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LAFC Vs Seattle Sounders: 3 things we learned – Raul Ruidiaz an animal

By Chris Smith

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Raul Ruidiaz #9 of Seattle Sounders celebrates his goal against Los Angeles FC, to take a 3-1 lead, during the second half during the Western Conference finals at Banc of California Stadium on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Raul Ruidiaz #9 of Seattle Sounders celebrates his goal against Los Angeles FC, to take a 3-1 lead, during the second half during the Western Conference finals at Banc of California Stadium on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 29: Seattle Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer prior to the MLS Western Conference Final between Los Angeles FC and Seattle Sounders at the Banc of California Stadium on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 29: Seattle Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer prior to the MLS Western Conference Final between Los Angeles FC and Seattle Sounders at the Banc of California Stadium on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

2. Brian Schmetzer nails his tactics… again

After the Seattle Sounders 2-0 triumph over Real Salt Lake in the previous round, we were quick to praise Brian Schmetzer for winning out in a tight tactical battle against Freddy Juarez. On Tuesday, the Sounders boss was at it again.

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We all knew LAFC would dominate possession, we knew Bob Bradley would try to push his full-backs forward to create overloads and, ultimately, space for his key attackers, Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi. But we also knew Seattle’s biggest weapon was their counter-attack, with the likes of Jordan Morris and Joevin Jones perfectly placed to exploit the space left by LAFC’s full-backs.

However, for all of that, what was most impressive was the discipline and structure of the low block deployed by Schmetzer on Tuesday. Seattle were deep, compact and incredibly well-drilled. Try as they might, LAFC just could not find a viable route to break them down, with their solitary goal coming from a free-kick rather than open play.

And when LAFC’s attacks did break down upon that rave green wall, Seattle were quick to move the ball to Raul Ruidiaz up-front, with the Peruvian showing excellent control and intelligence to hold up play, linking up with the likes of Nicolas Lodeiro and Morris and allowing his side to break at speed to relieve the pressure despite their deep positioning. Bradley has wowed MLS in 2019 with the way he’s transformed LAFC, but right now, it’s Schmetzer who should be taking all the plaudits.

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