The Seattle Sounders are visiting LA Galaxy on Saturday (4:30 p.m. PT; FOX, Watch free on the Apple TV app, iHeart Radio, El Rey 1360AM) in their first meeting this year. Here are three matchups to watch:
Jordan Morris and Jalen Neal
Forward Jordan Morris continues to punish opposing defenders game after game with his ability to score at any angle. After only five games, Morris has recorded seven goals for the Sounders. The veteran player will be going up against an unfamiliar face, defender Jalen Neal, who made his LA Galaxy first-team debut just this year. The Homegrown center back is already making an impact for LA, ranking second in clearances (15) and interceptions (7) this season.Â
João Paulo and Gastón Brugman
Central midfielder João Paulo is a crucial contributor in controlling the momentum of games for the Rave Green. While he supports the buildup the attack, he is also a main component in shutting down opposition defensively. It will be up to the Brazilian maestro to stop LA Galaxy midfielder Gastón Brugman from distributing balls through the middle of the pitch. So far this season, Brugman ranks as one of the top MLS players in line-breaking passes.
Jackson Ragen and Dejan Joveljic
Center-back Jackson Ragen has become a vital part of the backline this season, most recently supporting the Sounders to a 4-1 victory against Sporting Kansas City. Last game, he finished with a 100% passing rate just a week after completing 95.1% of his passes against LAFC. Ragen will be going up against Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic, who tallied 11 goals and three assists last season.
