Nicolas Lodeiro was born in Uruguay, starting his career with Nacional in his come country. The attacking midfielder played for Ajax and Boca Juniors on his journey. For his country, Lodeiro has 60 caps, including two FIFA World Cups. In July of 2016, GM Garth Lagerwey, who is now at Atlanta United, wanted to bring Lodeiro to Seattle. Using Uruguay teammate Luis Suarez as a translator, Lodeiro eventually signed on with Seattle in late July. He debuted quickly, on the last day of the month.
In August, Lodeiro hit a first-time strike against Real Salt Lake to introduce himself to the club. Even though he joined late in the season, his impact was immense. Lodeiro scored his first brace for the Sounders against FC Dallas in the playoffs, finishing off a Jordan Morris run, and then he slid one home later on. He then scored another goal in leg two, before knocking out Colorado with another. Seattle won MLS Cup in their very first season with their new No. 10. Lodeiro's 4 goals and 8 assists earned him the 2016 Newcomer of the Year honors.
In his first full MLS season, he did not disappoint. The 2017 season consisted of 7 goals and 12 assists for Lodeiro. He potted his first of the year from the spot in a 2-2 draw with Montreal. In October, he put two past the Colorado Rapids. After finishing second place in the Western Conference, the Sounders defeated both Vancouver and Houston in the postseason. Lodeiro notched an assist in each series. For the second straight year, Seattle met Toronto FC in MLS Cup. This time, Lodeiro's team fell short, but two finals appearances in two years was a good start for him.
In 2018, Lodeiro upped his stats in both the goal and assist categories, scoring 8 times and setting up another 16. Additionally, his strong performances in the CONCACAF Champions League led to his inclusion on the Best XI of the tournament. In a loss to Portland in the Cascadia Cup, he assisted a pair of goals for the first time on the campaign. In July, he scored on Atlanta United. In the very next game, Lodeiro did the double against Vancouver, including a very strange goal from long range. His side then defeated the LA Galaxy 5-0, a match in which he added two more helpers. Right before the playoffs, Nico assisted all three goals in a 3-2 win over the Dynamo. Seattle finished second again, but Portland was too much to handle in the postseason this time around.
In 2019, the Seattle Sounders returned to the big game. Lodeiro's stat line on the year was identical to that of 2017. He scored and assisted during a victory against the Chicago Fire in April, to kick things off. In July, his brace led Seattle past Columbus, 2-1. He won the game at the death with a header. During a 3-3 draw with New England, he both scored and assisted. In September, he wreaked havoc on the New York Red Bulls with dual goals. Lodeiro stabbed home the first with an outstretched leg. Lodeiro made the MLS All-Star Team for the first time, playing one half in the match. Once again, the Sounders ended up in second place. Lodeiro contributed to a goal in every single playoff match. After pushing past Dallas with an assist, he scored against Real Salt Lake with a stunning strike to the opposite corner. In the Western Conference Final, he scored and assisted two more on LAFC. His goal was placed perfectly as it nestled in the bottom right. In the MLS Cup rematch with Toronto FC, Lodeiro assisted one of the goals towards winning the trophy. He hoisted MLS Cup for the second time.
In 2020, Nico Lodeiro kept the production levels up. His performances on the year led to an MLS Best XI selection. The most astonishing fact is that Lodeiro brought his team to MLS Cup for a fourth time in just five years at the club. There's simply no doubt that he's a certified club legend. His first goal of the season was scored at the MLS is Back Tournament, against Vancouver. In a statement win over LAFC, he scored a brace. On Decision Day, he capped off his 10 goals with another one, a near post tuck. Lodeiro scored with a curler and assisted whilst knocking out LAFC in the first round. Lodeiro's MLS Cup record fell to 2-2 after the Columbus Crew won convincingly. His 10 assists led the league during the shortened season.
The year of 2021 is one that Nicolas Lodeiro will want to forget. He was able to start just four games, logging 459 minutes, due to knee surgery. He assisted one goal on the year. He returned to the team the following season, but Seattle was unsuccessful in MLS play for the first time, missing the playoffs. Though, the season was salvaged by the 2022 CCL. Lodeiro made the CCL Best XI for the second time. He had another solid 7 goal, 11 assist MLS season, but the Champions League was where the money was made. In the first leg of the final against Pumas, he scored a brace. In leg two, the Sounders creator bagged another off a rebound, as Seattle once again lifted silverware. They became the first MLS team to win the trophy, making the tough season feel a whole lot better. In the final game of the season, Lodeiro finished strong with a brace against the Earthquakes, scoring a volley just 25 seconds in, then he unleashed yet another magical volley later in the match.
Nico Lodeiro and the Seattle Sounders returned to their usual second place position in 2023. He saw a huge drop off in goal scoring, finding the back of the net just one time, which came in May versus Sporting Kansas City. On the playmaking side of things, Lodeiro kept up the usual with 10 more assists. In all six full seasons he has played for Seattle, he has provided double-digit assists. He did score a miraculous free kick in Leagues Cup, during a losing effort to Monterrey. As of late, the 34-year-old midfielder has taken up a substitute role. He came on for 24, 31 and 20 minute cameos in each of the best-of-three matches with FC Dallas. In game one, he came in and recorded an assist. His Seattle Sounders are chasing another MLS Cup appearance, as they are slated to host LAFC in the Western Conference Semis. Even though Lodeiro may not be the same player he once was for Seattle, his consistent impact on the pitch is immeasurable. Nico Lodeiro has been the epitome of success in Major League Soccer since 2016, and for that he ranks at #19.
YEAR | CLUB | MINUTES | GOALS | ASSISTS |
2023 | SEA | 2,481 | 1 | 10 |
2022 | SEA | 2,319 | 7 | 11 |
2021 | SEA | 459 | 0 | 1 |
2020 | SEA | 1,782 | 7 | 10 |
2019 | SEA | 2,500 | 7 | 12 |
2018 | SEA | 2,428 | 8 | 16 |
2017 | SEA | 2,965 | 7 | 12 |
2016 | SEA | 1,170 | 4 | 8 |
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