Sounders battle top seeded LAFC in early Saturday matchup

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Sounders will play battle a somewhat rival in LAFC. These two, despite Los Angeles being relatively new, have had their memorable bouts. This June 18th matchup will surely be another memorable episode in the series between these two. Notably, the Sounders will be without star striker Raul Ruidiaz, and could be missing several other key contributors in their matchup.

Photo courtesy of LAFC

Last match recap:

• Sounders: The last Seattle matchup was a four goal thrashing of Vancouver. Seattle was able to score in the third minute, and everything went downhill for the Whitecaps from there. This looked like the version of the Sounders that we would expect to see, even if it was without top talent like Jordan Morris and Cristian Roldan. Getting these impressive performances from the squad we saw gives hope for what Seattle could do against this Los Angeles side. The only hook to that would be that was against Vancouver, and LA is much better than Vancouver.
• Los Angeles: The last contest for LAFC was all the way in the end of May, a 3-2 victory on the 28th against San Jose. A narrow victory that saw nearly all of the goal scoring in the first half, save for Ryan Hollingshead’s 47th minute goal that would eventually be the match decider. A very even match throughout, several substitutions on both sides did not provide any offense, and Los Angeles would keep their form. It will be interesting to see how this club comes out against Seattle having not played in a little over two weeks.

Will Bruin could play a big factor in this matchup

Where they stand heading into this matchup

• Sounders: In MLS play, Seattle posts a 6-6-1 record. The Sounders have a 4-2-0 record at home. They rank 7th in the Western Conference
• Los Angeles: In MLS play, LA posts a 9-3-2 record. The Whitecaps have a 4-2-0 record on the road, and rank 1st in the Western Conference.

Players to watch on LAFC

• Carlos Vela: This should be a familiar name, as Vela won MLS MVP in 2019. Vela is not the same player he was those three years ago, but he is still quite effective. Having dealt with some injuries, Vela is in solid form this 2022 campaign with six goals so far. With that being said, all of Vela’s goals have come within the keepers box, and he is not exactly efficient with his shots. Seattle’s backline should still keep him in their sights as I would not want to be the team that Vela flips the switch against. Keep him in front, defend him cleanly, and I believe your defense will hold. The Sounders have had ways to shut him down before, anyway.
• Ryan Hollingshead: Hollingshead is LAFC’s second leading scorer, which is intriguing considering that he is one of their defenders. Hollingshead is much more efficient than Vela, having converted his four goals on only six shots. Hollingshead does a little bit of everything for Los Angeles, producing goals, delivering crisp passes, and doing a mock up job as a defender. Expect to hear his name and or see his number often against the Sounders. If Seattle wants to score, getting around Hollingshead will likely need to happen. That is easier said than done
• Diego Palacios: Palacios is a player that does his job well, but isn’t super flashy. No goals on the season, but tied for the club lead in assists and a crisp 83.9% passing percentage. Another defender that factors into the LAFC offense, Seattle will have to see a full unit match in order to defeat Los Angeles. There are several areas that this club is dangerous from, and both Hollingshead and Palacios exhibit that.

Seattle is without last years MVP candidate, Joao Paulo

Keys to a Sounders win

• Get production from your younger attackers: With likely several key attackers and midfielders out, it will be important for younger attackers/Seattle’s depth to step up.
• Remain crisp against one of the best teams in the league: As can be said in all sports, when you are playing against one of the top teams in the entire league, you need to be clinical. Little to no mistakes can be given up, as they can mean the end. With a side that could be missing a few players, your depth players and the rest of your starting eleven will need to be clean and crisp in order to get the two better case scenarios, a win or a draw.
• Finds ways to overcome not having Raul Ruidiaz: As seen in the last match, Raul Ruidiaz is this clubs goal scorer. It’s defensive killer. Not having him will hurt Seattle, but it’s not like any club will feel sorry for them. Will Bruin, Leo Chu, and Fredy Montero are the most likely players to have to step up for Seattle. Seeing more out of them will be important for the Sounders either getting three points or splitting the points with a very good LAFC side.

Thank you to Melissa Levin for the great photos used in this article! Thanks Mel!