RENTON — Joao Paulo is trying to be an example of patience.
The Sounders midfielder suffered a hip injury during preseason training camp and despite knowing his team could use his talent, he’s showing restraint. Joao Paulo has played a total of 36 minutes the past two matches.
“It’s been tough to get my fitness back,” said Joao Paulo, who’s also recovering from the flu. “It’s a slow process, but I think I’m on the right track. I’m close, maybe 90%.”
The injury occurred during a friendly against Danish side Odense BK when Seattle held camp in Marbella, Spain. Joao Paulo tried to train when the team returned to their facility in Renton, but said it was too painful.
Multiple injuries contributed to the Sounders opening the season on a five-game winless streak. But Joao Paulo’s tenacity is particularly missed.
The Brazilian had 45 clearances and 48 interceptions last year. He was nominated for MLS Comeback Player of the Year after suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2022.
“Our first five games were bad,” Joao Paulo said. “We need to be more aggressive, especially when we feel we’re capable to win three points. Dallas was a good moment to push and try to win the game.”
Joao Paulo subbed on in the 65th minute for Josh Atencio last week against FC Dallas. Seattle had opportunities but, in a reoccurring theme, couldn’t finish in the final third. Getting the shutout in the goalless draw was among the few positives.
The Sounders (1-3-3) host Vancouver at Lumen Field on Saturday. The Whitecaps (4-2-1) are second in Western Conference standings after a 3-1 loss to the LA Galaxy last week.
“The way things happened in Dallas, we could’ve and should’ve won that game,” Atencio said. “Getting into tackles, being a little feisty, being — not dirty — but getting into guys and showing we’re here to compete and we want points [could help].”
Joao Paulo said he’s not ready to play 90 minutes, yet. He also can’t be the only one playing with a fiery desire to win.
“We have patience right now to build and wait for when I get to 100%,” said Joao Paulo, who estimates he could play 60-70 minutes. “We’re not rushing. We have a lot of games to play this season.”
Getting healthier
Pedro de la Vega participated in parts of Sounders training Wednesday. The midfielder missed the past five matches with a right hamstring injury.
Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer told media after de la Vega participated in Tuesday’s session that the young designated player could “potentially” play against Vancouver. Schmetzer is also waiting to fully evaluate the team until he has the full roster for a few games.
Reed Baker-Whiting (hamstring/pneumonia) and Braudilio Rodrigues (hamstring) still haven’t participated in training.
“We’re going to be cautious with him,” Schmetzer said Tuesday of de la Vega. “He’ll be on a slow ramp up because we can’t afford to have another injury.”
First look
Seattle added some wrinkles to their tactics in preparation for a potent Vancouver side that added strength by signing veteran Fafa Picault last winter. But the Sounders won’t have to worry about the Haitian international, who was ruled out Wednesday due to back spasms, according to Canada’s Daily Hive. Picault subbed off in the 15th minute of the loss to the Galaxy due to the injury.
Vancouver mainstays Brian White and Ryan Gauld are available and have been problems for Seattle in past Cascadia rivalry matchups. White has three goals to open the season while Gauld has two and two assists.
“What they have best is mentality,” Joao Paulo said. “They’re a tough team to play against. They play direct balls. They have guys who are physical in front. So, it’s challenging for our defense.”
The Whitecaps haven’t won at Lumen Field since 2016. The Sounders are 8-0-2 in those matches, outscoring Vancouver 22-4.
New rules
MLS announced it’s moving ahead with a set of rules passed for this season but delayed implementation because of the Professional Referee Organization locking out the Professional Soccer Referees Association due to a contract dispute.
Beginning with Saturday’s matches, there will be in-stadium Video Assistant Referee (VAR) announcements and explanations. The “timed substitution rule” requires subbed players to clear the field within 10 seconds or their replacement has to wait 60 seconds after the next stoppage in play to enter. The “off-field treatment rule” means players who suffer a suspected injury and are down more than 15 seconds must clear the field and cannot return for a minimum of two minutes for further evaluation.