The Seattle Sounders are visiting the LA Galaxy on Saturday (6 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM) in their second meeting of the season. Here are three matchups to watch:
Will Bruin vs. Daniel Steres
Bruin has not found the back of the net so far this year, but he’s been highly influential in this Seattle Sounders attack that enters the weekend second in MLS in goals for. His ability to hold up the ball, split center backs and be creative in the final third has paved the way for others to score. With Raúl Ruidíaz back from FIFA World Cup Qualifying, the attention he’ll draw should leave room for Bruin to help facilitate in the 18-yard box yet again.
João Paulo vs. Sebastian Lletget
The Sounders did not have to face the suspended Lletget the last time out, and his absence was felt for LA. One of the best domestic midfielders in MLS, the United States international is coming off a successful spell with the national team in which he helped them win the Concacaf Nations League. Seattle did a great job stifling the Galaxy midfield last time out, and João Paulo will primarily be responsible for cutting off Lletget’s service to…
Shane O’Neill vs. Javier “Chicharito” Hernández
Chicharito went into the FIFA international break as the league’s top scorer with seven goals in as many matches. He failed to score at Lumen Field in May, as the Sounders did a great job containing him. O’Neill started in the middle of Head Coach Brian Schmetzer’s three center back setup and will need to have a similarly strong showing to keep Chicharito off the score sheet for the second straight match.
