Sounders Hope to Welcome Back Pedro de la Vega for Crucial Leagues Cup Match

Sunday's Phase One matchup against Querétaro FC is a must-win situation for the Seattle Sounders, who are looking to turn their seven-game losing streak into a positive result.

The Sounders are facing a tough road ahead, having suffered a series of setbacks, including injuries to key players. One player who is expected to make his season debut is Argentine winger Pedro de la Vega, who has been sidelined since October with a fractured right patella. The 2024 signing underwent surgery and was projected to return within a six-month time frame.

Coach Brian Schmetzer expressed his optimism about de la Vega's potential return, stating, "I'm going to try my darndest to get him on the field." While the midfielder may not be expected to play significant minutes, his presence will undoubtedly be a welcome boost to the team. De la Vega has been a consistent performer for the Sounders, making 36 appearances across all competitions last season, bagging 10 goals and five assists.

The Sounders need the depth, especially with several key players out injured, including center back Kim Kee-hee (hamstring), midfielder Cristian Roldan (quad), defender Hassani Dotson (hamstring), and forward Jordan Morris (quad). The team's recent performances have been underwhelming, and a win against Querétaro will be crucial in maintaining their chances of advancing in the Leagues Cup.

The match against Querétaro will be a tough test for the Sounders, who will need to be at the top of their game to overcome the Mexican side. Querétaro has never won a Liga MX title, but they have had notable players like Ronaldinho and Antonio Valencia don the badge. The team is currently led by Mexican international Ali Ávila, who has three goals to start the league season.

The Sounders' midfielder, Albert Rusnák, spoke about the team's struggles, stating, "The one thing that we talked amongst ourselves as players is that during this losing streak, majority of the games (five) were on the road. It's been a while since we played at home, and it's gonna be important for us to keep fans engaged, and also I don't want to say give them hope, but reassure them that we are still the same team that started the season in a winning fashion and playing really well."

The Querétaro vs. Sounders matchup is the second Phase One match for the teams, following their losses to Toluca and FC Dallas, respectively. The tournament, which pits 18 Liga MX clubs against 18 from MLS, has a table for both leagues, and each will advance the top four teams to the knockout rounds.

As the Sounders aim to secure a crucial win, they will be looking to their fans for support. The home crowd will play a significant role in motivating the team to overcome the challenging task ahead. Meanwhile, Querétaro will be seeking a signature win to boost their summer campaign.

The Sounders will wrap up Phase One play against Chivas de Guadalajara on Wednesday at Lumen Field, with the pressure building up for a must-win result. The team will be eager to bounce back from their recent losses and make a strong statement in the Leagues Cup.

The match against Querétaro is shaping up to be a crucial test for the Sounders, with both teams seeking to turn their fortunes around. As the Sounders look to welcome back de la Vega and get back to winning ways, they will be relying on the support of their fans to push them towards a positive result.

The Sounders' struggles have been well-documented, but the team remains resolute in their determination to turn the tide. With a strong performance against Querétaro, they can send a message to their fans and the league that they are still a force to be reckoned with.