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MLS Seattle Sounders FC

Sounders FC Bids Farewell to Club Legend Nicolás Lodeiro

December 12, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


Sounders FC Bids midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro hoists MLS Cups from 2016 and 2019
Sounders FC Bids midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro hoists MLS Cups from 2016 and 2019
(Seattle Sounders FC)

SEATTLE, WASH.- With MLS Free Agency opening this week, Sounders FC bids farewell to club legend Nicolás Lodeiro, who is out of contract with the Rave Green. Since coming to Seattle from Boca Juniors in 2016, the Uruguayan has led Sounders FC to seven major trophies - four Western Conference championships (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020), two MLS Cups (2016, 2019) and the historic 2022 Concacaf Champions League title, the first and only time an MLS team has captured the continental trophy. Across all competitions, he ranks first in club history with 95 assists (43 more than any other player) and fourth with 58 goals in 231 appearances. In the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, Lodeiro led Sounders FC to a 17-6-3 record in 26 career postseason matches, ranking first in club history with 11 assists (first among active MLS players) and second with eight goals (tied for third among active MLS players).

The 2016 MLS Newcomer of the Year earned 2019 MLS All-Star and 2020 MLS Best XI honors, in addition to being a two-time Concacaf Champions League Best XI selection (2018, 2022). He was also a finalist for 2020 Landon Donovan MLS MVP after recording seven goals and a league-leading 12 assists in just 20 regular-season games. Lodeiro is one of eight players to record 200 appearances across all competitions for Sounders FC in the MLS era, alongside Osvaldo Alonso, Stefan Frei, Cristian Roldan, Brad Evans, Fredy Montero, Nouhou and Jordan Morris.

Quotes from representatives of Sounders FC's leadership are included below.

SOUNDERS FC OWNER ADRIAN HANAUER

"What Nico has accomplished in his time with this organization is nothing short of extraordinary. We knew we had something special in 2016 when he led the club to its first MLS Cup in his first few months in Seattle, but he continued to raise the bar. Lifting the 2019 MLS Cup and 2022 Concacaf Champions League trophies in front of our home fans would not have been possible without Nico. His passion, skill and tenacity on the field are all hallmarks of what it means to be a Sounder. 'Once a Sounder, always a Sounder' is something I'm extremely proud to say about Nico Lodeiro, and his family will always have a special place in our community."

SOUNDERS FC PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS HUGH WEBER

"A team doesn't accomplish the types of things that Sounders FC has by chance. Nico Lodeiro's leadership on the field and character off of it played an important role in each of the club's titles since 2016. We are immensely grateful to Nico for his contributions and we wish him the best going forward."

SOUNDERS FC GENERAL MANAGER & CHIEF SOCCER OFFICER CRAIG WAIBEL

"It's been a privilege to work with Nico over the past few seasons in Seattle. He's a player who has commanded a tremendous amount of respect across the league since he arrived in 2016, and I've certainly preferred having him on my team over facing him as an opponent. Between his skilled and motivated play on the field, as well as his penchant for winning and rising in big moments, Nico should be recognized not only as a club legend, but as one of the greatest MLS players in this era."

SOUNDERS FC HEAD COACH BRIAN SCHMETZER

"As a coach and a fan it has been amazing to watch Nico Lodeiro play for Sounders FC. Since his arrival in Seattle, all he has done is win, and along the way he helped set a new bar for success in this organization. He's the type of player every coach would want on their team - he leads by example, holds himself to the highest of standards and delivered success in the biggest moments. His technical ability and work ethic are shining examples to the young players within the group. He's a special player, an admirable family man and a true club legend. I wish him the best of luck in the next chapter of his career."

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Images from this story

Sounders FC Bids midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro hoists MLS Cups from 2016 and 2019
Sounders FC Bids midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro hoists MLS Cups from 2016 and 2019
   



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