TUKWILA — There’s no way around it, the Seattle Sounders suffered a serious blow when they lost João Paulo to a torn ACL on Wednesday. Head coach Brian Schmetzer confirmed that the Brazilian will be out for the remainder of the year and that a timeline for his return can’t even be determined until swelling subsides and surgery can take place.
Somewhat complicating the situation is that João Paulo’s injury happened the same day that the primary transfer window closed, meaning the Sounders no longer have the option of receiving roster relief by placing him on the season-ending injury list nor the ability to make a transfer replacement before the summer window.