LAFC looking to turn things around against Seattle Sounders

The battle for supremacy in the MLS Western Conference is getting fiercer and Los Angeles FC are feeling the pressure. After a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Columbus Crew and a lukewarm 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake, the Californian side dropped to second place. With a star-studded squad including Denis Bouanga and Hugo Lloris, expectations are high, but recent performances have left something to be desired.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

Meanwhile, Seattle Sounders are on a roll. With five wins in a row, the team has recovered its form after a troubled start to the season. Albert Rusnák and Jordan Morris have been the pillars of this recovery, with Rusnák racking up 4 goals and 11 assists and Morris impressing with 9 goals and an assist. The winning streak has not only consolidated the Sounders' position within the Western Conference qualifying zone, but has also served as a show of strength for the rest of the league.

The clash between LAFC and Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field promises to be a high-level spectacle. This is LAFC's first return to the stadium since winning the 2023 Western Conference semi-final, where a Denis Bouanga goal secured a 1-0 victory. That win was significant, being the Black & Gold's first in Seattle since their league debut in 2018. The record between the teams is even, with LAFC holding a slight advantage in all competitions.

The 2024 season started well for LAFC with a 2-1 win over the Sounders, but since then, the teams' paths have taken different turns. Seattle Sounders have shown resilience and consistency, losing just one of their last 13 matches in all competitions. Their latest 2-0 win over St. Louis City SC only cemented this good run, while LAFC are struggling to find stability.

For LAFC, defense is a constant concern. With Sergi Palencia and Jesús David Murillo returning from suspension, the expectation is that the defense will become more solid. Facing the in-form attacking duo of Morris and Raúl Ruidíaz will be a big test. Ruidíaz, with eight goals and two assists, along with Morris, represents a constant threat. LAFC's defense will have to be at its best to contain them.

Denis Bouanga, winner of the MLS Golden Boot, will be crucial to LAFC's hopes. The team has an unbeaten record when Bouanga contributes a goal or assist, and his performance will be vital against a Sounders side that is on a roll. Squad rotation will also be a determining factor, as the Seattle Sounders managed to spare key players in the last match, ensuring that they will be fresh and ready for the clash.

Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer has done an excellent job, adjusting the team after a difficult start to the season and finding a winning formula. LAFC, on the other hand, urgently need a win to regain confidence and the lead in the table.

With two of the best defensive records in the league, both LAFC and Seattle Sounders know that any mistake could be decisive. The Sounders have conceded just 26 goals this season, while LAFC have conceded 30. These figures show the defensive solidity of both teams, promising an even and tense encounter.

At the end of the day, this game is about more than just three points. It's about morale, confidence and asserting who is the true leader of the Western Conference. LAFC need to bounce back quickly to prevent the season slipping out of their hands, while the Seattle Sounders are looking to consolidate their position and continue their impressive winning streak.