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.
“I hope to continue this form, I’m always working for that,” said Rodríguez on Friday from the team’s preseason camp in Tucson. “Hopefully with the help of my teammates and the coaching staff, I can do a little bit more.”
Rodríguez and the Sounders will take on the Houston Dynamo on Saturday in the first of three friendlies in Arizona. The Sounders kick off the MLS season against FC Cincinnati on March 2 at CenturyLink Field (7 p.m. PT; FS1 | TICKETS) and will aim to hit the ground running in 2019.
“Obviously the most important is the team, three points every game,” Rodríguez said. “If I can help the team with goals and assists, it’s better, but the most important always is the team.”
