MLS is Back Tournament round of 16: when and how to watch Seattle Sounders vs LAFC

Topics: MLS, MLS is Back Tournament, MLS Cup, Seattle Sounders, LAFC, Bradley Wright-Phillips, Nicolas Lodeiro

The second MLS is Back Tournament round of 16 games on Monday, July 27, will begin at 11 p.m. ET featuring two Western Conference giants in the Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC.

What is one, if not, the most awaited first knockout round game will present two sides that have the qualities and tools to lift the MLS is Back Tournament cup on August 11. The reigning MLS Cup Champions, the Seattle Sounders, will look to add another trophy to their collection. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is hungry for more trophies after winning the Supporters Shield and finishing first in the Western Conference regular season in 2019.

The last time we met

Don’t miss #SEAvLAFC tonight at 8 p.m. PT! #SoundersMatchday | #MLSisBack pic.twitter.com/2H53Ne31T3
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) July 28, 2020

This young rivalry began in March 2018, when LAFC kicked-off their expansion season stunning the Sounders 1-0 at CenturyLink Park. However, Seattle had the last laugh defeating the 2019 Supporters’ Shield winners in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs 3-1 at Banc of California Stadium. The Black-and-Gold lead the all-time series 3W-1L-1D over the Sounders.

Seattle Sounders vs LAFC: Match Preview

Seattle Sounders

The Sounders will step on the pitch with a bit of confidence after decimating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 in the last group stage match. But that was after a disappointing start to group play that saw Seattle gain one point in its two opening matches.

Nonetheless, the Sounders made it to the round of 16 and will not go down without a fight. Coach Brian Schmetzer will assert the need to attack during his team talks ahead of the game. Los Angeles has been incredible in attack, but poor defensively. Seattle will have to sacrifice some space in their half to go forward and make the best out of LAFC’s defensive woes.

Player to watch

Nicolas Lodeiro will be one of Seattle’s key players on Monday night. The attacking midfielder provided an assist to Jordan Morris and converted a penalty when the Sounders clinched their playoff spot with a 3-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. The LAFC defense has not been at its best, allowing seven goals in three matches, so they better watch for the little Uruguayan and his playmaking ability.

Injuries: Joao Paulo (OUT, right quad strain), Danny Leyva (OUT, left foot fracture), Alex Roldan (OUT, right quad strain), Yeimar Gomez Andrade (OUT, left hamstring strain), Xavier Arreaga (questionable, concussion), Will Bruin (questionable, right knee), Joevin Jones (questionable, left adductor strain)

LAFC

Los Angeles FC will go into the match with a chip on their shoulders after what happened in the 2019 Western Conference final. Los Angeles’ only loss against Seattle turned deadly, and they will do their best to avoid another playoff exit to them.

Bob Bradley has plenty of reasons to be happy with his attack. Bradley Wright-Phillips, Brian Rodriguez and Diego Rossi have proven to be an incredible front line scoring a tournament-best 11 goals despite Carlos Vela’s absence. But Bradley also has many reasons to be concerned with his defensive form. The Black-and-Gold conceded seven goals in just three games. Given the facts, LAFC will do its best to outscore the Sounders in order to secure a ticket to the quarterfinals.

Player to watch

Bradley Wright-Phillips is a machine. He is thirty-five years old, and he is still showing us just how good he could be in front of goal. Yes, Diego Rossi has been the standout player scoring five goals in three games, but Wright-Phillips has been just as important. His ability to adapt to his surroundings in the final third has allowed him to be clinical, shooting six times – all on target – and scoring three goals. Watch it with your own eyes.