1. Rossi can’t stop scoring
Diego Rossi is on fire. He added two more goals to his tournament total to increase his Golden Boot lead with seven in total. The absence of Carlos Vela continues to be minimized by his terrific play off the right flank.
The 23-year-old winger really should have had at least one more goal in this match after missing a few golden opportunities. He found plenty of space to operate in and made terrific runs that consistently made the Sounders backline uncomfortable. It was a terrific performance from the best player in MLS.
Only one club has been able to fully silence Rossi in a match in this competition so far. That was the Portland Timbers, who are one of the premier teams in the competitions. Rossi’s dominance here, though, proves that he is capable of ripping through even the very best in the league.
If LAFC are to be defeated in the knockout rounds, stopping Rossi is key. He has produced an MVP-type performance. Containing him is difficult, especially when in this form.