Fresh off topping the “22-under-22” list, Obed Vargas has been named one of three finalists for MLS Young Player of the Year. The other finalists are Orlando City’s Alex Freeman (who was No. 2 on the U22 list) and Diego Luna (who won Young Player of the Year last year).
Unlike the 22-under-22 list, which takes a more holistic view of players’ performance and potential, the Young Player Award is supposed to only look at MLS regular-season play. Vargas’ numbers stack up well there, too. He had three goals and five assists in MLS play while also starting virtually every game for which he was available and playing a position that is at times far more defensive.
Freeman finished with six goals and three assists while establishing himself as Orlando City’s starter at right back. Luna, meanwhile, had nine goals and seven assists while also establishing himself as a regular with the United States men’s national team.
If Vargas were to win, he would become the second Sounders player to win the award. Jordan Morris won it in 2016.
