MLS is Back: Top 3 games to watch in Round of 16

1. Seattle Sounders Vs LAFC

A rematch of last year’s Western Conference semi-final, the Seattle Sounders scraped through Group B after a terribly slow start to their MLS is Back campaign. Now, however, they face the toughest task of all, the record-setting Los Angeles FC.

Even without Carlos Vela, LAFC are in formidable knick. They have scored four more goals than any other team in the tournament. Diego Rossi has stepped up his game another level, while the central midfield trio entirely suffocates opponents, presses them into submission, and controls matches with brute strength.

This, though, is Seattle’s playground. For all of LAFC’s brilliant, the Sounders dispatched of them in the playoffs last year. Seattle went on to win their second MLS Cup in four years and continue their brilliant form in knockout football. It is in the high-pressure matches that they always seem to come alive.

Whether Seattle can turn it on when it matters most remains to be seen. But if they can, they might be the only team in MLS that can feasibly go toe-to-toe with LAFC and win. And that lends itself to a terrific match to watch.