SEATTLE, WASH. – Sounders FC midfielder Obed Vargas has been named to the final roster for the U.S. U-20 Men’s Youth National Team for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina. Head Coach Mikey Varas named 21 players to his final roster for the upcoming tournament, which lasts from May 20-June 11.
The U-20 MYNT kicks off Group B play on Saturday, May 20 against Ecuador before facing Fiji on Tuesday, May 23 and Slovakia on Friday, May 26. All three matches kick off at 11:00 a.m. PT and are being broadcast on FOX Sports and Telemundo platforms. The U-20s are set to train in Buenos Aires before traveling on Monday, May 15 to San Juan, which is hosting all three of the Group Stage matches.
Vargas, 17, has 29 career appearances for Sounders FC across all competitions dating back to 2021. The Anchorage, Alaska native has started three of his six regular-season appearances this season and recorded his first career MLS assist at Portland on April 15. Vargas made seven appearances in Seattle’s title-winning run in the 2022 Concacaf Champions League, in addition to a pair of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup appearances in 2022 and 2023. Before signing with the First Team in 2021, Vargas started 19 of 28 USL Championship appearances for Tacoma Defiance.
He last played for the U.S. U-20 MYNT back in March, appearing in a pair of friendlies against England and France. As one of three players on the roster born in 2005, Vargas is also age-eligible for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Seattle Sounders FC continues 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup action tonight against the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park (7:30 p.m. PT / Golazo Sports Network, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM) before returning to league play against Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday, May 13 at Shell Energy Stadium (5:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, iHeartMedia, El Rey 1360 AM).
