Pedro de la Vega perfectly demonstrated what it means to make your mark in the Seattle Sounders’ historic 7-0 win over reigning CCC champs Cruz Azul on Thursday night in Phase One of Leagues Cup.
“I’m always ready,” said de la Vega.
de la Vega’s offensive prowess took center stage as soon as he subbed on in the 72nd minute. Four minutes after entering the match, the Argentine winger extended the Sounders’ lead to five with an audacious, highlight-reel finish inside the far post.
It was one of the highest-quality goals a Sounder had scored all season, but de la Vega raised the bar even higher in second half stoppage time. Already up six goals, Seattle’s No. 10 capped off the night with one of the best goals you’ll ever see, hitting an absurd volley into the top corner off a cross-field diagonal ball from Alex Roldan.
“That really [was] a tremendous goal, and that just put the icing on the cake,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “That was an unbelievably technically challenging finish, and he made it look easy.”
The Argentine has been on a fiery run over the last few matches, collecting a total of four goals against the San Jose Earthquakes, Atlanta United and Cruz Azul.
It’s been a long time coming for the Designated Player, who dealt with adversity over the last year with lingering injuries. Now in top-form, de la Vega has finally found his footing, displaying an overwhelming amount of confidence on the pitch.
He remains grounded, however, noting it was not his best game, despite recording the goal of the year thus far for the Sounders.
“I reckon that I didn't even touch the ball that many times,” he said. “However, in those few times that there were moments to finish, they got in, and that was the main difference.”
While de la Vega acknowledges the significance of his brace, he said the team’s togetherness against a difficult opponent like Cruz Azul was the most memorable part of the night.
“It was a demonstration of the group union…The way that we celebrated, the way that we enjoyed each other's goals. I was enjoying my teammates' goals from the sidelines,” said de la Vega. “It was very beautiful in this match.”
de la Vega and his teammates are soaking in this historic moment, but understand the need to turn the page quickly as they gear up to face Santos Laguna on Sunday (7:30 p.m. PT; Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV | TICKETS) in the team’s second Phase One match of Leagues Cup.
“Today we will enjoy [ourselves], but tomorrow we already have to work,” said de la Vega. “We really need to switch back, to go back to work, because the cycle starts again.”
