Obed Vargas Is Stepping Up At the Perfect Time
Obed Vargas is the heart and soul of the Seattle Sounders, so heading into the playoffs, Seattle needed him to be at the top of his game. But he hasn’t been. He has been on his S-tier game since the playoffs started. He is leading the Sounders as they charge through the MLS playoffs!
Obed Vargas Before the Playoffs Started
Vargas was coming off an international stretch with Mexico U20s, where, although he didn’t contribute directly with any goals or assists, he did have his good games. His form was spotty, with two 7.0+ match ratings, including a 7.3 in a 4-1 win over Chile’s U20s. And a 7.4 in a 2-2 draw against Brazil’s U20s. He also had three matches under 7.0, including a 6.1 stinker against Spain’s U20s, during which he also got a yellow card.
His league form before the break was worrying, too. He did have an excellent 7.6 game against Inter Miami, but that was sandwiched between a pair of stinkers with a 6.3 against LA Galaxy and a 6.2 to end the season against Austin FC.
Sounders fans had reasons to be worried about Vargas’s form heading into the playoffs. But he gathered himself and is now playing some of the best ball we’ve seen out of him, maybe ever!
Obed Vargas Was Great In Game 1
To start off the Sounders’ playoff efforts, Vargas used all of his intelligence and skill to hold back Minnesota United and keep it to a 0-0 draw. His 7.3 rating shows how he both held the defense back and his efficient and intelligent passing played a pivotal role in helping the Sounders keep more possession, 69% to MU’s 31%.
But the 0-0 draw only made the upcoming match more important, as winning Game 2 could swing the momentum and control the series heading into the now all-important Game 3. And there, Vargas gave a career performance
Obed Vargas Braces against Minnesota!
Game 2 would be much, much, much more exciting than the first game. Minnesota United and the Seattle Sounders combined for 6 total goals. Vargas played a very important role in making sure the Sounders came out with a win.
Vargas led the Sounders to a 4-2 victory to put them in the driver’s seat heading into Game 3. For his incredible effort, he was given a 9.3 rating and a man of the match award.
Making up for the yellow card he got earlier in the game, his 1st goal was delivered by Albert Rusnak off a corner and then off the back of an MU player. Vargas was right outside the box after he controlled the ball. He let it up, and it bounced right off the goalie to go into the net.
The Mexican had a talent for using opponents to get the ball into the back of the net on this day. His next goal came after a quick Seattle counter. He received a nice pass from Paul Rothrock and, right at the edge of the box, scored again.
Game 3
The Sounders had home-field advantage in their 4-2 win. Something you could hear as the Seattle crowd roared throughout the game. But Game 3 takes place at Allianz Field in St. Paul.
What advantage the Sounders do have is that the draw and the two-goal win have pushed MU into a corner. One that, if the Sounders keep playing like they do, will move on to the next round.
