After a 2018-2020 period that plagued Jimmy Medranda with injuries during his time with Kansas City and Nashville, the Colombian defender/midfielder hoped for healthier, more consistent playing days.
Those days would begin on October 21, 2020, after the Sounders acquired Jimmy Medranda and a potential total of $250,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) from Nashville SC in exchange for midfielder Handwalla Bwana.
“When I recovered from injury was when I came to Seattle," said Medranda, "The truth is, coming to Seattle has been another big experience for me. I’ve been able to get minutes again, the team here has treated me really well, and I’m happy and working to be the Jimmy that I was before."
Medranda found his way back to full form through his very first start for the Sounders on June 23, a 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake — his first MLS start since August 2019. Since then, the 27-year-old has made four more starts and tallied his first goal in the Rave Green in spectacular fashion through a beautifully struck half-volley against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
“When I scored that goal I let go of a lot of suffering that I’ve had due to injuries and from the time that I didn’t have much playing time,” said Medranda. “I felt liberated after the goal of all the frustration that I’ve had from the past.”
As a versatile, left-footed player, Medranda has played a vital role in Head Coach Brian Schmetzer’s ‘Next Man Up’ philosophy, being utilized up a line in the midfield and as a wingback to meet the needs of the ever-changing lineup. Through this, the Colombian has formed promising relationships throughout the roster.
“Whenever I have played on the wing I’ve been paired with AB and the truth is from the very first time I played with him there’s been a sense of trust where I can go and pressure and he is there to cover me,” said Medranda. “But the truth is everyone has done a great job whether it’s on the right side or the left side or in the center.”
Medranda began his MLS career in 2013 with Sporting Kansas City, winning MLS Cup in his rookie season. His total of 98 career appearances for SKC resulted in two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles (2015, 2017). On Sunday, he faced the club that provided him the bulk of his success.
“Every time we go out onto the pitch we do our very best and our objective is to have a clean sheet. The objective might be difficult but ultimately the main goal is to get three points. The mentality is always going to be the same to get three points and give the team the best that I can offer.”
Seattle will return home to Lumen Field on Saturday to take on the San Jose Earthquakes (2:00 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS)
