The task of beating LAFC in a season opener was always going to be difficult for the Sounders. LAFC had won six straight home openers going into Saturday’s game. The Rave Green’s chances looked to have taken a big hit when the injury report listed Stefan Frei ( right hamstring), Joao Paulo ( left hip), Center back Yeimar Gomez Andrade(noninjury), and midfielder Albert Rusnak( right ankle) out for the contest.
The scratch of the five starters provided an opportunity for several players to show their worth.
SHUFFLED LINE UP
The shuffled lineup caused Schmetzer to employ a 4-4-2 lineup. Having four midfielders would congest the middle of the pitch and force LAFC to attack from the wide areas and keep the four defenders compact in front of the goal. Despite the formation change the Sounders kept to the strategy of a high press seeking to force turnovers. The strategy almost paid instant dividends. Two and a half minutes into the game Alex Roldan forced a turnover and passed the ball to brother Cristian who fed a streaking Jordan Morris. The shot was saved by LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. The high press by the Sounders left them susceptible to the lighting-quick LAFC counter press. Eduard Atuesta, Mateusz Bogusz, and Denis Bouanga all had good looks but were unable to beat Sounder goalkeeper Anthony Thomas.
BREAK DOWN AT THE WORST TIME
The continued high press by the Sounders looked like it was going to be just a matter of time before the pressure was going to produce a goal / Leo Chu, Nohou, and Rudiaz had their shots on goal blocked. With the Sounders stretched due to space between the three blocks LAFC pounced on its opportunity just before the half. LAFC defender crossed a perfect pass to a wide-open Timothy Tillman who rifled a right-footed shot to the back of the Sounder’s goal for the 1-0 lead at the break.
CONTINUED PRESSURE
With momentum on their side, LAFC started the second half on the front foot searching for a second goal. Ten minutes into the second half LAFC doubled its lead on an absolute golazo by Mateusz Bogus. The goal brought home side fans to ther feet in amazement and jubilation.
. Sensing the need for change Schmetzer shuffled his deck. Danny Musovski replaced Ruidiaz and Cody Baker was inserted for Alex Roldan to bring speed and a different attacking style in the 58th minute. The substations helped the Sounders get a foothold in the game.
A GAME CHANGER
Six minutes later Schmetzer inserted off-season acquisition Pedro de la Vega. The Argentine was signed to bring creativity and flair to the Sounders attack. He did not disappoint.
From the moment he stepped onto the pitch at the de la Vega changed the complexion of the game.
His unapologetic penalty kick ten minutes later halved the Sounder’s deficit and gave them hope for a miraculous comeback
With LAFC focusing more on preserving the win than finding a third goal the equalizer never materialized for the Sounders. While there are no moral victories the Western Conference shows LAFC at 1-0 and Sounders FC 0-1 the Rave Green can walk away with some confidence in that they have the players to challenge LAFC for Western Conference Supremacy.
GAME NOTES
Pedro de la Vega made his Sounders FC debut, coming on as a second-half substitute after signing as a Young Designated Player in January. Minutes later, the 22-year-old scored his first goal with the club, converting a penalty after Jordan Morris was fouled inside the area. De la Vega joined the club following five seasons with Lanús of the Argentine Primera División
- This marked Sounders FC’s second consecutive competitive matchup against LAFC after meeting in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals in November. LAFC ended Seattle’s campaign before falling in MLS Cup to Columbus. The Rave Green trail the all-time regular-season series between the two sides 3-8-4, but have won two of three meetings in the postseason.
- De la Vega is the eighth player in Sounders FC history to score a goal in his club debut. He is the first since two players accomplished the feat last season: Paul Rothrock on May 13 vs. Houston and Héber on February 26 vs. Colorado.
- Raúl Ruidíaz made his 100th regular-season start for Sounders FC since joining MLS in 2018. His 64 career MLS regular-season goals are the most in club history, while his 78 tallies across all competitions are one shy of Fredy Montero’s club record.
- Seattle goalkeeper Andrew Thomas made his MLS debut on Saturday, starting in place of Stefan Frei due to injury. The 25-year-old joined the club in 2021 and has made 34 appearances for Tacoma Defiance, as well as eight for New Mexico United on loan in 2023.
- Defender Nathan made his Sounders FC debut with the start on Saturday. Nathan came to Seattle this offseason after three seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes, previously making over 100 appearances in all competitions in Switzerland and Brazil prior to joining MLS.
MATCH SUMMARY
Seattle Sounders FC 1 – Los Angeles FC 2
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Venue: BMO Stadium
Referee: Wesley Costa
Assistants: Bruno Rizo, Miguel Yupari
Fourth Official: Gabriele Ciampi
VAR: Alan Kelly
Attendance: 22,214
Weather: 75 degrees and clear
SCORING SUMMARY
LAFC – Timothy Tillman 45’
LAFC – Mateusz Bogusz 55’
SEA – Pedro de la Vega (penalty) 72’
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
SEA – Cristian Roldan (caution) 37’
SEA – Nouhou (caution) 66’
LAFC – Aaron Long (caution) 72’
LAFC – Timothy Tillman (caution) 89’
LINEUPS & STATS
Seattle Sounders FC – Andrew Thomas; Alex Roldan (Cody Baker 58’), Nathan (Xavier Arreaga 64’), Jackson Ragen, Nouhou; Cristian Roldan, Josh Atencio, Obed Vargas, Léo Chú (Pedro de la Vega 64’); Jordan Morris, Raúl Ruidíaz (Danny Musovski 58’)
Substitutes not used: Jacob Castro, Jonathan Bell, Danny Leyva, Dylan Teves, Paul Rothrock
Total shots: 15
Shots on goal: 8
Fouls: 6
Offside: 0
Corner-Kicks: 2
Saves: 4
Los Angeles FC – Hugo Lloris; Omar Campos; Jesus Murillo, Ryan Hollingshead (Eddie Segura 90’+3’), Aaron Long; Ilie Sanchez, Timothy Tillman, Mateusz Bogusz, Eduard Atuesta (Nathan Ordaz 87’); Cristian Olivera (Sergi Palencia 83’); Denis Bouanga
Substitutes not used: Abraham Romero, Erik Duenas, Tomas Angel, David Martinez, Tommy Musto, Diego Rosales
Total shots: 18
Shots on goal: 7
Fouls: 16
Offside: 2
Corner-kicks: 6
Saves: 7
– SOUNDERS FC –
