The Seattle Sounders are two wins away from hosting MLS Cup, but they’ll likely need to win two road games in order to do that. Their path starts today with a game against LAFC, a team they’ve failed to beat in any of their last 10 meetings across all competitions that dates to 2021. There’s a good chance they’ll be a bit short-handed, as both Paul Rothrock and Nouhou were unable to fully train this week.
Here’s what you need to know:
Injury news
Sounders
OUT: Jacob Castro - Adductor; Danny Musovski - Quad
QUESTIONABLE: Nouhou - Illness; Paul Rothrock - Quad
LAFC
OUT: Lorenzo Dellavalle - Knee
Stats to look smart
- By now everyone knows about the Sounders’ winless streak against LAFC, but the Sounders are 1-0 in playoff games at BMO Stadium. That win came in 2019, when the Sounders upset an LAFC team that is still considered one of the best regular-season squads in MLS history.
- The Sounders come into this game on a nine-game unbeaten streak. The most impressive stat during that stretch? They’ve only allowed four goals.
Tactics to impress
- It almost goes without saying that one key to victory is scoring first. But that’s even more imperative against LAFC. Over the last two seasons, they’ve gone 30-1-1 in matches they lead at halftime, which is easily the best record in the league.
- The Sounders have faired best against LAFC when they concede possession and are willing to absorb pressure. LAFC prefers to be the team that has room to counter into, but in playing at home they may be vulnerable to having the tables turned.
Kit matchup
Opposition research
Sounder Strategy: The Los Angeles Nemesis
To win in LA, Seattle has to double down on what made their season’s second half so great.
Andrew Pearson
Bracket
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