TUKWILA, Wash. – Nicolas Lodeiro has only played two games for the Seattle Sounders, but he’s already made quite the impression.
The 27-year-old Uruguayan midfielder has provided a much-needed shot in the arm for Seattle’s attack in those two games, looking every bit like the dynamic and creative playmaker the Sounders thought they were getting when they signed him to a Designated Player contract last month. After a promising debut against the LA Galaxy, he provided two assists as the Sounders scored a 3-1 road win against Orlando.
But as he spoke with reporters through a translator following Seattle’s Saturday morning training session at Starfire Soccer Complex for the first time since his introductory press conference, Lodeiro said he’s also working through an adjustment period.
“The truth is, I’m getting used to things here and I’m adapting to things around me,” Lodeiro said. “I definitely arrived in a difficult situation.”
One aspect of the difficult situation Lodeiro is referring to would be Seattle’s current spot in the MLS standings. Even with two positive results in his first two games, the Sounders are still second from the bottom in the Western Conference and in very real danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. They will try to keep those fading postseason hopes alive in a crucial home game against Real Salt Lake on Sunday evening (7 pm ET; FS1 in the USA, MLS LIVE in CAN).
It may not have been ideal timing from that perspective but Lodeiro says playing a role in righting the ship for his new club is part of a challenge he is relishing.
“I knew the situation I was walking into with the way the team had played.” Lodeiro said. “But I’m also very happy to be a part of that change to turn this thing around and really give us some aspirations going forward.”
Lodeiro also spoke highly of his new co-workers, specifically Clint Dempsey and Jordan Morris, Seattle’s standout forwards with whom he has combined with effectively through his first two games.
“Those guys are difference-makers,” he said. “They make a lot of plays. I definitely like playing with guys of that quality. Also, the team as a whole is a very, very good team. We have a good thing going, we’re growing our chemistry. We’ve working hard to really start having results on the field.”
The on-field adjustments are just part of the equation for Lodeiro, who came to Seattle from Argentine club Boca Juniors – one of the most popular clubs in the Americas.
Lodeiro mentioned a newfound affinity for donuts when asked about his favorite American food since his arrival, adding that he’s also been making an effort to get to know his new city in the short time he’s been in the Pacific Northwest.
“Seattle is a beautiful city,” Lodeiro said. “It’s definitely a really, really fun area. I’ve seen quite a bit of it but it’s a good area and I’m happy to be here. I’m looking forward to getting to know it more.”
