Nicolas Lodeiro scored a diving header in the 28th minute in Uruguay’s 3-0 win over Venezuela in CONMEBOL 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying on Thursday.
The Seattle Sounders Designated Player capitalized on a cross from Luis Suarez to open the scoring before Edinson Cavani recorded a brace. It was Lodeiro’s fifth career goal and 51st cap for La Celeste.
Matias Vecino replaced Lodeiro, who picked up a yellow card in the 50th minute, in the 67th minute.
Uruguay is now in sole possession of first place in CONMEBOL qualifying after nine matches with 19 points. They will travel to Barranquilla next to take on Colombia on Tuesday Oct. 11.
Lodeiro is one of five Sounders away on national team duty during the international break. He joins the United States’ Jordan Morris, Trinidad and Tobago’s Joevin Jones, and Jamaica’s Oniel Fisher and Damion Lowe.
