Seattle Sounders Vs LAFC: 3 things to watch for – Western Conference final rematch
By Daniel Garza
2. Morris and Ruidiaz Vs. Rossi and Wright-Phillips
These two clubs have had their playmakers show up in tremendous ways during this tournament. Jordan Morris and Raul Ruidiaz were key to the Seattle Sounders escaping their group, while Diego Rossi and Bradley Wright-Phillips performed exceptionally well for LAFC throughout the group stages.
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One of the main storylines entering this match is how these two duos will impact the outcome. They have both been leaders offensively for their respective clubs, but can they now deliver in a one-off knockout match?
Rossi has been an early candidate for MVP of the entire MLS is Back Tournament. He has a competition-leading five goals, including four against the Galaxy, and has been hugely impactful in every match so far. He is the best player on the pitch. His teammate Wright-Phillips has scored in every single match and seems to be back to his goal-poaching best.
Morris has been brilliant for the Sounders with one goal and two assists, while Ruidiaz broke his duck in the third and final group game. They haven’t been quite as prolific as their LAFC counterparts, but they are among the very best attacking players in MLS and have hurt LAFC before. One of these four players will be the difference-maker. Who that is, however, remains to be seen.