Lafc – Seattle Sounders

preview lafc seattle sounders los angeles football club

The rivalry between LAFC and the Seattle Sounders is one of the most compelling in Major League Soccer. It’s a clash of styles, ambition, and history, marked by memorable matches and a healthy dose of animosity.

LAFC, arriving in MLS in 2018, immediately presented a new model: flashy Designated Players, a state-of-the-art stadium in the heart of Los Angeles, and an unwavering commitment to attacking soccer. Their early success set them on a collision course with the established power of the Seattle Sounders.

The Sounders, perennial contenders with a loyal fanbase and a history of MLS Cup triumphs, weren’t about to relinquish their status as the league’s standard-bearers. This created an instant tension, fueled by contrasting philosophies and the desire to be considered the league’s premier club.

Early encounters saw LAFC establishing dominance in the regular season. Under Bob Bradley, they played a high-pressing, possession-based game that often overwhelmed Seattle. Carlos Vela, in his prime, became a nightmare for the Sounders’ defense, routinely finding the back of the net. However, Seattle found a way to consistently upset the apple cart in the playoffs.

The 2019 Western Conference Final stands out as a particularly painful memory for LAFC fans. Despite finishing the regular season with a record-breaking points total, LAFC fell to a resilient Seattle side at the Banc of California Stadium. This defeat highlighted the Sounders’ knack for tactical adjustments and their ability to perform under pressure, traits that defined their success in the postseason.

The rivalry has evolved beyond purely tactical and technical aspects. A sense of genuine dislike has developed between the two teams, evident in the intensity of their matches and the post-game comments. Each game feels like more than just three points; it’s a battle for bragging rights and a statement of intent.

Even with changes in personnel and coaching, the underlying tension remains. Players come and go, but the legacy of past battles lingers. LAFC’s eventual triumph in the 2022 MLS Cup, defeating the Philadelphia Union in a dramatic penalty shootout, didn’t erase the sting of previous playoff defeats to Seattle, but it added a new chapter to the story.

Looking ahead, the LAFC-Seattle Sounders rivalry promises more captivating encounters. Both teams are committed to competing for championships, and their paths will inevitably cross again on the road to MLS Cup glory. The combination of high-stakes matches, contrasting styles, and genuine animosity ensures that this rivalry will continue to be a defining feature of MLS for years to come.