Seattle vs Los Angeles – News and Probable Lineups

As Seattle Sounders strive to qualify for the MLS playoffs, they face off against Los Angeles FC in a crucial season concluding match at Lumen Field this Sunday morning.

While Seattle is under pressure to secure a positive result, Los Angeles is in a favorable position, aiming to build some momentum as they prepare for their postseason campaign.

Match overview

Seattle Sounders endured a significant setback in their playoff qualification hopes last Sunday when they suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat against Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place.

The match was effectively decided by half-time, with Vancouver taking a commanding lead of three goals thanks to strikes from Brian White, Ryan Gauld, and Mathias Laborda. White and Aleksa Cvetkovic added goals in the second half, sandwiching a strike from Jordânia Morris at the 62-minute mark to complete a dominant performance by the visitors.

This disappointing outcome against Vancouver has further highlighted Seattle Sounders’ slump in form towards the end of the season, as they have failed to win any of their last five matches (2 draws, 3 losses) since recording four consecutive wins between September 24 and October 11.

After being eliminated by Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs last season, Seattle Sounders’ recent decline has given them little room for error in their pursuit of a fourth straight playoff appearance. Currently, they sit in 10th place in the Western Conference, just one point behind the seventh-placed Los Angeles Galaxy and holding a slender two-point lead over Minnesota United in 12th position.

With results from other fixtures also playing a crucial role, Seattle Sounders need a maximum return from this match if they are to extend their season. However, they face a tough challenge from an opponent that has dominated their encounters since June 2023, winning eight of the last ten meetings.

Unlike their hosts this weekend, Los Angeles FC finds themselves in a more favorable situation, having already secured a playoff berth despite inconsistent performances as the season draws to a close.

After managing just one win and three draws across their four matches in October, the Black and Gold delivered a lackluster performance last Monday, falling to a 3-1 defeat against Minnesota United for their first loss since a narrow 1-0 setback against Dallas on September 27.

Joaquin Pereyra shone for Minnesota at the BMO Stadium, scoring twice either side of Cherrion Valerius’s 34th-minute equalizer before Sergio Vasquez netted a consolation goal for the hosts in the dying moments.

Since their impressive run in the Leagues Cup back in August, Los Angeles FC have struggled in the league, winning only 2 of their last 14 fixtures, including five losses and seven draws, with their two recent victories coming against New York Red Bulls and Austin FC at home.

Despite the difficulties, Xavier Tamarit’s squad currently occupies sixth place in the Western Conference with 47 points from 33 matches, three points clear of seventh-placed Los Angeles Galaxy, who sit in the last automatic playoff position, and four points ahead of Seattle Sounders, who are just outside the playoff spots.

While Los Angeles FC aims to end the season on a high note and build momentum for their postseason, their away form has been concerning, with the team winless in their last seven away matches since defeating local rivals LA Galaxy 3-0 in July.

Team News

Seattle Sounders will be without several key players due to injuries, including Nikola Petkovic (knee), Pedro de La Vega (calf), and 30-year-old forward Danny Musoxi (head), all of whom are unavailable.

Additionally, American forward Paul Rothrock will miss out after suffering a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw with Los Angeles Galaxy in September.

Colombian defender Yeimar Gomez Andrade is also sidelined after missing the last three matches with a hamstring injury and will not be available for this weekend’s fixture.

Los Angeles FC have their fair share of injury woes as well, with goalkeeper Cabral Carter (arm), Yevgen Cheberko (leg), and American midfielder Timothy Tillman (pelvis) all ruled out for the trip to Lumen Field.

Veteran defender Aaron Long had to leave the game against Minnesota United due to a head injury and is also expected to miss the match on Sunday.

Seattle Sounders probable starting XI:

Thomas; Kossa-Rienzi, Roldan, Ragen, Tolo; Brunell, Roldan; Ferreira, Rusnak, Morris; Joveljic

Los Angeles FC probable starting XI:

Lloris; Palencia, Porteous, Tafari, Segura; Choiniere, Jesus; Sieb, Son, Walta; Bouanga

Even though Los Angeles has already clinched a playoff seat, Seattle Sounders find themselves in a win-or-go-home scenario as they aim for a top-nine finish on the final matchday.

Recent encounters between these two teams indicate that Seattle will face a formidable challenge, but Los Angeles’ more secure position may work to Seattle’s advantage, especially as they look to claim maximum points in front of their home crowd.