Seattle, WA – The Seattle Sounders welcome the undefeated LA Galaxy to Lumen field for a Western Conference tilt on March 12th, 2022. The Galaxy hope to reach the playoffs this year after just barely missing out on the final spot last season. Led by Chicharito, the Galaxy and Sounders have their fair share of history. Seattle hopes to write another positive chapter in their rivalry, while also collecting their first win of the 2022 MLS regular season.
Last match recap
- Seattle Sounders: The Sounders last match was leg one of the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal against Club Leon, a 3-0 victory for Seattle. Similar to their leg two matchup against Motagua, the Sounders looked like the team everyone expects them to be. The midfield looked in top shape, Jordan Morris played like a bundle of lightning, and the backline held Leon in check. The question coming out of the game? When will we see this version of Seattle in MLS play?
- LA Galaxy: The Galaxy played spoiler to Charlotte FC’s home opener with a 1-0 win on March 5th. LA dominated the offensive chances, despite the record-breaking turnout from Charlotte. A curling shot from Efrain Alvarez hit far post and ricocheted into the back of the net. The Galaxy have won their first two games in 1-0 scores with late goals.
Fredy Montero scored twice in the win over Leon
Where they stand heading into this matchup
- Seattle Sounders: 0-0-2, 14th in the Western conference
- Only team in Western conference to lose their first two games
- LA Galaxy: 2-0-0, 2nd in the Western conference
Cristian Roldan has been in great form so far for the Sounders
Players to watch on the Galaxy
- Chicharito: If you follow MLS, you know about Chicharito. Leading the Galaxy in scoring, with almost three times as many goals as the second most, Chicharito figures to have another great season. His game winner in the 90th minute of the LA’s first game show that the 33-year-old isn’t slowing down, at least not now. The Galaxy seem to go as far as Chicharito goes.
- Jonathan Bond: Bond, on paper, has an ideal matchup. The Sounders have not scored a goal in league play yet, and Bond has two clean sheets in the games his team has played in. The 28-year-old keeper has bounced around a bit before landing in LA, but he may have found a home with the Galaxy.
- Rayan Raveloson: Raveloson is a young center midfielder that consistently rated well throughout last season. The 25-year-old scored five goals in 22 appearances last year, and has rated well in LA’s first two games this season.
Chicharito scored 17 goals last season for LA
Keys to a Sounders win
- Run the attack through Cristian Roldan: Cristian Roldan, since he put on a Sounders kit, has played an important role in team success. Now, he’s playing like a team MVP. The victory over Leon highlighted Roldan’s abilities, notching two assists, drawing a penalty, and completing five key passes amongst other things. Roldan should have the ball at his feet more often than not this Saturday, and perhaps all season.
- Get Jordan Morris opportunities early and often: Morris has started to look like his 2018-2019 form dating back to leg two of the Concacaf Champions League round of 16 against Motagua. Always active off the ball, getting shots and opportunities around goal. Morris has logged goals in both CCL wins, and was extremely active in the loss to Nashville. Giving Morris the proper chances and keeping him fresh all season should help Seattle reach another MLS title.
- Reclaim Lumen field as your fortress: The Sounders have not won a home match in their last four tries. Seattle’s form at home suffered all season in 2021. The Sounders have some of the best fans in the MLS, and they tend to be a motivating factor for the team. A game against the Galaxy, hoping to get the first win of the season in league play, is the perfect time to take back the title of fortress.
Credit to Paul Kahl and Melissa Levin for the photos used in this articles. Thank you Paul and Melissa!
Seattle Sounders FC
