Realio’s Ratings: Seattle Sounders vs. 2024, #16-#13
#16 Josh Atencio – 2024 Overall Rating: 5.57 in 28 appearances
Community Rating: 5.80
MLS Regular Season: 5.68 in 22 appearances
MLS Playoffs: 5.00 in 2 appearances
US Open Cup: 5.55 in 2 appearances
Leagues Cup: 5.00 in 2 appearances
MOTM = 3 High = 8 Low = 4
In the second half of 2023, Josh Atencio came on strong for the Sounders and looked to build upon his starting position at defensive midfield in 2024. It didn’t quite work out that way for Josh; although he appeared in more matches this season, he was showcased more as a substitute than a starter. Some of that was due to injury, but the emergence of other teammates and some lineup tweaks often left Atencio as the odd man out. He showed well in his time on the field, but wasn’t able to break through after Seattle found a set lineup and more success later in the year.
Highlights: With multiple 8 ratings and three MOTM awards in 2024, Atencio was very effective when he did feature, and he again showed the high ceiling that makes him an exciting player. In the second match of the season, he was MOTM as a box to box midfielder against Austin:
“Josh Atencio was excellent, driving the Sounders repeatedly into attacking positions, supporting across the middle defensively, popping up in the box in the attack, and running the show from his central defensive midfielder position. He had 106 touches, a massive six shots, two key passes, two tackles, and four interceptions. He was fantastic at taking advantage of Austin’s defensive posture …”
This sort of performance was somewhat hidden by the team’s struggles. Atencio again garnered plaudits in an April match in DC:
“A MOTM performance included a plethora of stats: team-leading three shots, a key pass, multiple headers won, 70 percent completion rate, team-high five tackles, five clearances, and some nifty tactical play while dropping deep.”
This is what Josh continually brought, a vertical inside-out attack from deep areas, great coverage and endurance defensively, and an aerial physicality at times missing from the middle of the field. In the hilarious shellacking of the Columbus Crew in September, Atencio had two shots, a key pass, three tackles, two interceptions and 93 percent completion rate. He consistently performed well all season, no matter the opponent or role. He also showed the ability to pair with either Obed Vargas or Cristian Roldan this season, important for 2025 minutes.
Lowlights: An injury robbed Atencio from some early season starts, and then with the immense improvement from teammates, Josh was nearly forgotten through the middle and end of the year. With Coach Schmetzer’s penchant for riding the hot hand, Atencio was left with substitute appearances. Seattle’s improved play and tactical positioning limited his time in the middle, so it was essential for Josh to outplay those in front of him. Josh wasn’t able to beat teammates out for starting time, and when he did play, he exhibited his own growing pains: “Like some of his other appearances this season, Atencio sometimes forces too much … Josh is still learning when to push and when to retain control.” This refinement of his game will be essential for him to get to the next level, as he does many things well but is still searching for that elite characteristic that will push him forward.
Outlook: It’s hard to say what the future has in store for the 22-year old Atencio. He was shouldered out of the starting midfield by other outstanding players last year, but given fixture congestion, unexpected injuries, and potential personnel moves, there should be multiple chances for Josh to remind everyone why he was the starter in game one of 2024. His direct runs and large defensive coverage map are assets that fit what Seattle likes to do, and his ability to partner with multiple teammates centrally should afford him plenty of opportunity to shine in 2025.
#14 Georgi Minoungou – 2024 Overall Rating: 5.59 in 17 appearances
Community Rating: 6.27
MLS Regular Season: 5.40 in 10 appearances
MLS Playoffs: 6.25 in 4 appearances
US Open Cup: 5.33 in 3 appearances
MOTM = 1 High = 7 Low = 5
Georgi Minoungou got a chance to play for Seattle in the US Open Cup and impressed so much that he kept getting opportunities, eventually earning a full MLS contract. Nearly unstoppable on the dribble, Georgi was a menace on the wing and translated his skills quickly from Tacoma Defiance to a full Sounder, adding a dynamic verticality and aggression to the width. Always smiling, Georgi added pace and directness to a Seattle attack at times missing both, but struggled some with the limited space against tight defense in the box, ending the season with a single goal and assist in 14 MLS matches.
Highlights: Minoungou may be the best 1-v-1 dribbler in the entire league. His ability to beat a single defender and create space and offensive opportunity is incredible, often forcing teams to double- and triple-team him, opening valuable space for teammates. Seattle lost to Portland in September but not because of MOTM Minoungou, who terrorized the Timbers defenders into chasing shadows after Georgi’s introduction in the 56th minute:
“Playing his first MLS game as a full Sounder, Minoungou didn’t disappoint. Direct, fearless, and most importantly effective, Georgi ran at Portland’s back line in a way no one had done effectively all match. On the left, he beat players and pushed the ball into dangerous areas. On the right, he beat players and crossed into dangerous areas. His 27 touches somehow only had a single key pass but he was the offense for Seattle after subbing in.”
What an entrance to MLS play, and he was an absolute dribbling monster for the rest of the season. Teams started sending extra defenders at him and it didn’t matter, as Georgi used his speed, strength, and agility to pass anyone who tried to slow him down. In November, teams had no idea how to handle him:
“Minoungou came on and was the dynamic winger the team had been thirsting for all match, repeatedly victimizing the Houston defense to the tune of three key passes, four chances created, seven duels won, 5/5 dribbling, and multiple won free kicks. He was Seattle’s offense, repeatedly getting the ball in isolation, as he went over, around, and split multiple defenders on the way to nearly all of the Sounders’ best chances. He was magnificent.”
There may not be a player in MLS outside Seattle who can stop him in a 1-v-1 matchup.
Lowlights: For all his individual skill at beating opponents, the step after that is where Georgi has room to grow. He constantly got into good spots, then looked lost and unable to translate his personal accomplishment into team success. He created mismatches on the dribble before dropping a poor cross or making the wrong tactical play:
“Seattle needs dynamic players, which Minoungou undoubtedly is, but they also need people to produce. All the fancy dribbles in the world only mean so much if they don’t translate into goals.”
“Unfortunately, the end product eluded him, as a few great plays were often followed up with a lack of the killer final ball. He ended with 68 percent passing and failed to record an accurate cross.”
“Solid results need to include impacting the score via a goal, an assist, or a created opportunity, and until then it’s just stepover practice.”
Nearly every ratings post mentioned both how great Georgi did in tilting the field to his team’s advantage, and that he failed to use it constructively. For him to be a true asset to the team, he must start translating the advantages he creates into impactful play where the ball goes into the goal.
Outlook: Had Seattle signed an unknown player from outside the league with his dynamic skillset and instant electric abilities at 22 years old, many would have been ecstatic. That Georgi came through internal development and spent some time with the Defiance should not be held against him, as the sky’s the limit for his soccer athletic ceiling. The parts of his game that need improvement are things the coaches and experience can help: his tactical decision making and translating his play into goals. It’s a lot easier to learn where to pass the ball after making space in the box than to suddenly be more athletic. Georgi has all the physical tools to be a dominant creative force in MLS, and 2025 will be an opportunity to show growth. He already has MLS+ skills in speed, agility, and 1-v-1 creativity. If he adds the mental side and translates his strong play into impacting the scoreboard, his future is brilliant.
#14 Jon Bell – 2024 Overall Rating: 5.59 in 17 appearances
Community Rating: 5.76
MLS Regular Season: 5.60 in 10 appearances
MLS Playoffs: 7.00 in 1 appearance
US Open Cup: 5.00 in 3 appearances
Leagues Cup: 5.67 in 3 appearances
MOTM = 1 High = 8 Low = 5
Signing in the offseason prior to 2024, Jon Bell showed up in Seattle and delivered at almost every opportunity. This translated to 17 appearances for the Sounders, popping up on the lineup card in each competition they entered. A valuable depth piece who eventually made other defenders expendable, Jon offered a strong option at either center or outside back, with a knack for attacking set pieces on offense.
Highlights: In a 2-0 win against St. Louis in July, it was the Jon Bell show. Earning an 8 rating and MOTM, he was a complete two-way player who defended stoutly as a center back, and repeatedly pressured the opponent goal on set pieces. It paid off, earning this praise: “His consistent defensive play and distribution were fantastic, and he showed up on the score sheet as well. He had a goal, three interceptions, six defensive recoveries, and returned 92 percent passing on a massive 102 touches.” Throughout the season, Bell was ready to come in and defend well centrally, combine as a wide left defender with wingers, and create multiple opportunities with his aerial prowess. A surprise starter in the playoffs, Bell played 120 influential minutes to help beat LAFC, and the opponent couldn’t handle his athleticism in dead ball situations, which created some of Seattle’s best chances and eventually led to the game-winning tally. Jon showed the ability to enter in a multitude of game states and combine seamlessly with those around him, and his strong play on the left added a depth and tactical flexibility sorely needed.
Lowlights: One of the biggest issues with Bell was his work in the middle; at times he was prone to being separated from his partner. Playing aggressively forward and unattached from the other center back allowed some space in between, which teams victimized on a number of occasions. This likely influenced him being passed over for Nathan as the central pairing in the playoffs after Yeimar was injured. While never scoring low in ratings, there were better options for starters, so much of the time Jon was a late sub who entered to hold a lead, or a congestion starter in a rotated lineup. His inability to earn more minutes was disappointing, especially considering his offensive upside and the lack of production from the left side. Bell may be a solid MLS defender, but Seattle consistently had elite defenses, and there weren’t enough high impact moments from Bell to demand more minutes this year.
Outlook: Most heartening about Bell’s performance this season was his tactical flexibility, which led to Seattle returning him in 2025 and moving on from others. His ability to play inside and out on the defensive line and potentially as a wing back gives the Sounders the opportunity to flex his time on the left and include different looks for more offensive punch. His upside, flexibility, age, and low salary makes Bell a valuable piece of the team going forward as long as he can continue to progress. At 27 years old, a solid MLS player is what we should expect going forward, but Seattle’s defensive system may allow Bell to surprise us with even higher performance in 2025.
#13 Xavier Arreaga – 2024 Overall Rating: 5.60 in 5 appearances
Community Rating: 5.38
MLS Regular Season: 5.60 in 5 appearances
High = 7 Low = 4
Arreaga had five appearances in 2024 and was distinctly average in those opportunities, after being a stalwart in Seattle’s central defense for years. On a team with some of the best center backs in the league, average meant that Xavier became expendable. On an increasingly expensive contract, the Sounders decided that they had enough depth to permit his move, and they traded Arreaga to New England in April. Prior to this, he was part of Seattle’s dreadful start, as they had one win, two losses, and two draws with Arreaga playing. This comment pretty much summed it up: “Arreaga did nothing to lower his trade value, if that is indeed the direction Seattle is looking at with him. He truly looks like a finished product, and the things he does well (organization, physical play) and struggles with (unnecessary risk taking, some poor decision making) are generally the same as they have been his whole career.”
Highlights: Xavi subbed in for Nathan in the first match and upgraded the shape with an opportunity to display his value. He followed this up with good performances in the next two matches: “Arreaga nearly scored off a corner kick in the 32nd minute, and constantly created havoc on Sounder offensive set pieces, something that has been sorely missed. His composure and vertical passing were the best from the backline, and he led the team in progressive passes.” He made a strong case to remain in the lineup due to quality defending and great forward passing, albeit within a poorly performing team. This solid play resulted in a trade to a team which could offer consistent starting minutes.
Lowlights: As has been the issue with Arreaga, he was again prone to error in 2024. His last (and worst) outing highlighted this and helped to usher him out the door: “Arreaga was given a chance to audition for other teams and show he’s a valuable asset and he did that, until he didn’t in spectacular fashion. Other than reminding everyone of his penchant for big mistakes, his 33 touches and controlled play were decent. Inexplicably attempting to dribble through multiple players, while down a man and a goal, is the kind of insane decision making that got him benched for a steadier presence in the first place. Yet that’s exactly what Xavi did in the 71st minute.” The Arreaga experience in a nutshell.
Outlook: Xavi was rather ingloriously traded in April and started his new career as a center back for the New England Revolution. He was traded for an international roster slot, which isn’t a lot on its own merits (somewhere between $100-300k in value), but it did open up some roster flexibility and removed a large salary off the books. After a little over five seasons in Seattle, this was the right time to move on from Xavi, who had great seasons in 2021 and 2022, but had been on a downward trend since. Arreaga looks to be having similar success in his new home, a solid defender able to dissect opponents with great passing but prone to those game-defining mistakes. By all accounts New England seems happy with the move, and Xavi featured in 23 games for them. No word on whether he still tucks his shirt in or not.