Seattle Sounders and LAFC Collide in a High-Stakes US Open Cup Semifinal Showdown

On Wednesday, Seattle Sounders will take on Los Angeles FC in the semifinals of the 2024 US Open Cup, a competition where they have lots of history and are looking to pursue a fifth title to ultimately write themselves into the annals of history. LAFC, on the other hand, would go all out to win their first-ever Open Cup title and bring Los Angeles back their first victory in this tournament in 2005. There is all likelihood that the match can be nothing short of a high-voltage thrilling affair replete with ups and downs as either party has been desperate to get a taste of glory.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

Clash of the Titans in the Open Cup

The rivalry between Seattle and LAFC has already witnessed its fair share of drama and tight contests this season. It will be the fourth time the sides will meet in 2024, with LAFC having come out on top in all three meetings so far. The first match way back in February kicked off the season, with LAFC taking a 2-1 win. The second, in July, saw Bouanga and Bogusz steal the show with a 3-0 win at Seattle's Lumen Field. A third, in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, saw LAFC repeat the scoreline to stretch its unbeaten streak against the Sounders to 3-0.

These results make LAFC the favorites, but the Seattle Sounders have repeatedly made a habit of pulling surprises in knockout tournaments like the Open Cup. The team has won four titles in the past and knows what it takes to come out on top. However, this time around, it is an uphill battle, especially against an in-form LAFC team with the likes of Dennis Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz running riot in MLS stats.

Seattle Sounders: The Quest for Redemption

The Seattle Sounders had a poor start to the season but found their groove midway through the year with an unbeaten streak that catapulted them back into contention in the Western Conference. With seasoned players like Jordan Morris and Raúl Ruidíaz, the Sounders realize this game is more than just a semifinal; it's a chance to reassert their dominance in the competition and rewrite the narrative of their season.

Jordan Morris has been one of the pivotal men. His ten goals this season show that even in a poor year, he can be relied upon to pose a threat to any defense. The Sounders also boast an impregnable backline marshaled by Stefan Frei, who will be expected to turn in a match of his life against LAFC's fearsome attack.

Los Angeles FC: In Pursuit of a Maiden Title

LAFC, on the other hand, goes into the pitch with all the swagger of a team that has beaten its opponent thrice in the same season. With Bouanga and Bogusz leading from the front, LAFC has been playing a very attacking yet consistent brand of football capable of breaking down any opponent. With Hugo Lloris on goal, LAFC also commands a very tight backline to crack, which makes Seattle's challenge an even bigger one.

That defeat in the Leagues Cup final might serve as extra motivation to an LAFC that really sees the Open Cup as the chance for absolution and the opportunity to hang a meaningful piece of hardware in the trophy cabinet. More than the place in a final, this is confirmation that LAFC is here to stay as a force in American soccer.

Open Cup: Shot at Redemption or Superiority Test?

In some ways, it's a shot at redemption for the Seattle Sounders: to rewrite a narrative of defeats to LAFC through the season to date into one of progression to the final, where they chase a fifth title. The Sounders have experience in knockout competitions, and players like Morris and Ruidíaz know how to handle pressure.

In the Open Cup semifinal, LAFC will have the chance to confirm their superiority against Seattle Sounders and win the title that they have agonizingly struggled with in competitions so far. Still smarting from their defeat in the Leagues Cup final to Columbus Crew, the team will be eager to get up from the setback as soon as possible and prove to the world they truly remain one of those feared teams.

This will be an electrifying matchup since both teams are aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses. Seattle Sounders will have to bank on their experience and depth of squad to break LAFC's unbeaten streak and advance to the final. For its part, LAFC goes into the match confident of a team which has beaten their opponent three times this season, yet knows any slip-up in a knockout game could be costly.

Jordan Morris will be important to Seattle's hopes, not only for the goals but also leadership on the pitch. Meanwhile, LAFC will look at their energetic duo in Bouanga and Bogusz, who have simply been merciless to the Sounders. Furthermore, their backline, marshaled by Lloris, should be solid at the back to see off Seattle's attack.

What's at Stake?

This game is not only a battle for a place in the final but one for pride, redemption, and an opportunity to make history. This semifinal win would mean more to the Seattle Sounders because it would keep their tradition of winning alive and confirm their status among the top forces in American soccer. A fifth Open Cup title would make the Sounders one of the elite handful of five-time winners in the tournament's history, joining the likes of historically great squads such as Bethlehem Steel.

The Open Cup gives LAFC the opportunity to finally win a title that has bypassed them over the years. It will end their drought of winning any trophy in this tournament and further seal LAFC's status as one of the rising forces in American soccer.