LAFC clash with the Seattle Sounders in a Western Conference Final filled with Irony

LAFC will duel it out against a very familiar foe, the Seattle Sounders, in their Western Conference Final meeting this Tuesday for the first spot in the MLS Cup Final. Bob Bradley and his personnel enter this match with great momentum after defeating their cross-town rivals, the Galaxy, for the first time.

LAFC celebrate after Diego Rossi scores the first goal in LAFC History, which would lead to LAFC’s first win in Club History. Both records coming off against the Seattle Sounders. Photo Courtesy of LAFC via Instagram @lafc

How did we get here?

The conference semifinals of the Western Conference were far better than those in the East, and also had more to watch for. Seattle beat Real Salt Lake by the score of 2-0, a match that many eyes were keen on due to the possibility of it being Goalkeeper Nick Rimando’s final match. As for the other Semifinal, it was the match everyone wanted to see in this year’s playoffs, and the one that definitely out-delivered its hype. LAFC defeated the Galaxy 5-3 for the first time in their Derby history. It took awhile for the all-time favorites to finally get the win, but they got it when it mattered most. The results lead to LAFC and the Sounders facing off in a “meant-to-be” match up. Winner moves on to the MLS Cup Final. Who will come out on top?

Here is Diego Rossi the moment he scored the first goal in Club History. This would be the first goal of the 12 he scored last season Photo Courtesy of Danny Miller via Instagram @notdannymiller

You never forget your first

Before I give you my keys to the match, let’s take a good trip down memory lane and let me remind you our history with the Sounders. As I do, you will realize that our meeting with them this Tuesday was predestined.

LAFC’s First win in Club History was against the Sounders: LAFC played their first match on March 4, 2018 against the Sounders in CenturyLink Field. Thanks to a magnificent goal by Diego Rossi, history was made as the Black and Gold win their MLS debut by grabbing a 1-0 win against the Sounders. Since their stadium was not yet ready to play in, LAFC started their debut year with a six-game road trip, which included visits to Real Salt Lake, Montreal, Atlanta, and more, including their first match against their cross-town enemies, the Galaxy. The Black and Gold finished the road trip with a 4-2 record. By then, it was time for them to play their first match on their home soil.

“The General” Laurent Ciman celebrates with his defenders as he records the first day the Banc was defended. Photo Courtesy of Niky’s Sports via Instagram @nikys_sports

LAFC’s First win at Home was against the Sounders: On April 21, 2018, LAFC opened the Banc of California Stadium with a dramatic 1-0 win. A final minute free kick from Defender Laurent Ciman (and a little help from Seattle Goalkeeper Stefan Frei) secured the first three points earned at the club’s new stadium. That night would go down as one of the most memorable moments in LAFC History. Fast forward to the end of the 2018 season, LAFC fought hard for a playoff spot and earned one, claiming the 3rd seed of the Western Conference, right behind the Seattle Sounders.

Relive the incredible moment during Laurent Ciman's game-winning free kick at the LAFC home-opener against the Seattle Sounders, as told by players and staff.

LAFC scalped the Sounders in a 4-1 win on April 21,2019. A week later, LAFC traveled to Seattle where they drew 1-1. Photo Courtesy of LAFC via Twitter @lafc

LAFC’s Year in Review versus the Sounders: LAFC had back to back meetings with Seattle, with the first match @ LAFC on April 21st and the second match a week later @ Seattle on April 28th (2019). In the first meeting, Carlos Vela’s brace plus contributions from Eduard Atuesta and Christian Ramirez led LAFC to a 4-1 win. A week later, the Black and Gold traveled to Seattle’s home front in CenturyLink Field where the two teams fought into a 1-1 draw. After four meetings in the past two seasons, LAFC currently lead the all-time series with 3 Wins and 1 Tie (3-0-1) and has scored 6 Goals, while allowing conceding 2 (6:2, + 4 Goal Differential).

After four dominant meetings against the Sounders, are LAFC’s chances at a spot into the MLS Cup Final assured? Photo Courtesy of LAFC via Instagram @lafc

Was this match “meant to be”?

As a fan, I would like to think so, and to top it off with some personal side notes, I went to both Seattle games this season, so you can probably sense how bamboozled I am on a personal level. Based on all of the history presented, the irony of it all grew tenfold, leaving me no choice but to believe that this match was Predestined. We’ve had some historic encounters with the Sounders, and like the legendary Marvel villain, “Thanos”, said himself; “Where does that bring you? Back go me.”

But in retrospect of how this game actually works, nothing is certain. With the momentum both of these teams are carrying with them after big wins, I wouldn’t be surprised if this match ends up going to Extra Time or even PKs. Anyways, this is just something to think about before watching tomorrow night’s game.

This semifinal will all come down to the team who makes the least mistakes, and the team who takes advantage of them. Photo Courtesy of LAFCCentral via Instagram @lafccentral

JR4’s keys to the match

If you read my recap of last Thursday’s Derby match against the Galaxy, then you know how upset I was. So, for these keys, I will be mainly referring them to the Defense.

Force Seattle into making mistakes: Key player of last Thursday night’s win against Galaxy was Triston Blackmon. Blackmon did an excellent job marking Zlatan and he forced him and the rest of the attackers to make plenty of mistakes. If LAFC can press real good and hard to the point that Seattle actually gives them the ball, then the hard work is already done for them. A disruption in the opponent’s attack is key for our attack to throw in a counter.

NO Mistakes: It goes both ways, we cannot make simple errors in the back. After reviewing the match against Galaxy, I’ve counted all three goals the Galaxy scored were off of our defense’s mistakes. Even though they were minor, they could have been costly. This match will come down to which team makes the least mistakes and who takes advantage of them. So, simply, don’t make any mistakes, and we will be good (It’s harder than it sounds, Jerry).

Do not get Complacent: I have to repeat this one all the time because every big game LAFC play, this becomes the song they have on replay. They get a comfortable lead, and they start to relax, giving their opponent an invitation to comeback into the game and bring it leveled or even gain the lead. If they just play with the same intensity, 100% for 90 minutes, then they will be okay. In that case, the only concern I have is for the Substitutes. Every new man exchanged into the game needs to match the same level of intensity that the man they replaced left on the field, if not, surpass that intensity. We are in the WCF, we have no time for complacency. Let’s go all out now so we can relax and party later.

Thanks for reading!

Thank you for reading my Preview for LAFC vs Seattle Sounders. Make sure to tune into the game tomorrow night @ 7 PM PST, being Televised on ESPN. And for those that will be at the match tomorrow, I’ll be walking around the stadium and sitting with the SouthEnd Falcons (A Bad Ass Supporters Group in the Southend) in Section 224, so don’t be shy! Come say Hi!

Let me know your thoughts and predictions for tomorrow’s match in the comments below!

Also, feel free to follow me on social media for all updates on LAFC and future articles and podcasts! Twitter: @Official_JR4 ; Instagram: @official.jr4

Thank you, and remember, LA is Black and Gold!