O. Vargas Seattle Sounders FC Midfielder #18: You Won’t Believe What He Did on the Practice Field!

You probably know the name by now: O. Vargas, midfielder, #18 for Seattle Sounders FC. At just 19, he’s already earned a spot in the starting lineup and caught the eye of folks across Major League Soccer.

We’re watching one of the league’s youngest midfielders grow into a steady force—he’s got this calmness but still brings energy to the center of the pitch.

Born in Alaska and shaped by the Sounders Academy, Vargas skipped college and signed a Homegrown contract before the 2022 season. That move put him straight on the pro path, and he adapted fast to the physical and tactical demands of MLS.

He’s had some bumps along the way, like a back injury that cut short part of his 2022 season. But honestly, the way he bounced back showed maturity you just don’t expect from a teenager.

Now, with over 100 appearances for Seattle and a spot on the 2025 MLS All-Star roster, Vargas is way more than just a promising kid. He stands for the next wave of midfield talent in MLS, breaking up plays and launching attacks.

You see him in #18, but what really jumps out is how he’s become the steady link between Seattle’s defense and attack. That role just keeps growing every time he steps on the field.

Profile of O. Vargas

Here’s a midfielder who grew up in Alaska and turned himself from a youth prospect into a starter in Major League Soccer. His background, style, and even his jersey number all give you a sense of how he fits in with the Sounders and the bigger soccer world.

Personal Background

Obed Vargas was born August 5, 2005, in Anchorage, Alaska. He played for Cook Inlet Soccer Club before joining the Seattle Sounders Academy at 14.

That early jump into competitive soccer helped him adjust to the pro game while he was still so young.

In 2021, Vargas signed with Tacoma Defiance and made 28 appearances in the USL Championship. Later that year, he made his MLS debut for Seattle Sounders at just 15, making him one of the youngest players in league history.

He first played for the United States at youth levels, but later switched to represent Mexico. In 2024, he debuted for Mexico’s senior national team against the United States.

That choice really reflected both his heritage and his ambitions for international soccer.

Vargas didn’t go to college. Instead, he turned pro straight through the Sounders Academy. His story shows just how important homegrown development has become in MLS.

Playing Position and Style

Vargas lines up as a central midfielder, usually sitting deeper to connect defense and attack. His game is all about composure, short passing, and breaking up play.

He doesn’t depend on speed or flashy moves. Instead, he leans on positioning and awareness.

Seattle has trusted him in big games—Concacaf Champions League, Leagues Cup, you name it. His ability to step up in those moments, even as a teenager, says a lot about his maturity.

He’s not going to wow you with a ton of goals, but he chips in with assists and keeps the ball moving forward. In 2024, he put up 2 goals and 7 assists in 40 matches for the Sounders.

2024 Seattle Sounders Stats

Matches	Starts	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
40	37	2	7	3,000+

His style fits a team that values possession and balance in midfield. Honestly, he’s more of a connector than a headline grabber.

Jersey Number and Significance

Vargas wears #18 for Seattle Sounders FC. That number’s often gone to versatile midfielders and forwards, and for him, it’s about continuity from his early pro days.

Soccer numbers can mean a lot, but for Vargas, #18 just feels like part of who he is on the field. Fans spot him by that number just as quickly as by his name.

#18 isn’t usually a “star” number, which kind of matches Vargas’s role as a steady contributor instead of a spotlight-seeker. Still, his performances in that jersey have made it mean something in Seattle.

His choice really shows that impact in soccer isn’t about the number you wear—it’s about what you do out there.

Journey to Seattle Sounders FC

Vargas left his hometown early, grew through a small but tough club, and then took his shot in one of MLS’s top academies. His path is about steady growth, sacrifice, and chasing professional soccer at the highest level he could reach.

Early Life in Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska isn’t exactly a soccer hotspot. Growing up there shaped Vargas’s resilience, since chances to play high-level soccer were pretty rare.

Winters dragged on, and training often happened indoors, so he had to get used to tight spaces and quick thinking.

His family really made a difference, supporting his ambitions every step of the way. Without their sacrifices and willingness to travel, he couldn’t have competed outside Alaska.

By 14, Vargas was already one of the state’s top players. Scouts started noticing, and coaches encouraged him to test himself in tougher environments. That choice led to the next big step.

Cook Inlet Soccer Club Experience

Vargas joined Cook Inlet Soccer Club, the top youth program in Anchorage. The club gave him structure, steady coaching, and chances to play in regional tournaments.

That’s where he started to build the technical skills that set him apart.

Cook Inlet focused on fundamentals, and Vargas learned to control the midfield with sharp passing and calm under pressure. The team traveled to tournaments in the Pacific Northwest, where he faced better opponents and started getting noticed.

His performances there boosted his confidence. Coaches saw his ability to read the game and his maturity on the ball, which opened up opportunities with pro academies on the mainland.

Joining Seattle Sounders Academy

At 14, Vargas made the tough call to leave Anchorage for the Seattle Sounders Academy. He started with the U-15 team, but the COVID-19 pandemic sent him back home for a bit.

When he returned, he moved up to the U-17s, and his progress really took off.

Seattle’s academy pushed him every day. Training with players like Danny Leyva and Josh Atencio, he saw there was a real path to the first team.

Coaches demanded more from him, technically and tactically, getting him ready for pro minutes.

Within a year, he earned a spot with Tacoma Defiance and quickly proved himself. By 15, he made his debut for Seattle Sounders FC, becoming the club’s youngest-ever player.

Key Milestones

Year	Team/Level	Notable Achievement
2019	Cook Inlet Soccer Club	Regional recognition
2020	Seattle U-15 Academy	Joined Sounders Academy
2021	Tacoma Defiance	Signed professional contract
2021	Seattle Sounders FC	MLS debut at 15 years old

That climb showed he could handle each step, moving from youth soccer in Alaska to the pro stage in Seattle.

Development and Rise Through the Ranks

Here’s a young midfielder who left Anchorage to chase a pro career. His journey took him through Tacoma Defiance, MLS NEXT Pro, and then an early jump to Major League Soccer with Seattle Sounders FC.

Tacoma Defiance and USL Experience

Obed Vargas took his first pro steps with Tacoma Defiance. At 15, he signed with the club and started playing in the USL Championship.

That stage put him up against older, tougher players, forcing him to sharpen both his technical and mental game.

In Tacoma, he adapted fast. Games against pros tested his decision-making and composure under pressure.

Coaches noticed how well he held possession in tight spaces—a skill that helped him later with Seattle’s senior squad.

He got consistent minutes with Tacoma, which is rare for someone so young. That experience laid the groundwork for his next move up the MLS ladder.

Key Stats with Tacoma Defiance (2020–2021):

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Competition
2020	13	0	1	USL Championship
2021	17	0	2	USL Championship

MLS NEXT Pro Progression

After Tacoma, Vargas played in the MLS NEXT Pro system. He moved into a league designed to bridge the gap between academy players and the first team.

His time there wasn’t long, but it was important. He showed he could handle the pace and intensity of pro soccer.

In MLS NEXT Pro, he played with guys closer to his age but still had to deliver consistent performances. He often took on a leadership role, dictating the tempo from midfield.

That responsibility helped him grow tactically and sharpen his passing.

The league’s focus on youth development gave Vargas the platform to show his maturity. By the time he left, Seattle’s coaches already believed he was ready for the next level.

Transition to First Team

Vargas made his MLS debut in 2021 at just 15. That moment came earlier than anyone expected, but he looked right at home.

From there, he became a steady option in central midfield, often partnering with João Paulo.

Jumping to the first team meant higher expectations. Training sessions demanded quicker decisions, sharper touches, and more endurance.

Vargas took on those challenges, showing that his time with Tacoma and in MLS NEXT Pro had prepared him.

By 2022, he’d already played in the Concacaf Champions League, helping Seattle become the first MLS club to win it. His steady performances in league and cup play locked in his spot as a reliable contributor.

As a fan, watching Vargas go from youth prospect to first-team regular really shows the value of Seattle’s development system. His rise proves the club knows how to turn academy talent into real impact.

Major Achievements and Career Highlights

Obed Vargas’s growth is clear in his steady rise through Major League Soccer, his first pro goal, his part in a continental title, and his recognition among the league’s brightest young talents. Each step forward marks real progress for both his club and his international career.

Key MLS Performances

When you look at Vargas’ MLS career, consistency really jumps out. Seattle Sounders FC signed him in 2022, and he jumped straight into the midfield rotation—even though he was still a teenager.

By 2024, he’d already played in 40 matches across all competitions and started 37 of them. That’s a lot of trust for a young player.

He controls tempo and links defense to attack, which makes him valuable in both league and cup matches. You can see it in games where he picked up key assists, like against Portland or FC Dallas.

The league noticed his impact and put him on the annual 22 Under 22 list, where he ranked seventh among MLS players. That’s pretty impressive, putting him up there with some of the brightest young talents in North America.

Selected MLS Stats (2023–2024):

Season	Matches Played	Starts	Goals	Assists
2023	27	16	0	2
2024	40	37	2	7

First MLS Goal Against Philadelphia Union

Everyone remembers their first professional goal, right? For Vargas, that moment came on April 30, 2024, when Seattle took on the Philadelphia Union.

He scored by arriving late in the box and finishing with real composure.

That goal meant more than just a number on the scoreboard. It marked his shift from “promising prospect” to a guy who could change results.

Midfielders don’t score often, but when they do, it matters.

After that strike, Vargas looked more confident and started to take on a bigger role—not just connecting passes, but actually finishing off plays.

Seattle needed more scoring options, and he stepped up at just the right time in the MLS season.

Role in Concacaf Champions League Victory

Seattle’s 2022 Concacaf Champions League run was historic, and Vargas played his part. He started three matches at just 16 years old, showing a cool head for someone so young.

When João Paulo went down in the second leg of the final against Pumas UNAM, Vargas came on and played 61 minutes. He helped the Rave Green keep control in what turned into a decisive 3-0 win.

Seattle became the first MLS club to win the CCL in the modern era. For Vargas, it was early exposure to high-stakes international games.

That experience set him up for later challenges in the Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup.

MLS All-Star Recognition

By 2025, Vargas hit another milestone: he made the MLS All-Star roster. For a homegrown kid who joined the Seattle academy at 14 after playing with Cook Inlet Soccer Club in Alaska, that recognition meant something.

All-Star nods matter because they show the respect of coaches, teammates, and fans. For Vargas, it confirmed he belonged among the league’s top midfielders, not just the best young ones.

That season, Seattle leaned on him in both defensive and box-to-box roles. His versatility and steady growth made him central for both the Sounders and the Mexico national team.

If you want more details, check out his Seattle Sounders profile or his Wikipedia entry.

International Career and Dual Nationality

Obed Vargas grew up balancing two soccer identities—one from the U.S., where he was born, and one from his Mexican heritage. His journey through youth national teams, a World Cup run, and a one-time switch shows how tricky things can get for dual nationals in international soccer.

Youth National Team Involvement

You probably first noticed Vargas in the U.S. Soccer youth setup. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, and raised in Washington, he quickly stood out in the Seattle Sounders academy.

Early call-ups to U.S. youth camps showed how much the federation liked his technical skill in midfield.

At just 15, Vargas played for the U.S. U-15s, then moved up to the U-17 and U-20 teams. Coaches liked his calm under pressure, his ability to keep the ball, and his work rate.

Playing for the U.S., Vargas gained experience against international opponents. Those early matches gave him a foundation for high-level play and exposed him to different tactics.

His time with U.S. youth teams set him up for bigger things, but it also forced a decision when Mexico came calling.

2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup Participation

The 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina was Vargas’s biggest stage with U.S. Soccer. He started three matches and appeared in five, playing a key role in the midfield rotation.

He helped the U.S. reach the quarterfinals, where they lost to Uruguay. Even in defeat, Vargas showed maturity, connecting passes and keeping the tempo steady.

Tournament Stats (2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup):

Matches Played	Starts	Minutes	Assists	Goals
5	3	270	0	0

He didn’t score or assist, but his control of space and distribution stood out. Those performances boosted his profile in MLS and caught the eye of Mexico’s federation.

Switch to Mexico and El Tri

In 2024, Vargas made the big call to file a FIFA-approved one-time switch to represent Mexico. He was born in the U.S. but qualified through his parents, and after years in the American system, he chose El Tri.

The move was about both family and opportunity. Mexico gave him a clearer shot at senior minutes, and he already felt a strong connection to the culture and style.

He made his debut in October 2024, coming on as a sub against the United States in a 2-0 win for Mexico. That appearance locked in his commitment and closed the door on returning to the U.S. program.

The switch also showed how the U.S. and Mexico compete for dual-national players. Vargas became another example of how both federations recruit talent with shared eligibility.

Call-Ups to U-20 and U-23 Mexico National Teams

After the switch, Vargas immediately joined Mexico’s youth teams. He played with the U-20s for camps and friendlies in 2024 and 2025, including matches in Spain against CF Benidorm, the United States, and France (Sounders FC reports).

He also got called into the Mexico U-23s, picking up valuable minutes as he prepared for Olympic qualifying. Those camps gave him exposure to older players and faster games.

Still only 19, Vargas gained experience at both U-20 and U-23 levels, showing that Mexico’s coaches trusted him in different midfield roles.

His international future with El Tri looks bright as he balances Seattle Sounders FC duties and opportunities with Mexico.

Playing Style, Skills, and Comparisons

You get a midfielder who mixes technical ability with tactical awareness. He’s got balance, vision, and adaptability, which lets him impact games in a bunch of ways for Seattle Sounders FC.

Midfield Versatility

It doesn’t take long to see that Obed Vargas isn’t stuck in one position. He can play deep, act as a box-to-box guy, or push up higher if needed. That flexibility gives Seattle different looks, depending on the matchup.

At just 20, Vargas has played both defensive and attacking roles. He covers ground efficiently, using smart positioning instead of just relying on speed.

His academy days and time with Tacoma Defiance sharpened his ability to adjust on the fly. When he lines up with veterans like João Paulo, he shifts his responsibilities—sometimes holding, sometimes stepping forward.

That versatility keeps him in Brian Schmetzer’s plans, because the coach values players who can change roles without messing up the system.

Passing and Ball Progression

Vargas’ passing stands out. He likes short, sharp combinations but isn’t afraid to hit a longer ball to break lines. That mix lets Seattle keep possession and move the ball forward with intent.

In 2024, he chalked up six assists in league play. His first MLS goal against Philadelphia showed not just his technique, but his willingness to get into the box (Seattle Sounders FC).

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Pass Accuracy	Key Passes per 90
2023	18	0	2	85%	0.7
2024	22	1	6	87%	1.1

Those numbers show steady improvement in efficiency and creativity. He’s not a high-volume chance creator yet, but he keeps things ticking and links up play.

Defensive Contributions

You can’t just look at Vargas for what he does with the ball. His defensive work rate is a huge part of his game. He tracks runners, presses smartly, and wins the ball back in dangerous spots.

He averages multiple interceptions and tackles per match, using awareness and timing instead of reckless challenges. He positions himself to cut off passing lanes and force mistakes.

Playing next to João Paulo helped him refine those instincts. He’s learning when to press and when to hang back, which makes him dependable in transition.

Comparisons to João Paulo and Cristian Roldan

Vargas reminds you a bit of both João Paulo and Cristian Roldan, though he’s got his own thing going. João Paulo brings calm and leadership, while Roldan is all about energy and pressing.

Vargas blends those traits—he values control and tempo like João Paulo but covers ground and disrupts play like Roldan. What sets him apart is his composure at such a young age.

When you watch Seattle’s midfield, Vargas is the connector. He doesn’t dominate like João Paulo or press like Roldan, but he mixes both styles and gives Seattle balance.

That mix has made him a regular starter, and you just get the sense he’ll be even more central in the years ahead.

Overcoming Challenges and Injuries

You watch a young midfielder break into the Seattle Sounders lineup and then run into the tough reality of injury. The real test is how he handles setbacks, rebuilds his form, and comes back stronger.

Lower Back Stress Fracture Setback

Obed Vargas, who came up through the Sounders academy and went to Cascade High School in Everett, saw his rise paused by a lower back stress fracture in 2022. At just 16, he was already starting regularly in MLS and even played in the Concacaf Champions League Final.

The injury forced him out for several weeks. Seattle head coach Brian Schmetzer said rest was the only option, so specialists checked in regularly to monitor his progress.

Before the injury, Vargas made 22 appearances that season, including 13 starts. His absence meant Seattle had to rely on other midfielders like Josh Atencio and Danny Leyva.

2022 Pre-Injury Appearances

Competition	Matches Played	Starts	Goals	Assists
MLS	16	10	0	1
CCL	3	2	0	0
U.S. Open Cup	1	1	0	0
Total	20	13	0	1

The numbers show just how important he was becoming before the injury hit.

Rehabilitation and Return to Play

Recovering from a stress fracture takes time—honestly, it’s more about patience than anything else. Vargas spent months with the medical staff, focusing on rest, building core strength, and working through controlled movement before he even thought about returning to competitive play.

The Sounders didn’t rush him. They eased him back into training, letting him find his rhythm before tossing him into matches. He didn’t walk right back into a starting spot; instead, he rotated in, slowly building up his fitness and confidence.

By 2023, Vargas found his footing again. He started getting steady minutes and even represented the U.S. at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Coaches managed his workload closely, making sure he stayed healthy while still contributing for both club and country.

The staff tried to balance his long-term health with the team’s competitive needs.

Mental Resilience and Growth

You can’t measure a young player’s career just by the number of matches. It’s also about how he handles setbacks. Vargas faced the frustration of watching from the sidelines during a key stage of his development.

Schmetzer liked to point out his mental toughness. Vargas debuted in MLS at 15, and he never really looked rattled. That same calm helped him get through rehab and the uncertainty that comes with it.

Instead of checking out, he used the downtime to study the game. He sharpened his decision-making and got ready for the next opportunity. That experience gave him a new perspective on what professional soccer demands.

By the time he came back, Vargas didn’t just look better on the field—he seemed more mature. If you’re following his career, you’ll probably notice that too.

Notable Matches and Memorable Moments

You really see a young midfielder’s growth by watching how he handles big moments early on. From his first MLS game to international club competitions, each match showed how fast Obed Vargas learned and contributed for Seattle Sounders FC.

MLS Debut Against Austin FC

At just 15 years and 351 days old, Vargas stepped onto the pitch against Austin FC in July 2021. You watched him become the third-youngest player in MLS history, logging 77 minutes in a 1-0 win. That night, he played with a calmness you don’t expect from someone his age, moving the ball well and holding his own against older, stronger guys.

He also became the youngest player in Sounders history in that match. Not many debuts carry that kind of weight, and you could feel the club’s trust in him. His passing and defensive positioning stood out, even though he didn’t have a goal or assist to show for it.

Match	Date	Opponent	Minutes Played	Result
MLS Debut	July 23, 2021	Austin FC	77	Seattle 1-0 Austin

Leagues Cup Highlights

The Leagues Cup gave Vargas another shot to show what he could do against international competition. In 2023, he played in both of Seattle’s matches, giving you a sense of how he handled the faster pace and physical style of Liga MX squads.

By 2024, he’d taken on a bigger role. He chipped in with two goals and seven assists across all competitions, and his Leagues Cup performances really stood out. Seattle’s 7-0 win over Cruz Azul showed how he could link up passes in midfield and keep the attack moving.

Those matches tested more than just his technical skills. They revealed how he could adapt to different tactics and still keep things steady in possession.

Concacaf Champions League Final vs Pumas UNAM

Seattle’s 2022 Concacaf Champions League run was historic, and Vargas played his part. At only 16, he featured in three matches, including the second leg of the final against Pumas UNAM.

When João Paulo tore his ACL, Vargas came on in the 29th minute. You saw him play 61 minutes under real pressure, helping Seattle clinch the title with a 3-0 win. His ability to step up in that moment said a lot about his maturity.

That appearance gave him experience most players his age can only dream about. Playing in a continental final against a tough Mexican side set him up for even bigger moments down the road.

Key Matches Against Cruz Azul and FC Dallas

In league play, Vargas kept adding to his résumé with steady performances. He picked up his first MLS assist in April 2023 against Portland.

His second assist, though, came against FC Dallas and really showed how he could shape matches on the road.

He delivered a well-timed pass that led to a scoring chance, helping Seattle grab points away from home. After a 1-0 win, MLS named him to the Team of the Matchday bench—another sign that he was getting more consistent.

When Seattle faced Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, Vargas gave fans a glimpse of his potential. Seattle dominated that match, and Vargas had the chance to show off his decision-making under pressure.

He connected the midfield to the attack with confidence, and honestly, those moments made it obvious: he can hang with top-level opponents.