“The best Sounder of all time”: Nico Lodeiro cements his place in Seattle Sounders history

It was an impressive collective effort from Brian Schmetzer’s men, but one name rose above all others over the two-legged final as Nicolas Lodeiro led the way to the title with two goals in Mexico and one more at home.

“Nico Lodeiro, man, is the greatest Sounder of all time,” said Sounders general manager Garth Lagerwey on Extratime after the game. “Set in stone. Hands down.”

It’s difficult to argue with the statement, looking at what the Sounders have accomplished since the Uruguayan midfielder arrived in 2016 from Boca Juniors as a Designated Player. With Lodeiro leading the team, the Sounders have made the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs every season, winning MLS Cup twice. After securing the title no MLS club has won before in the current format of the Concacaf Champions League, the claim that Lodeiro is the best signing in league history has only strengthened.

“He’s going to be up there for sure,” said head coach Brian Schmetzer after the game. “In the NFL they have the franchise players. I call Nico a franchise player.”