Seattle Sounders: Pedro de la Vega Started The 2025 Season On Fire

Pedro de la Vega has made an impressive start to the 2025 season with the Sounders, featuring in all four of the team's matches so far. He came off the bench as a substitute in the MLS matches, showing his versatility and commitment to the team.

In the Concacaf Champions Cup, de la Vega was instrumental in Seattle's 6-2 aggregate triumph over Antigua/GT. He netted a goal in the first leg and added two more in the home game.

Pepo's contributions have been crucial for the Sounders' campaign in the continental tournament, and fans are thrilled to see how he continues to perform throughout the season after a challenging first year in.

Disappointing first season in Seattle

Pedro la Vega's inaugural season with the Seattle Sounders in 2024 was marked by highs and lows. He joined the team as a Designated Player, arriving for a club-record transfer fee of $7.5 million. Pepo stepped into the shoes of Nicolas Lodeiro, who is regarded as one of the greatest players in the franchise's history.

De la Vega made an immediate impact, scoring a penalty in his debut match against LAFC. However, his season was marred by injuries, including a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several weeks in the first half. Towards the end of the season, the number 10 was able to start games more consistently, showing his resilience and determination.

Despite the setbacks, the Argentinian showed flashes of brilliance, contributing to the team's attack with his dribbling skills and ability to create scoring opportunities. He played a total of 23 matches, including one US Open Cup, two League Cups, 16 MLS regular-season games, and four MLS Cup playoffs.

The beginning in Argentina

Pedro de la Vega's journey with Club Atlético Lanús showcases his growth from a promising youth talent to a contributor in Argentine football. In 2015, he joined Lanús' youth academy, where his performances quickly gained, earning him recognition by the Argentine Association in 2017 as a standout in youth football.

De la Vega made his professional debut for Lanús on September 16, 2018, at just 17 years old, in a match against Racing Club. His introduction to top-flight football was notable, and he soon became a regular feature in the lineup. He scored his first professional goal on April 27, 2019, during the Copa de la Superliga against Vélez Sarsfield, marking the beginning of his contributions to the scoresheet.

Over the subsequent seasons, de la Vega's influence within Lanús grew. In the 2019-2020 season, he made 35 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals and providing four assists. The following year, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, he continued to be a pivotal player, featuring in 36 matches, netting four goals, and assisting twice.

However, the 2022 season was challenging for de la Vega, as a cruciate ligament tear limited him to just one appearance. Demonstrating resilience, he returned in 2023 to deliver his most prolific season. He scored six goals and assisted seven times, aiding Lanús to a commendable fourth-place finish in the Liga Profesional's first phase.
De la Vega's performances at Lanús also opened doors to international opportunities. He represented Argentina at various youth levels, including the U-20 South American Championship and the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2019. In 2021, he was part of the national squad for the Tokyo Olympics, gaining valuable experience on the international stage.

What's next for Pedro de la Vega and the Seattle Sounders?

Pepo and the Sounders have an important year ahead. Beyond the Concacaf Champions Cup and the MLS already underway, they will also have the Leagues Cup and the first FIFA Club World Cup in the new format.

The Sounders will host three group-stage games in Seattle against Botafogo/BRA, Paris Saint Germain/FRA, and Athletic Madrid/ESP. The new FIFA tournament will occur in the United States between June 14th and July 13th this summer.

Pedro and his teammates will have another challenge in the Concacaf Champion Cup this week. Sounders will receive the Cruz Azul/MEX for the first leg of the Round of 16. The game will be on Wednesday, March 5th, at 7:30 PM (PT).

Cover: Twitter / SoundersFC