JOSHUA ATENCIO NEWS

In starting lineup Saturday Atencio (back) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's clash against Austin FC.

Impact Atencio was questionable for this game but made a quick recovery from the issue. He'll now look to get significant playing time in his usual midfield role, leaving Connor Ronan and Calvin Harris on the bench. Atencio has yet to achieve a goal or assist this year but is averaging 2.1 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Forced off at halftime Atencio was forced off at halftime of Wednesday's 2-1 defeat against Portland after feeling some tightness in his back, coach Chris Armas said in a press conference, according to B...

Impact Atencio was suffering from tightness in his back in the first half of Wednesday's game and was forced off at halftime. He will likely be assessed in the coming days to determine the extent of the issue and whether he will need to miss time to recover. If he is sidelined, it would be a big blow for the Rapids since he has been an undisputed starter since his arrival at the club. Connor Ronan, who replaced him on Wednesday, could see increased playing time in his absence.

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE

In starting XI Saturday Atencio (groin) is in the initial lineup for Saturday's game versus Portland Timbers.

Impact Atencio will bounce back from a one-match absence, before which he tallied 96 accurate passes, eight tackles and six interceptions across three appearances as a central midfielder. While it's unclear if he's ready to play the full game, he'll have a chance to deliver his usual output after being selected over both Calvin Harris and Omir Fernandez.

MARCH 22 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers groin injury Atencio (groin) is out for Saturday's match against San Jose.

Impact Atencio will not make the call, as he is out with a groin issue for the reception of San Jose. He has started in every match this season, so this will force a change. That said, Calvin Harris or Omir Fernandez are possible replacements while he is out.

MARCH 14 • ROTOWIRE

Moving to Colorado Atencio will join the Colorado Rapids from the Seattle Sounders ahead of the 2025 season.

Impact Atencio will move to just his second career MLS team after opening his career with the Seattle Sounders organization. He had a difficult last three years with the club, only starting 34 times in 68 appearances including the playoffs, totaling a goal and two assists while averaging about 36 tackles per season.

FEBRUARY 16 • ROTOWIRE

On bench Monday Atencio (head) is on the bench for Monday's clash against Houston Dynamo.

Impact Atencio missed the regular-season finale due to the injury but returned in time for the playoff rounds. The midfielder has produced 26 shots (six on goal), 12 chances created and one assist in 22 appearances this year. He may be used as a substitute to replace either Joao Paulo or Cristian Roldan.

OCTOBER 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out Saturday Atencio (head) is out for Saturday's clash with Portland.

Impact Atencio is out for Saturday's regular season finale as he deals with a head injury. The midfielder finishes his fifth season in Seattle with 22 appearances (12 starts), earning a single assist. It's the third-most minutes he's played in five season, though he was at his best attacking, setting new highs for shots and chances created.

OCTOBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

First assist of 2024 Atencio assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 4-0 victory versus Columbus Crew.

Impact Atencio was selected to the Seattle starting XI Saturday for the second successive match, assisting their third goal en route to a 4 - 0 victory over Columbus Crew. The young midfielder showed his intensity at both ends of the pitch, contributing three tackles (three won), a clearance and three interceptions to the clean sheet effort. Overall, Atencio has created 12 total chances over his 18 appearances (12 starts).

SEPTEMBER 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Off to Olympics Atencio is on the Olympics reserves team and will not be an option for San Jose.

Impact Atencio is set to return to MLS play after the Leagues Cup break as he is with the USMNT U23 side for the Paris Olympics. He's started 10 of the 15 matches played for the team, generating 29 tackles (15 won), 19 interceptions and 10 clearances.

JULY 16, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Available as substitute Wednesday Atencio (hamstring) is on the bench for Wednesday's meeting with Real Salt Lake.

Impact Atencio is finally ready to reappear following a four-game absence. The midfielder is usually a defensive contributor, although his average of 1.9 shots per game is the second highest on the squad this year. He'll look to take playing time away from Obed Vargas and Joao Paulo.

MAY 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out Atencio (hamstring) is out for Saturday's game against St. Louis.

Impact Atencio remains sidelined and there's no timetable for his return, but it seems it won't be any close considering the manager's recent words that stated that "it'd be a miracle if Atencio played [in the Open Cup on Wednesday]."

MAY 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Likely to miss Wednesday's game Atencio (hamstring) is in heavy doubt for Wednesday's Open Cup match against Phoenix, as manager Brian Schmetzer stated, "It would be a miracle if he played," per Niko Moreno of So...

Impact Atencio looks to be likely to miss yet another week of action, as he is already ruled out for Saturday's match against Vancouver but is now in heavy doubt for the Open Cup contest on Wednesday. He will likely face a fitness test to decide his availability, but at the moment, most signs point to the midfielder being out.

MAY 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Set for another two weeks absence Atencio (hamstring) is not expected to return until the May 22 Open Cup match versus the Phoenix Rising, per Jeremiah Oshan of Sounders at Heart.

Impact Atencio picked up a hamstring injury and is set for a two weeks absence at minimum. Prior to getting injured, the midfielder made six starts the last seven games, recording 13 interceptions, 15 tackles and eight clearances in that span. Both Cristian Roldan and Joao Paulo is set to get the start in the defensive midfield for Seattle.

MAY 14, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out to face Portland Atencio will not be an option for Sunday's match against Portland, according to manager Brain Schmetzer, per Jeremiah Oshan of Sounder at Heart.

Impact Atencio will have to sit out the club's upcoming match, as he appears to have picked up an undisclosed injury in the build-up to the contest. This is a tough loss for the club, as he has started in all but two of the club's games this season, with Obed Vargas being his likely replacement. Atencio will miss around two weeks due to his complications, with his first chance at return being against St. Louis on May 25.

MAY 10, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Subbed off against FC Dallas Atencio had two tackles (zero won) and one interception in Saturday's 0-0 draw against FC Dallas.

Impact Atencio had a relatively quiet game, making limited contributions both defensively and offensively while managing 66 touches of the ball. He was substituted by Joao Paulo in the 65th minute. Despite creating six chances in six appearances, Atencio is yet to contribute directly to a goal.

APRIL 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Suspension over Atencio completed his one-game suspension and is eligible to face the Galaxy on Saturday.

Impact Atencio has started in the three games he's been available for this season, and it wouldn't be surprising if he moves right back into the starting lineup to face the Galaxy. Despite being a central midfielder, Atencio has racked up eight shots, created five chances and sent eight crosses in his previous three outings.

MARCH 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Receives red card Atencio was sent off in Saturday's match against Colorado after receiving two yellow cards, leading to a red.

Impact Atencio will miss out on the club's next match against San Jose on March 23 after receiving a one-match ban due to the two yellow cards he picked up Saturday. This will cause some change within the starting XI, as he has started both matches he has been available for, with Albert Runsak being his most likely replacement. Atencio will next be available against the Galaxy on March 30.

MARCH 16, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Box-to-box performance Atencio registered six shots (one on goal), six crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Austin FC. In addition, he was given a yellow card in...

Impact Atencio was selected to the starting XI for the second consecutive match in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Austin FC. Though the midfielder was unable to pick the pass or shot to unlock the Austin backline Saturday, he was arguably the best player on the pitch for an accomplished Sounders side. In addition to the aforementioned offensive contribution, Atencio attempted four tackles (one won) and made four interceptions. After signing a contract extension in the offseason, the young midfielder looks to have broken into a full time role with the Sounders and should have the opportunities to improve upon his 2023 campaign in which he scored once and provided one assist over 26 appearances (14 starts).

MARCH 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Seattle Sounders sign Josh Atencio to new contract | MLSSoccer.com TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Extension Seattle Sounders FC have signed homegrown midfielder Josh Atencio to a new contract through the 2027 MLS...

JANUARY 12, 2024 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Extends through 2027 Atencio signed a three-year contract extension through 2027, the club announced.

Impact Atencio's original contract option was picked up but that didn't stop the negotiations on a long-term extension. He now figures to be the long-term answer in midfield with this new extension in hand. Atencio made 26 appearances in 2023 and he should be in line ot build on that if he stays fit in 2024.

JANUARY 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Exercises contract Atencio saw his contract exercised for Seattle for the 2024 season.

Impact Atencio ended the season as a starter as he made 14 starts in 26 appearances for the team. He also logged in his first MLS goal and assist while also averaging about two tackles per game. The midfielder is expected to remain an important role in the midfield while also fight for a permanent starting role in 2024.

DECEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Wins four tackles in start Atencio made two clearances and won four of four tackles in Saturday's 2-0 defeat against the Whitecaps.

Impact Atencio made his first league start since early April after recovering from a groin injury. He's still behind Albert Rusnak and Joao Paulo in Seattle's midfield depth chart, but he should continue getting opportunities to play especially while Obed Vargas (not injury related) is away at the u-20 World Cup.

MAY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Comes on in extra time Atencio featured and played four minutes during Wednesday's 5-4 win against San Diego Loyal during the U.S Open Cup

Impact Atencio returned to the squad to play a few minutes during Wednesday's cup match. He could see the start on the bench again Saturday against Real Salt Lake, with Albert Rusnak and Joao Paulo expected to get the start in the defensive midfield. So far this season, Atencio started three times in six appearances in the league, totaling a goal with nine tackles (eight won) and seven interceptions.

APRIL 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Training individually Atencio (groin) was doing individual work in training on Tuesday, according to Sounders reporter Niko Moreno.

Impact Atencio missed last weekend's loss against the Timbers with a groin injury, but he can hope to regain fitness and be available to face Minnesota on Saturday following his recent excellent outing against St. Louis.

APRIL 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE