Sounders FC vs LA Galaxy
2014 MLS Cup Playoffs - Western Conference Championship, Leg Two
Sunday, November 30; 6:20 p.m. PST; CenturyLink Field
TV/Radio: ESPN; KIRO Radio 97.3 FM/Sirius XM FC (Channel 94), ESPN Deportes Radio, 1490 AM (Spanish)
LA’s Record: The Galaxy finished three points behind Sounders FC in the Supporters’ Shield race, as LA was second in the Western Conference with 61 points (17-7-10). In the Western Conference Semifinals, they blanked Real Salt Lake by a 5-0 aggregate scoreline.
Head-to-Head: The two teams have met four times in all competitions this year, with Seattle posting a 1-2-1 record in those matches. In the first of two matchups at CenturyLink Field, the Galaxy won 3-0 on July 28 as Seattle starting defenders Chad Marshall and Leo Gonzalez sat out with injuries. The regular-season finale was a 2-0 win over LA that clinched the Supporters’ Shield for the Rave Green.
All-Time Series: Sounders FC is 5-10-5 all-time against the Galaxy, including 1-4-0 in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Injury Report: Sounders FC – OUT: F Kevin Parsemain (ACL Tear). QUESTIONABLE: M Osvaldo Alonso (Hamstring Strain), M Andy Rose (R Knee Bone Bruise). LA Galaxy – OUT: None. QUESTIONABLE: D Todd Dunivant (L Groin Tear), D Leonardo (R Hamstring Strain), D James Riley (L Knee Surgery), D A.J. DeLaGarza (Hamstring Strain), M Marcelo Sarvas (Quadriceps).
Key Player: LA goalkeeper Jaime Penedo has yet to concede in the Galaxy’s three playoff matches. Sounders FC came close to scoring in the First Leg on a number of occasions, but Penedo made four saves en route to a clean sheet. Seattle will need to find the back of the net at least once on Sunday in order to extend its season.
Notes: Any draw or LA victory sends the Galaxy to the MLS Cup Final, while Seattle advances with a win by two or more goals. If Sounders FC leads 1-0 at the end of regulation, the series will be decided by extra time, as well as penalty kicks if needed. … Sounders FC is looking to clinch its first appearance in the MLS Cup Final. The winner of the Western Conference Championship will host MLS Cup 2014 on December 7. … This could be the final match of Landon Donovan’s career. The league’s all-time leader in goals and assists, Donovan announced that he would retire after this season. … Marshall was named 2014 MLS Defender of the Year on Tuesday. LA centerback Omar Gonzalez finished third in the voting for the award. … Clint Dempsey has recorded a goal or assist in three of his four regular-season matches against LA since joining Sounders FC. … The Galaxy are winless in their last five road games.
