The Seattle Sounders Lock Down Three Players Ahead Of 2024 MLS Season

The Seattle Sounders make three moves to bolster their roster heading into 2024 and beyond. First, the Sounders sign 22 year old midfielder Josh Atencio to a contact extension through the 2027 MLS season with a club option for 2028. Atencio has 1 cap with the USMNT while totaling 83 games played for the Seattle Sounders. The youngster also has an additional 45 games played for the Sounder’s second team, the Tacoma Defiance. Atencio seems to be a potential starting option for the Sounders, all depending on how Schmetzer lines up. Either way, Atencio seems like he will play major minutes for the Sounders in 2024. If he is starting or being a top option off the bench, Atencio will continue to be one of the bright young stars in MLS.

Next, the Sounders have signed free agent centerback Nathan ahead of the season. The 28 year old Brazilian defender most recently played for the San Jose Earthquakes where he found some success when healthy for the club. In 46 games for San Jose, Nathan scored 5 goals in roughly 4,000 minutes. Across his long career, Nathan has 190 career games played with 14 goals and 1 assist. He has played for the likes of; FC Zurich, San Jose Earthquakes, Servette FC, Cricima EC, Palmeiras, Chapecoense, and Grasshopper Club Zurich. I don’t think Nathan is a starter for this club in 2024. Yeimar and Jackson Ragen were stars in the 2023 season but the depth behind them wasn’t the best. Now, the Sounders have centerback options of Nathan and Xavier Arreaga to step up if needed. The Sounders centerback core might be one of the best, if not the best, in MLS.

Lastly, the Sounders have signed forward Braudilio Rodrigues from their MLS Next Pro side, Tacoma Defiance. The 24 year old primarily played as a striker last season, but can also play out on the wing. In 30 games for Tacoma, Rodrigues has scored 17 goals and recorded 5 assists. He should be bring in some major young depth behind the likes of Jordan Morris and Leo Chu.