Nicolas Lodeiro is expected to return to the lineup this week, either as a sub or starter. Getting back a regular contender for MLS MVP is an undeniably good thing for the Seattle Sounders, but it does pose some lineup challenges for Brian Schmetzer.
The biggest might be what to do with Josh Atencio. The 19-year-old has ranged from solid to standout in his appearances so far and Schmetzer has indicated that he’ll continue to find ways to use the midfielder.
“Our staff has done a great job of putting Josh in positions to succeed,” Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey recently said during an episode of Sounders Weekly.