By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

Despite injury concerns Sounders FC confident facing LA Galaxy in Western Conference Final

Sounders FC  confident despite  injuries

Saturday’s Western Conference Final between the stingy Seattle Sounders defense and the high-flying LA Galaxy offense is a classic match-up between the best offense and the best defense. The Sounders finished the regular season with the fewest goals allowed (35), and the Galaxy scored 68 goals, third behind Columbus (72) and  Inter Miami (78). In the playoffs, both teams played to their strengths.

STELLAR PLAYOFF PERFORMANCES

 The Galaxy scored nine goals, allowed one in their  First Round playoff match with the Colorado Rapids, and bagged a half dozen in their 6-2 win over the Minnesota Loons in the Semi-Final round. The Rave Green understandably took a different path, allowing the Houston Dynamo just one goal in two playoff games and winning both via penalty shootouts. The Sounders made all of their penalty shots. A stout, disciplined effort saw the Sounders get the monkey off their back with an LAFC 2-1 in the Semi-Final round.

INJURY SETBACK

The LA Galaxy’s prolific scoring attack is led by the killer P’s, Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintstil, and Ricard  Puig. Pec, Painstil, and striker  Dejan Joveljic recorded a brace in the Galaxy’s 6-2 win over the Loons.   Puig is the conductor of the Galax’ys runaway train offense.

“He is the engine of their attack, and it goes through him, “ said Sounders midfielder Albert Rusnáck .” “In some games, we have done well, but not so well in others.”

The two teams have played three times this season, with each winning and a draw. If the Sounders are to slow down the Galaxy, they will need to contain Puig and force him to pass the ball, then be able to pick off the pass and counter.  The Sounders will be looking to catch the Galaxy overcommitting players on the attack and depleted on defense.

“ We must contain, attack, and play good secondary defense,” added Sounders Head coach Brian Schmetzer. “ Our players understand  the opportunity  and are ready for the task against a perfect opponent.”

WHO WILL START ON THE BACK LINE ?

After beating LAFC for the first time in ten meetings, the Sounders are full of confidence and belief. The team’s mantra has always been about resolve and grittiness. With a depleted backline, the team will need both. Yeimar has not practiced all week after a hamstring injury in the LAFC game and was replaced by Nathan, who played admirably. Nouhou has returned after missing the game. Paul Rothrock and Reed Baker-Whiting will not be available.

Rothrock’s season is over due to a quad injury, and Baker-Whiting’s calf injury will see him miss the game after starting on the left midfield against LAFC. Schmetzer will likely insert Nouhou on the left, with  Jackson Ragen and Jon  Bell for a back three.  Pedro de la Vega will start in left midfield with  Cristian Roldan,  Obed Vargas, and Alex Roldan.  Rusnáck will play the false night with Jordan Morris and  Gerogi Minoungou up top.   

CONFIDENCE

Both teams will be confident. The team that is willing to win the secondary balls, stay disciplined in the game plan, and overcome adversity will win. Sounders striker Jordan Morris scored a game-winning strikers goal in the LAFC match and will be looking to continue his scoring ways. The Galaxy has struggled to defend set pieces. If the Sounders can exploit that weakness, they could host the MLS Cup on December 7th.

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