In early June, Nicolas Lodeiro's World Cup dream was ended as Uruguay announced their final 23-man roster without the Seattle Sounders star on it.
Lodeiro returned to the Pacific Northwest with his club buried deep down the Western Conference standings, having won just twice in their first 11 games. With key attackers like Jordan Morris out for the season and Clint Dempsey missing for large chunks at a time, as well as Lodeiro's time away with Uruguay, scoring goals was a huge problem for Seattle.
But since Lodeiro's first game back from international duty, the Sounders' narrative has shifted completely. Currently on a nine-game unbeaten run, including six straight wins, Seattle has climbed from 11th in the West to striking distance of getting over the playoff line. They've been scoring goals with ease, netting multiple goals in each of their last four games, culminating with a 5-0 dismantling of the LA Galaxy last weekend.
There has been plenty of credit to go around for the team's recent run of form. Head coach Brian Schmetzer found a way to make the roster work; Raul Ruidiaz has hit the ground running since being signed; Chad Marshall is an ageless wonder; Cristian Roldan is an irreplaceable bridge between attack and defense; But Lodeiro is the team's talisman, as much of their attacking joy is through him or the space he creates.
How far can Lodeiro and the Sounders go? They have another huge test on Sunday when they face the Portland Timbers (9:30 pm ET | FS1 – TV & streaming info) to close out Heineken Rivalry Week.
The Timbers have lost three straight games, but won both previous matches against the Sounders this season and are unbeaten in four consecutive games against Seattle. Lodeiro will have a huge hand in altering the narrative.
The playmaker has six goals and nine assists this season, most of them since the beginning of June, and is sixth in total chances created across in the league despite having fewer games played than the rest of the players in the top 10. In a world without Josef Martinez, Lodeiro would be receiving serious MVP chatter.
If their current form continues, the Sounders will make the playoffs. It hasn't been easy, but Seattle have gained more than enough ground to dig themselves out of that early hole. They're already ahead of the fifth-place Galaxy in average points per game, and level with fourth-place Real Salt Lake. A win against Portland could see them jump as high as fourth place if other results go their way, and they finish the season with five consecutive matches against clubs currently below the playoff line.
Much has been made about the Sounders' propensity for slow starts and second-half runs in recent seasons, which have led to a 2016 MLS Cup triumph and another appearance in last year's final. The blueprint may not be a tenable one over time, but they're back on track in 2018. Once again, it's Lodeiro leading the way.
With the team playing like this, Sounders fans can dare to dream yet again.
