For the third time in four years, the Seattle Sounders have progressed to MLS Cup, defeating LAFC 3-1 at Banc of California Stadium in the Western Conference Final on Tuesday night.
LAFC took the lead in the 17th minute through an Eduard Atuesta free kick, only for Raúl RuidÃaz to equalize five minutes later. Nicolás Lodeiro then put the Sounders in front with a wonderful strike in the 26th minute. With LAFC pushing for an equalizer, RuidÃaz put the match out of reach in the 64th minute, completing his brace with a fantastic finish.
The Rave Green now await the result of the Eastern Conference Final between Atlanta United and Toronto FC, as it will determine which club hosts the 2019 MLS Cup.
If Toronto FC wins the East, then the Sounders would host MLS Cup for the first time in club history. It would also mark the third time in four years that Seattle and Toronto have met in the postseason title match, with the Sounders winning in 2016 and TFC winning in 2017. The Sounders hosted TFC at CenturyLink Field on April 13, picking up a 3-2 win behind a brace from Will Bruin and a goal from Cristian Roldan.
However, if Atlanta emerges victorious, the Sounders will compete for its second MLS Cup trophy on the road at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 10. The winner of the 2019 U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup, Atlanta United is also the defending MLS Cup champion. The Rave Green are unbeaten in three all-time meetings against the Five Stripes, including a 2-1 win at CenturyLink Field on July 14.
The Eastern Conference Final will be decided on Wednesday (5:00 p.m. PT; FS1, FOX Deportes), while MLS Cup takes place on November 10 (12:00 p.m. PT; ABC, Univision).
Fans and media are invited to welcome the club home from LA. The team is due to arrive at 2:00 a.m. PT. Those in attendance are asked to gather at MasterPark Garage (16826 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188). No parking will be available on site.
