Realio’s Ratings: Seattle Sounders vs. 2024, #12-#9
#12 Kalani Kossa-Rienzi – 2024 Overall Rating: 5.67 in 3 appearances
Community Rating: 4.98
MLS Regular Season: 5.00 in 1 appearance
US Open Cup: 6.00 in 2 appearances
MOTM = 1 High = 7 Low = 5
Thanks to an outstanding individual performance and a small sample size, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi shows up at #12 in our 2024 ratings countdown. An incredible athlete who played soccer at the University of Washington, Kalani featured in two US Open Cup games and one MLS match as a hardship call up.
Highlights: Kalani put the “high” in highlight. He will be forever remembered for his audacious roundoff scissoring backflip after scoring the game winner in overtime to beat Phoenix Rising. “A physical dynamo, Kalani’s athleticism is readily apparent in his play as well as the backflip ability. His top level agility, balance, and ability to navigate crowds led directly to his game-winning goal. His composure in the box and self confidence is not easily taught.” This glimpse at his potential offers hope that all this raw talent can be honed into a polished and first-team-worthy player.
Lowlights: In limited MLS time it was hard to see how KKR fits into the team, and this may be the limiting factor for moving up. “For all the physical gifts, there is no definite soccer position that fits KKR’s skillset. His poor defensive positioning and 1-v-1 defense didn’t fit well at fullback, and he doesn’t yet have the vision and touch to consistently contribute farther up the field.” Kalani doesn’t possess overwhelming size or speed. He does appear to have agility and toughness, but must be more consistent on defense for a chance at fullback. The possession style Seattle demands is currently above where Kalani looks comfortable, and while not intimidated by the moment or the competition when called up, Kalani didn’t stand out.
Outlook: Kalani is still young and very raw, but has already displayed a penchant for offensive output that may fit nicely with a wingback role should Seattle lean on more tactical flexibility in the back. Kossa-Rienzi will need to work on his straight 1-v-1 defensive skills, and his passing needs a lot of refinement to earn a full time contract. Until then, his athleticism and raw tools can be refined at Defiance until he’s ready to supplement the MLS Sounders during fixture congestion, and there will be opportunities for him to make the jump.
#11 Paul Rothrock – 2024 Overall Rating: 5.72 in 36 appearances
Community Rating: 6.02
MLS Regular Season: 5.92 in 25 appearances
MLS Playoffs: 5.00 in 2 appearances
US Open Cup: 5.00 in 4 appearances
Leagues Cup: 5.60 in 5 appearances
MOTM = 2 High = 8 Low = 4
Perhaps the most surprising inclusion anywhere on this list, let alone at #11, is Paul Rothrock. He not only earned a first team contract, but made the most of it, morphing from an average Defiance player to a Sounders starter and at times a dominant MLS player. Over an impressive 36 appearances, Rothrock went from afterthought to game changer, a remarkable transformation for a player who ended the year making people wonder “What if he’d been healthy for the Western Conference Final?”
Highlights: There is a legitimate argument to be made that this guy saved the Sounders’ season. The great “Rothrockening” happened June 15 versus Minnesota United. After that match, Paul went from unknown to a solid MLS regular, averaging 6.08 over his next 26 appearances. This started with a 7 rating in that Minnesota win, followed by an MOTM performance against Houston, a comeback 2-2 draw, and then Seattle won nine of their next 11 matches. None of that likely happens if Paul freaking Rothrock doesn’t go Super Saiyan and carry the team to a season-changing result: “Seemingly from nothing, this play changed the match. He got the ball in a forward spot, drove at the defense, took a shot on frame that forced a save, and then returned the rebound into the net. It wasn’t fancy, it wasn’t smooth, but unlike others looking for the perfect shot, Paul’s ended up in the net and gave Seattle the momentum.”
This was the essence of Rothrock. On a team full of people trying to be perfect and failing, he was content to ram a goal down their throat via effort. And then do it again. With a smile. The player Seattle needed wasn’t fancy, or technical, but someone who worked his ass off to follow up the play, get into the right spot, stick a foot in, and put the ball in the net. Or find the right pass. Or get under the opponent’s skin. Or put in a hard tackle. Or any of the tons of other stuff that doesn’t make the stat sheet but is so appreciated by teammates, coaches, and fans.
Lowlights: Before the great Rothrockening versus Minnesota, Paul had 10 appearances over 17 matches and averaged a dismal 4.8 rating with zero appearances even considered MLS average. Accumulating 4s and 5s, Paul looked like a lost cause, not up for the pace and precision needed at the MLS level. Many of his ratings read like this: “Rothrock was subbed in late to help hold onto the win, and wasn’t great. He had five touches and 50 percent completion passing out of the back.” Paul didn’t look good outside of hustle plays, failing to connect simple passes, missing teammates, and showing rough control. When sharing time between the Defiance and the Sounders, he showed about average, without top level abilities to separate him from his teammates. Even after solidifying himself as a starter, it was still at times hard to believe, since his touch didn’t often impress, and his unorthodox style had little impact because he was good at a lot of stuff but not great at anything. He tended to force multiply the team, which at the start of the year meant he was ineffective.
Outlook: What happened before the Rothrockening doesn’t really matter, as Paul not only burst into the Sounders team but etched himself into starting minutes for the rest of the year. Late in the season I noted: “Rothrock is a near-perfect fourth option, a relentless worker who has surprising touch in the big moments, combining game intelligence with effort to make shit happen, and yet Seattle might need a third option, not a fourth.” Paul is dependent on others to play well so he can offer his skills at supporting them. For 2025, he’ll again be an underdog to start, as Seattle is adding numerous attacking pieces more in line with that “third option” idea. That hasn’t stopped Rothrock so far, and I wouldn’t bet against him party-rocking himself into a ton of field time and making an impact in those minutes.
#10 Obed Vargas – 2024 Overall Rating: 5.85 in 40 appearances
Community Rating: 6.17
MLS Regular Season: 5.77 in 30 appearances
MLS Playoffs: 7.00 in 3 appearances
US Open Cup: 5.00 in 2 appearances
Leagues Cup: 6.00 in 5 appearances
MOTM = 1 High = 8 Low = 4
Obed Vargas took a giant leap in 2024, becoming a dominant MLS central player at 19 years old. Finally putting all the potential together into a mostly consistent year, Vargas went from the lowest rated player in 2023 to an everyday starter and top-10 performer in 2024. He only earned MLS average ratings twice the season prior, but this year Obed had 30 outings that earned a 6 or above. He was fantastic.
Highlights: In May, Obed announced he was a different player this season, earning MOTM for his performance in Philadelphia: “This version of Obed Vargas was revolutionary. Attack minded, direct, and controlled, Vargas was the best player on the field in the first half, which included an absolute rocket for his first goal as a Sounder. The sudden confidence in his mature technical ability has allowed him lately to lean into his skills, and when he does that, he shows he’s better than a lot of guys in this league. Putting it all together is still the goal, but holy moly, this confident player who attacks defenders and scores, wins penalties, and creates attacking space with the dribble and dynamic passing is an absolute joy to watch. We’ve seen glimpses, which is part of why it’s been so frustrating to be patient with his development, but if this match was Obed’s introduction to him putting it all together, watch out!”
He wasn’t quite up to that level the rest of the year, but he consistently got close, showing an ability to cover the midfield, add forward push, and connect all parts of the field. With Cristian Roldan, these two dominated the middle. Especially notable was Obed’s performance in the playoffs, rating an average of 7 over three games. He was the best player on the field in the second half and overtime versus LAFC: “Suddenly an absolute monster in the middle, Vargas’ ability to trap anything, pivot forward in possession, and drive at the goal to connect with teammates was phenomenal. Primarily living in the half spaces on the right, it wasn’t a coincidence that his constant pressure eventually forced a big mistake in the 59th minute. He got better after this, continuing to control the middle with his effort and possession.” In Seattle’s biggest win of the season, Obed showed he could go toe to toe with anyone in the league.
Lowlights: Early in the season there were some frustrating lows as tendencies from previous years led to a number of poorly-rated outings. Against Vancouver in April, Obed’s penchant for putting teammates in trouble popped up: “When Yeimar found Obed in the 58th, with multiple defenders closing down the box, there was a clear controlled turn and wide service lane to put Arreaga into space and exit any danger (we established he could do that 33 minutes prior). Instead, he was credited with yet another ‘completed pass,’ which was unfortunately a ball back to the center back under multiple points of pressure. Yeimar was unable to clear the ball and the game devolved immediately after the predictable score by Vancouver.”
Sometimes in 2024 Obed wasn’t comfortable in possession and looked to get the ball off his foot quickly, without enough thought on where to put it. He had trouble combining effectively with João Paulo in the middle, often needing more defensive coverage that didn’t materialize. Continuing his struggles against Cascadian foes, Vargas was sent off for his first time as a Sounder in late October against Portland, picking up two yellow cards in five minutes to ingloriously exit the match. Those cards were harsh, but that particular ref wasn’t having any argument that day, and Obed caused the ejection through his own poor decision making. It wasn’t the only time that Vargas’ growth curve was stunted, as the young player sometimes played, well, young.
Outlook: It’s hard to see Obed making it through the entire 2025 season as a Sounder, although it looks like he’ll begin the year in Seattle. His value keeps rising, and we should probably enjoy Vargas while we can; it’s likely that sooner or later a suitor will come offering a price the Sounders can’t refuse. Obed is still an unpolished product, but he’s shown enough potential at 19 years old to imagine him being successful in a much bigger league. Maybe someday we’ll look back fondly at his time here and say “that guy started out as a Sounder.” Until then, expect ever-increasing quality play in the middle, mixed with some growing pain moments.
#9 João Paulo – 2024 Overall Rating: 5.91 in 32 appearances
Community Rating: 6.16
MLS Regular Season: 5.96 in 21 appearances
MLS Playoffs: 5.50 in 4 appearances
US Open Cup: 6.00 in 2 appearances
Leagues Cup: 6.00 in 5 appearances
MOTM = 1 High = 8 Low = 4
In 2023, the #1 rated player for the Sounders was none other than João Paulo. One year later, and JP’s ranking dropped considerably to #9, mostly due to calf and hip injuries that cost him five matches each. These issues forced him to go from perennial starter to substitute with the occasional start, as the team adjusted around him. While he still appeared in a similar number of matches as the previous year, his minutes dropped by about 1,000, as João transitioned roles. When he played he was still a top-10 player, effective at combining centrally, adding passing and toughness.
Highlights: Against Dallas in June, Seattle started to find their footing and JP was the fulcrum in the middle: “JP was again fantastic, bringing the deep-lying playmaker Seattle needs to combine with Rusnák and the verticality from Morris. He had four shots, four key passes, and a ridiculous 90 percent passing rate in a team-high 121 touches.” As JP got healthier, he showed he can still control the center with possession and move the ball into the attack. The Sounders started to string together wins and finally looked to have deciphered something in the middle about the JP/Obed pairing against Chicago:
“The changes in the second half gave more central support to JP, allowing him increased freedom to impact both sides of the field, and he responded with a brilliant showing. No longer tethered to babysit the left back, João Paulo ended with two shots, a key pass, and more central positioning to influence the play. This allowed him to direct the quick, fluid motion of the second half by pushing the ball forward with urgency on the dribble or looking up field for line-splitting passes to diagonal runs. João has been a key element to the moments when Seattle look the best this season, and finding him more support from Cristian Roldan freed JP to influence the match going forward.” When paired with coverage and allowed to spray passes, João Paulo remained a dominant force, finding those passes and control of central play that others on the team lacked. While not directly creating goals, his ability to control games remains excellent.
Lowlights: João was less of a factor this year, and a main reason was injury. Two separate five-match absences to heal from recurring issues reminded fans of his increased age. These recurring problems were a big concern, and even JP admitted he wasn’t playing his best. Another issue that contributed to his diminished playing time was the emergence of Obed centrally and their inability to consistently combine well. João worked better with others and this was apparent in a number of matches. One such match was against LAFC at home in July:
“There have been games this year where JP has looked fantastic … This was not one of those games. Instead he looked old, slow, and completely ineffective. His lack of positive impact on the match was huge. A single tackle. A single interception. Three off-target shots. A single accurate long ball. Only four recoveries. One bad foul for which he earned a yellow card. This was a mess of a match for a guy who, when he is on, can be the engine of the team. Playing like he did against LAFC showed none of his capabilities. This outing was a mess, reminding us of earlier in the year where he admitted he wasn’t playing up to his standards. His ineffectiveness was a big part of the first half struggles, as he was late to and/or unable to cover areas in transition, which was all LAFC used to attack. When playing poorly, JP becomes single-directional, and teams can ignore defense on his back half, or force him to pass backwards while he appears to have lost the ability to turn and force pressure into higher value areas.” Compared to the years when JP was a dominant force in every game, these matches where he showed his age were a jolt, forcing Seattle to reconsider his role on the team.
Outlook: The leadership and experience João brings to the Sounders is under-appreciated. His on- and off-field persona has been a key factor to their success since he became a Sounder. Bringing him back on a team-friendly contract for 2025 is a bit of wizardry that likely pays off for a team facing an enormous slate of games. JP, when not asked to shoulder the entire load and start every match, will be a top notch veteran player to mentor teammates while maintaining high effectiveness on the field in manageable doses. Adjusting his expectations from DP production to a role more like what he brought in 2024 should fit this team’s depth and leadership needs very well.