertain, his return to training is certainly an encouraging sign. Joao Paulo has started in all but four of his appearances this season, but he might be available off the bench Saturday as long as he's deemed fit by the Sounders' staff.

SEPTEMBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Out once more Paulo (calf) is out for Saturday's trip to Columbus, per the MLS injury report.

Impact Paulo isn't an option for Saturday's clash as he struggles with a calf issue. The midfielder will likely be replaced by a different option, though Obed Vargas is also unavailable. for Saturday's match. Paulo went unused on the bench against Portland last time out.

SEPTEMBER 6 • ROTOWIRE

Back for Seattle Paulo (concussion) started and played 90 minutes during Thursday's 3-1 win over the Galaxy.

Impact Paulo had to come off at halftime against Necaxa with a likely concussion, however all tests came back clean and was able to return to the starting XI for Seattle. He had started all three Leagues Cup games for the side and is set to remain there following their win over the Galaxy.

AUGUST 9 • ROTOWIRE

Undergoing concussion tests Paulo is being tested for a concussion after leaving the field at halftime in Sunday's Leagues Cup match against Nexeca, according to manager Brain Schmetzer, per Jeremy Peterman o...

Impact Paulo is one of two players who could be heading to the injury list for the Sounders, with the midfielder undergoing testing for a concussion following his early exit Sunday. He is a regular starter, starting in 15 of his 19 appearances this campaign, so the club will hope for the player to pass testing and not miss time with his issues. However, if he does end up having a concussion, expect him to miss around a week or two of action, likely returning before MLS play starts again.

AUGUST 5 • ROTOWIRE

First assist of 2024 Joao Paulo assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City.

Impact Joao Paulo cushioned a chip over the backline of Kansas City to setup Seattle's lone goal during their 2-1 loss. He also contributed a clearance, block and interception each to the Seattle defensive effort. The assist was Joao Paulo's first assist of the season through 11 appearances (nine starts). He has now started in seven successive matches but has not played the full 90 minutes in any of those starts.

JUNE 9 • ROTOWIRE

Attempts eight crosses Joao Paulo generated eight crosses (one accurate) and six corners in Wednesday's 1-1 draw versus Real Salt Lake.

Impact Joao Paulo was central to Seattle's effort to provide service into the box Wednesday during their 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake. In addition to his 14 crosses and corners combined, Joao Paulo contributed two tackles (two won), four interceptions and two clearances to the defensive effort. After missing the first five matches of the season due to injury, Joao Paulo has now made 10 appearances (eight starts) through Seattle's first 16 matches.

MAY 30 • ROTOWIRE

Box-to-box performance Joao Paulo generated one shot (zero on goal), six crosses (four accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Vancouver Whitecaps FC. In addition, he was given a yellow...

Impact Joao Paulo was yet again the engine for the Seattle midfield Saturday as they drew 1-1 with Vancouver. In addition to the aforementioned offensive output, Joao Paulo also contributed three tackles (two won), three interceptions and a clearance to the defensive effort. Joao Paulo has appeared in Seattle's most recent four league matches. In that time, he's created seven chances and attempted 14 crosses (eight accurate). He has yet to register a goal contribution in 2024.

MAY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Workmanlike performance Joao Paulo had three shots (one on goal), five crosses (three accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Los Angeles Galaxy.

Impact Joao Paulo worked the ball into the box from the wide areas during Seattle's 0-0 draw with Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday by attempting five crosses (three accurate) and two corners en route to creating two chances. In addition to his offensive production, Joao Paulo added three tackles (two won), an interception and a clearance to the defensive effort. After missing the beginning of the season due to a hip injury, Joao Paulo has yet to make a goal contribution during his five appearances (three starts). He supplied four assists over 35 appearances (34 starts) in 2023.

MAY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Eight crosses in loss Joao Paulo recorded one shot (zero on goal), eight crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-1 loss to D.C. United.

Impact Joao Paulo attempted a team-high eight crosses (one accurate) and created two chances Saturday as Seattle fell 1-2 to D.C. United. The match marked Joao Paulo's second successive start and fourth appearance this season after missing the beginning of the campaign while recovering from a hip injury. Joao Paulo's fitness throughout the season will dictate his ability to impact the Sounders' attack. In the two campaigns in which Joao Paulo exceeded 30 appearances for the club (2020 & 2023), he attempted more than 100 crosses and created at least 26 chances in each season.

APRIL 28 • ROTOWIRE

Back on bench Paulo (hip) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Montreal.

Impact Paulo will be making his return after getting upgraded to questionable this week, making his season debut on the team sheet following his recovery from a hip issue. The midfielder will now hope to get in the starting XI in the club's next match, as he was expected to be a starter coming into the season before being hindered by his complications.

APRIL 6 • ROTOWIRE

Officially questionable Paulo (hip) is questionable for Saturday's clash with Montreal, according to the Seattle injury report.

Impact Paulo was officially upgraded to questionable for Saturday's clash. The midfielder got back in full training earlier in the week and barring any late setback he's expected to get back on the pitch Saturday.

APRIL 5 • ROTOWIRE

Training Thursday Paulo (hip) is training Thursday, according to Jeremiah Oshan of Sounder at Heart.

Impact Paulo returned to full team training ahead of Saturday's clash with Montreal though there was no full update on his availability. The midfielder has missed the opening five matches of the season but when back to full fitness he should be one of the most important pieces of the starting XI.

APRIL 5 • ROTOWIRE

Possibility Saturday Paulo (hip) is questionable for Saturday's match against the Galaxy.

Impact Paulo was originally thought to have been out for the weekend, but after the club released their injury report, he is now deemed questionable. This could be a huge addition for the club, as he has yet to make his season debut and is one of the club's best midfielders. However, if he is selected for the team sheet, he will most likely serve off the bench, taking his return cautiously after an extended absence.

MARCH 29 • ROTOWIRE

Might return to face Montreal Joao Paulo (hip) is expected to return to training next week with an eye toward being available to face Montreal on April 6, manager Brian Schmetzer told media, including Jeremiah...

Impact Joao Paulo has already been ruled out for the matchup against the Galaxy, but the central midfielder seems to be progressing and could return to face Montreal. His return would provide a massive boost in midfield for a Sounders team that's also missing Obed Vargas (concussion).

MARCH 29 • ROTOWIRE

Seen on grass Paulo (hip) was seen on the grass jogging for the first time Tuesday, reports Niko Moreno of MLS Espanol.

Impact Paulo is making his first steps to return after missing the first three matches of the season with a hop injury. He is still about a week or two away from training fully with the team, which could see the midfield return by April, barring any setbacks. Paulo made 34 starts in 35 appearances in 2023, totaling four assists with 102 crosses (21 won).

MARCH 19 • ROTOWIRE

Not available Paulo (hip) is out for Saturday's trip to Philadelphia, Jeremiah Oshan of Sounder at Heart reports.

Impact Paulo isn't an option for Saturday's match as he deals with a hip injury, though he did return to training. Obed Vargas will be in line for another start with Paulo on the sideline. Paulo's next chance to return is a March 16 clash with Colorado.

MARCH 7 • ROTOWIRE

Training fully Paulo (hip) took part in full training Tuesday, Jeremiah Oshan of Sounder at Heart reports.

Impact Paulo returned to full team training during Tuesday's session and seems set to make his return for Saturday's clash with Philadelphia. When Paulo is fully fit he should be the top choice in holding midfield, ahead of Obed Vargas in the starting XI.

MARCH 5 • ROTOWIRE

Unavailable Saturday Paulo (hip) is out for Saturday's clash with Austin, according to manager Brian Schmetzer.

Impact Paulo was spotted running in training Tuesday, but isn't ready for Saturday's clash. Paulo will now target a return during a March 9 trip to Philadelphia. Obed Vargas got the start with Paulo out for the season opener against LAFC.

FEBRUARY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Training individually Paulo (hip) took part in individual training during Tuesday's session, Niko Moreno of Sounder at Heart reports.

Impact Paulo is still working on a hip injury that hampered him throughout pre-season. A return to the ground is a good sign, though it's not enough to put him in real contention for a Saturday clash with Austin unless he returns to team training prior to that match.

FEBRUARY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out against LAFC Paulo is out for Saturday's match against LAFC due to a hip injury.

Impact Paulo will have to sit out the season opener, as he is yet to recover from a hip issue that has kept him in and out of practice over the past couple of weeks. He was questionable heading into the match, so there is a decent chance he returns next week against Austin FC on Saturday, which the club will hope for as he is set to be a regular starter once again this campaign.

FEBRUARY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Busy in playoff loss Joao Paulo registered three shots (two on goal), six crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 1-0 loss versus Los Angeles Football Club. In addition, he was given a yello...

Impact Paulo was all over the pitch Sunday but it was not enough to bring his team a victory and avoid elimination. He recorded six crosses for the fifth time this season, created two chances for the seven time this season and tied a season high with four won tackles. He finished the season with four assists (one 35 chances created), eight clean sheets and seven yellow cards in 35 appearances (34 starts).

NOVEMBER 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Assists in win Joao Paulo registered one assist from two chances created and attempted three shots (one on target) and five crosses (one accurate) in Friday's 1-0 win against Dallas

Impact Joao Pualo took advantage of a wayward pass and played in Albert Rusnak for his fourth assist of the campaign. He has started all but four MLS games this season and has made more passes (1932) than any other Sounders player. The midfielder is yet to score this season.

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Six crosses Saturday Joao Paulo recorded one shot (zero on goal), six crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Impact Joao Paulo sent in six crosses during the draw, failing to create a chance despite the volume. The defensive midfielder has taken a major role but simply isn't the attacking threat he once was. With one match left to play Joao Paulo sits on no goals and five total goal contributions with just 29 chances created.

OCTOBER 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Tallies rare assist Joao Paulo assisted once to go with six crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Thursday's 2-1 victory over Colorado Rapids.

Impact Joao Paulo bagged his second assist of the season and took a season-high four corners. The defensive midfielder is relied on more for his defensive prowess for the Sounders so goal contributions from him will continue to be sporadic.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE