Anchorage’s Obed Vargas recorded his sixth career assist Saturday. Photo courtesy Seattle Sounders.
There are times when Obed Vargas makes a play in an MLS game where you can’t believe he’s just 18 years old.
That greatness was on display again Saturday night.
The Anchorage midfielder feathered a terrific through pass in traffic to set up Jordan Morris’ goal in extra time and give the Sounders a 3-2 win over Dallas in Seattle.
Morris outran two defenders and then beat the keeper for a gorgeous goal in the 94th minute that was made possible by Vargas, who continued his breakout season.
Once a child prodigy who was the third-youngest player at 15 years old to make his MLS debut in 2021, Vargas is now a fourth-year starter and bona fide playmaker.
This was the Alaska teenager’s fourth assist to go with one goal in 17 games this year. This, after furnishing zero goals and two assists in his first 36 MLS games.
Vargas has started every game but one this season and owns an 86.6 passing rate, which speaks to his field vision, something he showcased Saturday with a beautiful pass to set up the game winner.
JORDAN MORRIS GIVES SEATTLE THE LEAD IN STOPPAGE! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9fogJQKox9
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 23, 2024
This was his second assist in the last three games after registering a helper in a 2-0 win last week over Minnesota.
Vargas has posted one goal and six assists in 53 career games, including 41 starts.
Alaska’s only other MLS player to produce points in the MLS was Anchorage’s Ely Allen, who had one goal and one assist in 12 games for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2008.
