Seattle Sounders Defeat LAFC To Reach MLS Final

Seattle Sounders FC have advanced to their third MLS Cup in four years, defeating the Supporters’ Shield-winning Los Angeles Football Club 3-1 on Tuesday in the Western Conference Final at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles.  

 

Peruvian and 2018 FIFA World Cup forward Raul Ruidiaz was the star Tuesday night with a brace for Seattle to garner a victory against an LAFC side that posted an MLS-record 72 points during the regular season and had lost only once earlier this year at Banc of California Stadium. 

 

Following a 17th-minute goal from MLS Best XI midfielder Eduard Atuesta of LAFC, Ruidiaz responded quickly in the 22nd minute with a goal of his own. Ruidiaz’s quick turn broke through the LAFC defense and he fired a shot inside the right post to tie the score at 1-1 in the 22nd minute.

 

Ruidiaz then played a critical role in the build-up to Sounders FC’s go-ahead goal just four minutes later as Nicolas Lodeiro’s left-footed strike found the right side of the frame for a 2-1 lead in the 26th minute.

 

Ruidiaz provided the exclamation point after Sounders FC intercepted the ball in LAFC’s defensive third, scoring from 19 yards out in the 64th minute for a 3-1 advantage.

 

“We wanted to push LAFC into areas where they were less effective,” said winning manager Brian Schmetzer. 

 

“That was the entire game plan, just to see if we could slow down their attack. On the attacking side, we knew we could create chances against this team. They take many risks when they defend or counter-press.”

 

Sounders FC will now have the opportunity to capture a second MLS Cup crown to try and replicate their 2016 championship campaign. The 2019 MLS Cup takes place on Sunday, Nov. 10 (3 p.m. ET, ABC / Univision / TSN / TVA Sports).