As the Seattle Sounders gear up for their record 12th consecutive MLS Cup Playoffs appearance, let’s take a look back at the 12 key storylines from this strange and challenging year.
João Paulo signs
Fresh off winning their second MLS Cup title in four seasons, the Sounders wasted no time reloading by adding the Brazilian João Paulo to a Designated Player contract. The 29-year-old joined from Botafogo, the same club that captain Nicolás Lodeiro played from 2012-14, and made an immediate impact. João Paulo is a commanding two-way central midfielder who would go on to finish this season with two goals and five assists, finish seventh in MLS Newcomer of the Year voting, be one of the league’s best passers and help free up Lodeiro en route to the Uruguayan being named an MLS MVP finalist.