The Seattle Sounders take on Western Conference foe LAFC on Sunday in the first MLS regular season meeting between the two sides of the 2020 campaign. Here is everything you need to know.
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. PT at CenturyLink Field.
WHERE TO WATCH: The match will be televised on FS1.
WHERE TO LISTEN: The match will air on 950 KJR AM and El Rey 1360 AM.
2020 RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Sounders: 3-1-2 (11 points, 2nd West), LAFC: 2-1-3 (9 points, 4th West)
FORM GUIDE (most recent first): Seattle: WLWLD, LA: LLWDW
ALL-TIME HISTORY: The Sounders are 1-4-1 all-time against LAFC.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Seattle faced off against LAFC in the Round of 16 at the MLS is Back Tournament back on July 27 in what was billed as a rematch of the 2019 Western Conference Final. The Sounders stumbled out of the gates, falling 2-0 in the first half via a penalty kick in the 13th minute and an own goal just before the break. Second half substitute Will Bruin, making his first appearance for the Rave Green in over a year due to injury, handed Seattle a lifeline with a goal in 75th minute. The comeback stopped there, however, as the Black & Gold added two more goals in the final 15 minutes, eliminating the Sounders from the MLS is Back Tournament.
BIGGER THAN SOCCER: In solidarity with professional sports teams across North America, the Sounders chose not to play their regular season match in a players-led movement.
USING YOUR PLATFORM: Following Wednesday night’s decisions, several members of Sounders FC utilized their platforms to demand change, with broadcaster Steve Zakuani writing a powerful column on racism and goalkeeper Stefan Frei joining MLSsoccer.com’s ExtraTime to discuss why it was so important to speak out.
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT: This week, Sounders FC unveiled its commitment to social justice, with four key pillars – fight racism, right to play, support LGBTQ+ equality, and protect our planet – driving the club’s future actions toward a more just, equitable society.
VOTE: Sounders FC wants you to vote. Every. Damn. Time.
Voting in every election is necessary for change. Learn more HERE.
RETURN TO THE CLINK: Sunday’s match marks the first MLS regular season fixture at CenturyLink Field since the Sounders’ 1-1 draw with Columbus Crew SC on March 7.
DANCING BEAR: After a year on the sidelines, forward Will Bruin has returned to action in scintillating form, playing a hand in two of Seattle’s three goals against the Timbers and scoring with just his second touch against LAFC.
JP AND YEIMAR: Last year in the Western Conference Final, LAFC was caught off guard by the ruthless efficiency of Raúl RuidÃaz, as the Peruvian forward had yet to face the Black & Gold. The Rave Green will hope to have two more aces up their sleeve on Sunday, as João Paulo and Yeimar Gómez could make their debuts in this budding rivalry.
