Sunday, October 11, 2020
4:00 p.m. PT
TV: ESPN/ESPN Deportes
RADIO: ESPN LA 710AM, ESPN App, KFWB 980 AM
After their match that was slated to take place Wednesday night against the Colorado Rapids was postponed following one new confirmed case of COVID-19 among the Colorado Rapids staff, LAFC is looking to return to the pitch for another important matchup against the Western Conference leading Seattle Sounders FC Sunday night.
“Another strange week. No game midweek, I think all things considered it was a decision that made sense,” LAFC head coach Bob Bradley said. “We immediately turned our sights on an important game with Seattle. Seattle has played very well in the period of time since everybody left the bubble. It's always a game that tests both teams so we're looking forward to a big match.”
These two sides have gotten to know each other very well this season, as this will be their fourth matchup across all competitions. But after LAFC sent Seattle packing 4-1 in the Round of 16 in the MLS is Back Tournament, the Sounders have taken control of the season series. In the last two meetings, Seattle has tallied back-to-back wins to the tune of 3-1 and 3-0, respectively.
Their history runs further than that, however. With their all-time series producing historic moments in LAFC’s short history, including the Club’s inaugural match in 2018 at CenturyLink Field, defeating Seattle 1-0 on the Club’s first-ever goal scored by Diego Rossi, Sunday night’s contest will mark the seventh all-time regular season matchup, with LAFC owing a record of 3-2-1.
As Bradley said, even after the suspension of the season and a challenging return to play in home markets, Seattle has managed to keep strong form throughout the year. They are trailing Supporter Shield leading Toronto FC by only four points and enter the match vs LAFC on a three-game winning streak. The Sounders currently sit atop the Western Conference table with a record of 9-3-3 (30 pts).
With a whittled down roster due to player absences for international duty and injuries, Sunday evening will present LAFC with a difficult task, but a task they should feel up to at home at the Banc.
“The confidence that we have at home will be key, and then our ability to take advantage of opportunities that we create,” Bradley said. The Black & Gold currently sit in fifth place in the Western Conference with a record of 6-6-3 (21 pts).
SEATTLE IN DEPTH
The Sounders are a veteran team with experienced players that can attack in a multitude of ways, but if you can figure out where midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro is going, you can figure out where the ball is going. Lodeiro can do everything, and the quality of his passing – both long balls and short balls – is just one factor that makes him so dangerous.
In contrast to LAFC, who rely more heavily on spacing, Seattle allows Lodeiro freedom to operate and create havoc all over the field.
“EVERYONE IS GOING TO HAVE TO STEP UP”
As if LAFC needed another challenge thrown their way, the Black & Gold will be without four of their top on-field producers who are on duty in the CONMEBOL 2022 World Cup Qualifiers – Brian Rodríguez (Uruguay), current MLS Golden Boot-leading Diego Rossi (Uruguay), Diego Palacios (Ecuador), and José Cifuentes (Ecuador). While it will be a challenge, it also is an opportunity for others to step up.
“I mean everyone is going to have to step up. It's not just me, or whoever else gets in,” said LAFC forward Danny Musovski. “We have those guys on international duty and we want to do them proud while they're gone and help the team win.”
LAFC WILL WIN IF
The Club can put pressure on Lodeiro and use him to find the ball. If LAFC can prevent him from producing magical moments, several of which have helped pick LAFC apart in past meetings, they can find success. Additionally, it goes without saying that the Black & Gold need strong play from Adrien Perez, Danny Musovki and Pancho Ginella, who are likely to see a larger role in the absence of those away on international duty.
SEATTLE CAN WIN IF…
They can win the physical battle. The all-time season series between these two sides is almost equal, and the games which the Sounders have enjoyed the most success have been when they are able to exert themselves physically, making it difficult for LAFC’s skill players.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT…
· While LAFC has struggled defensively on set pieces, they have found success offensively, and a lot of that can be attributed to Brian Rodríguez’s skill on corner kicks. In Rodríguez’s absence, it will be interesting to see who takes over and if they can be effective.
· With LAFC’s rotation stretched thin, this match and the next few upcoming will likely present opportunity for LAFC’s homegrown academy players to get some more MLS experience under them.
· We have made a lot about LAFC’s depth issues, but Seattle will also need to find a replacement for Designated Player Raúl Ruidíaz, who is out on international duty with Peru.
