Major League Soccer on Monday named Seattle Sounders midfielder Josh Atencio to the Matchday 7 Team of the Matchday following his superb display in the 3-0 win over St. Louis CITY SC on Saturday.
With João Paulo rested for the match, Atencio earned his third consecutive start at the base of Seattle's midfield. The 21-year-old Homegrown Player embraced the opportunity by putting in an all-action, match-winning performance. On the defensive side, the Bellevue native posted three tackles, four interceptions and 15 recoveries.
In possession, Atencio completed 54/66 passes, completed three dribbles, and opened his MLS scoring account with a Goal of the Matchday favorite, smashing a first-time shot into the roof of the net from 25 yards out. That goal proved to be the match winner, and Atencio played a crucial role in Seattle's dominance for the rest of the match as the Sounders secured a comprehensive victory at Lumen Field. With the win, the Rave Green now occupy first place in the Western Conference.
Atencio and the Sounders return to action this weekend as they visit the Portland Timbers (7:30 p.m. PT; MLS Season Pass on Apple TV app) on Saturday in their first rivalry match of the 2023 campaign.
