Seattle Sounders FC: Three hopes, one fear

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Oct 23, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (left) dribbles the ball against Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman (5) during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Hope #1: That Nicolas Lodeiro can continue to be a one-man wrecking crew.

It may have felt like a lifetime of negotiations to get Nicolas Lodeiro to the Sounders but it was all worth it. Despite MLS giving out awards for pretty much every accomplishment it is a bit surprising that they do not have an award for the MVP of the first and second half. If there was one then without question Lodeiro was the MVP of the 2016 second half campaign.

The Uruguayan international was simply stunning in his limited time with Seattle, scoring four goals in eighteen matches. His footwork and pace gave the Sounders life in the midfield and in the attack.

Having lost Marco Pappa and Obafemi Martins in the offseason and Dempsey due to injury the Sounders really lacked that player who can change a game in an instant. Lodeiro proved that he can be that player quite early in his tenure scoring late against Houston to give the Sounders a valuable 1-1 draw away from home.

If Lodeiro can continue to provide moments like this for the Sounders their stay in the playoffs might be a bit longer.

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