Los Angeles Galaxy will be eyeing top spot in the Western Conference when they travel to struggling Seattle Sounders on Sunday.
This weekend’s MLS action concludes with the Seattle Sounders hosting the Los Angeles Galaxy at Lumen Field, setting the stage for an intriguing match-up between two Western Conference rivals.
Seattle’s recent 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Union propelled them to 12th place in the standings, while the LA Galaxy suffered a setback with a 2-0 loss to Austin FC, leaving them second in the conference behind Real Salt Lake.
Brian Schmetzer, head coach of the Sounders, acknowledges the challenges his team faces this season, citing injuries to key players. Despite a slow start with only nine points from 10 MLS matches, Seattle remains resilient, creating scoring opportunities even amidst offensive inconsistencies.
The Rave Green’s home form has been mixed, with a recent 2-0 defeat to Cascadia rivals Vancouver Whitecaps highlighting their struggles. However, they boast an impressive record against the Galaxy at Lumen Field, remaining unbeaten in their last eight league encounters.
In contrast, the LA Galaxy, known for their attacking prowess, encountered a rare stumble last weekend, failing to score for the first time in 18 consecutive regular-season matches. However, with 21 goals scored so far this season, they lead the Western Conference in offensive output.
Greg Vanney’s side boasts a depth of attacking options, with nine players contributing goals and eight providing assists in MLS competition. Despite historical difficulties at Lumen Field, the Galaxy have shown improved form on the road this season, securing three victories away from home.
As both teams prepare for Sunday’s showdown, expect a compelling battle between Seattle’s resilience and LA Galaxy’s attacking firepower. With both sides eager to make their mark in the MLS standings, the stage is set for an exciting clash in front of the passionate fans at Lumen Field. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Seattle Sounders
Pedro de la Vega has been sidelined for the Seattle Sounders due to a hamstring strain and is yet unavailable. Braudilio Rodrigues missed last week’s match due to a right hamstring issue, while Reed Baker-Whiting was unavailable due to a minor knock.
More so, Stefan Frei remains out with an injury, while Albert Rusnak and Yeimar Gomez Andrade made their returns for Seattle as substitutes in the last outing. They could once again reprise their roles this weekend.
Seattle Sounders are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation against Los Angeles Galaxy, with Andrew Thomas in goal. He should be protected by the backline of Alex Roldan, Jackson Ragen, Xavier Arreaga and Nouhou Tolo.
João Paulo and Obed Vargas should form the double pivot, freeing up Cristian Roldan, Albert Rusnak to provide the width. Jordan Morris should partner Raul Ruidíaz in the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Thomas; A. Roldan, Ragen, Arreaga, Tolo; C. Roldan, Paulo, Vargas, Rusnak; Morris, Ruidiaz
Los Angeles Galaxy FC
LA Galaxy will face some challenges as they prepare to take on the Seattle Sounders. Riqui Puig, arguably one of the top chance creators in MLS, will be sidelined due to a yellow card suspension. Additionally, their leading goalscorer, Dejan Joveljic, may not be available after missing their last match against Austin FC due to a sore thigh.
On a positive note, Jalen Neal made his first league appearance of 2024 after recovering from an abdominal issue, while Miki Yamane played through a minor bone bruise in the majority of their last match. Eriq Zavaleta is also eligible to return from a red card suspension, adding depth to the defensive line.
Gabriel Pec was the standout performer for LA Galaxy in their previous outing and should offer the visitors a reliable outlet in the attack. A 4-4-2 formation should be the way forward given the players available for the visitors. John McCarthy should start in goal and will be protected by the back four of Miki Yamane, Maya Yoshida, Martin Caceres, and Julian Aude.
Gaston Brugman and Daniel Aguirre should form the central midfield pairing with Marco Delgado and Jonathan Perez providing the width. Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil should get the nod upfront.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): McCarthy; Yamane, Yoshida, Caceres, Aude; Delgado, Brugman, Aguirre, Perez; Paintsil, Pec
Key Stats
- LA Galaxy have failed to score in just one of their last 19 MLS matches.
- LA Galaxy have the most potent frontline in the Western Conference, netting 21 goals so far this season.
- Los Angeles Galaxy have not secured three points from a trip to take on Seattle Sounders since 2016.
- Seattle Sounders are unbeaten in their last eight league contests versus Los Angeles Galaxy at Lumen Field.
- Seattle Sounders are current experiencing their worst start to a MLS campaign since 2018.
Player to Watch
Raul Ruidiaz
The Seattle star scored twice last time around and will hope to continue his purple patch on the night. The Peruvian star has six goals from 10 MLS matches this season and should be the home side’s most potent goalscoring threat on the night.
Smarting from their loss to Austin, LA Galaxy are likely to be there for the taking should Seattle apply the right pressure. Ruidiaz can certainly swing the tie in his side’s favour by keeping LA Galaxy defenders on their heels. After all only three teams have conceded more goals than the visitors in the Western Conference this season.
Prediction
Seattle Sounders 2-2 Los Angeles Galaxy
The home team will be buzzing following their impressive win over Philadelphia Union last time around and should fancy their chances against LA Galaxy at home. The visitors have one of the most porous defences in the MLS this season and have shown the ability to buckle under pressure. The Hard Tackle predicts a draw with both teams settling for a share of the spoils.
