TUCSON, Ariz. — Seattle Sounders midfielder Víctor Rodríguez battled injuries throughout most of the first half of last season, but after getting healthy, he finished 2018 in incredible form. He scored four goals and recorded four assists in the Sounders’ final five regular-season games, all victories, and added an assist in the postseason series against the Portland Timbers.
Rodríguez’s run of form was a promising sign for the 29-year-old Spaniard, who the Sounders signed in summer 2017. His attacking impetus in the midfield with Nicolás Lodeiro and underneath forward Raúl Ruidíaz made Seattle one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the second half of the season.