MLS Western Conference rivals collided on Thursday night when Seattle Sounders FC hosted LA Galaxy in the Leagues Cup Round of 32. The winner will face Vancouver Whitecaps FC or Pumas UNAM in the Round of 16.
This World Cup-style tournament features 47 clubs – 18 from LIGA MX and 29 from MLS – pausing their domestic season for the month-long competition. The winner is crowned champion, and the top three finishers qualify for the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
The Round of 32, which runs from August 7-9, begins the single-elimination portion of the competition.
Seattle's road to the knockout stages was hit-and-miss: after a 2-0 debut win over Minnesota United, they fell 3-1 to LIGA MX's Necaxa in their group stage finale.
Sunday's loss to Los Rayos also saw often-injured Designated Player Pedro de la Vega exit the match in the 33rd minute with a groin issue. Additionally, midfield stalwart João Paulo was replaced at halftime and is being assessed for a possible concussion, according to head coach Brian Schmetzer.
Still, the Sounders have hosting privileges thanks to their Leagues Cup ranking. They also have experience winning international tournaments, capturing a historic Concacaf Champions Cup crown in 2022.
Things are going as well as they can for the Galaxy, who entered Leagues Cup as the Western Conference leaders and have continued their strong run of form in the competition.
After dispatching Cali Clásico rival San Jose Earthquakes with a 2-1 victory, the Gs eliminated Chivas de Guadalajara in a dramatic 5-4 PK shootout victory with some spot-kick heroics from backup goalkeeper Novak Micovic.
With DPs Riqui Puig, Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil powering the club's high-octane offense, LA are serious favorites heading into the knockout rounds.
The Seattle Sounders will try to avoid suffering consecutive defeats at Lumen Field for the first time all season when they host the Los Angeles Galaxy on Thursday in the Leagues Cup round of 32.
The Sounders advanced to the Leagues Cup Round of 16 after a 3-1 win over the Galaxy thanks to goals from Jackson Ragen, Alex Roldan and Yeimar.
SEATTLE – The Seattle Sounders bounced back from their loss to Necaxa by beating the LA Galaxy 3-1 in the Leagues Cup Round of 32 on Thursday. First-half goals from Yeimar Gomez Andrade, Jackson Ragen and Alex Roldan powered the Sounders to victory despite a late Gabriel Pec goal to deny Andrew Thomas and Seattle the shutout.
The Sounders started in much the same way it seemed like the Necaxa game had started, taking an early two-goal lead. The differences this time around were simple: both goals came from the center backs off of corner kicks, and the goal to make it 2-0 didn’t get called back despite a short review.
Yeimar got things started in the 4th minute, rising up to get a head on a corner from Albert Rusnák that Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy swung at but couldn’t do anything to stop. It only took three minutes for Seattle to find the back of the net again from yet another corner. This time Rusnák’s service found Morris, but McCarthy was able to keep the shot out with a save off his face. Unfortunately for him the rebound fell to Jackson Ragen at the far post, and Ragen smashed his shot in off the crossbar to make it 2-0 in the 7th minute.
The Sounders would end up conceding 64% of possession during the first half, but for all their possession the Galaxy hardly created any real danger. The visitors only managed two shots during the half, neither of which required a save from Thomas. Seattle kept pushing to add to their lead, taking a total of 12 shots with 11 of them coming from inside the area. The one shot from outside the box was a memorable one, though. Deep in first-half stoppage time the Sounders took a throw-in in Galaxy territory. Cristian Roldan jumped on a loose defensive header inside the box and played the ball back to his brother at the top of the area. Alex Roldan took a touch to control, then hit a gorgeous curling shot that nestled right into the far side netting to make it 3-0 in the 4th minute of stoppage time.
The second half had its moments, as the Galaxy seemed to have pulled a goal back in the 53rd. Paul Rothrock committed a foul at the edge of the box and earned a yellow for his trouble, and Maya Yoshida made contact with the ensuing free kick to put it in the back of the net. After a review, though, it was determined that Yoshida was offside and the goal was called back. Seattle created plenty of chances after that close call, but couldn’t capitalize on any of them. The Galaxy did eventually get their goal in the 83rd minute. Joseph Paintsil played the ball from the left inside to Riqui Puig, who hit a remarkable slip pass that split the defense, immediately eliminating four players including both centerbacks and the two more defensively minded midfielders, to find Gabriel Pec who made a run from the space between the defense and midfield into the gap between Yeimar and Jon Bell before clipping the ball over Andrew Thomas to make the game 3-1.
That’s how things would finish as the Sounders advance to the Round of 16 where they’ll host Pumas at Lumen Field on Monday, August 12.
Sounders Defense Shines
Seattle's defense stood tall against a formidable Galaxy attack, limiting them to just one goal. The Sounders' backline, anchored by Yeimar Gomez Andrade and Jackson Ragen, was a brick wall, stifling the Galaxy's attacking threat throughout the match. Their ability to thwart the Galaxy's offensive onslaught was a pivotal factor in their victory.
Galaxy's Attack Struggles
The Galaxy's attack, which had been a force in previous matches, struggled to find their rhythm against the Sounders' well-organized defense. Despite having several chances, they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, particularly in the first half. This inability to break down Seattle's defense ultimately cost them the match.
Sounders Capitalize on Set Pieces
Seattle's success in this match was largely attributed to their ability to capitalize on set-piece opportunities. Two of their three goals came directly from corner kicks, highlighting their effectiveness in exploiting these situations. The Sounders' ability to create havoc in the box and convert these chances was a testament to their well-rehearsed set-piece routines.
A Look Ahead: Pumas UNAM
With this victory, the Sounders have earned a date with Pumas UNAM in the Round of 16. This matchup will be a rematch of the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final, where the Sounders emerged victorious. This encounter promises to be a captivating affair, pitting two formidable teams against each other for a place in the quarterfinals. The Sounders will be looking to build upon their momentum from this win and carry that into this crucial match.
The Galaxy's Struggles in Seattle
Lumen Field has long been a house of horrors for the Galaxy. Their winless streak in Seattle, dating back to 2016, underscores the Sounders' dominance over their rivals in this particular venue. The Galaxy's inability to break this trend against Seattle highlights the Sounders' home-field advantage and their ability to consistently frustrate their opponents.
The Sounders' Next Challenge
The Sounders are now three wins away from the Leagues Cup final, where they have a chance to add another trophy to their collection. Their path to the final could potentially involve a fourth meeting with LAFC. However, their favorable seeding in the tournament provides them with a friendly path, hosting all of their remaining matches. While the Pumas game remains a key focus, the prospect of winning the tournament and facing off against LAFC is a tantalizing possibility. The Sounders have the momentum and the talent to make a deep run in this competition.
A Look at Key Players' Performances
Albert Rusnák
Rusnák’s set-piece delivery was instrumental in the Sounders’ first two goals. His ability to create chances and cause problems for the Galaxy’s defense showcased his importance in the Sounders’ midfield.
Yeimar Gomez Andrade
Yeimar rose to the occasion with a crucial header to give the Sounders the early lead. His strong defensive performance also contributed to the team’s success.
Jackson Ragen
Ragen’s goal off a rebound was a key moment in the match. He demonstrated his ability to capitalize on opportunities and contribute to the offensive end.
Alex Roldan
Alex Roldan’s curling shot into the far netting was a thing of beauty. He showcased his skill and composure with this remarkable goal, adding to the Sounders’ lead.
