MATCH RECAP: Sounders FC Advances to MLS Western Conference Final With 2-1 Win at LAFC on Saturday Night

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. – Sounders FC defeated LAFC 2-1 after additional time on Saturday night at BMO Stadium within the Western Convention Semifinals, advancing to the membership’s seventh Western Convention Last in crew historical past. Jordan Morris scored the match-winning strike within the 109^th minute after LAFC recorded an personal aim within the 59^th minute of play. It was Morris’ ninth postseason aim of his profession, tying teammate Raúl Ruidíaz for essentially the most amongst energetic gamers in MLS. Sounders FC goalkeeper Stefan Frei recorded 9 saves within the contest, tying a playoff profession excessive.

Seattle now units its sights on the Western Convention Last, enjoying the winner of tomorrow’s LA Galaxy vs. Minnesota United match. The Rave Inexperienced would host Minnesota or journey to the LA Galaxy, with the Western Convention Last set for Saturday, November 30. Additional particulars in regards to the match might be introduced by Main League Soccer.

• With the win over LAFC, Seattle advances to the Western Convention Last and can face the winner of the LA Galaxy–Minnesota United match going down tomorrow at Dignity Well being Sports activities Park. The Rave Inexperienced would host Minnesota or journey to the LA Galaxy, with the Western Convention Last scheduled for Saturday, November 30 (kickoff time and different particulars TBA).

• Sounders FC has now made the Western Convention Last on seven totally different events, turning into solely the eighth crew in MLS historical past to make a convention closing seven or extra instances and the third growth crew to take action.

• Seattle has gained the Western Convention title on 4 totally different events (2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020), profitable MLS Cup in 2016 and 2019.

• Jordan Morris’ aim within the 109^th minute was the ninth of his postseason profession, tying teammate Raúl Ruidíaz for essentially the most amongst energetic gamers within the MLS Cup Playoffs.

• Stefan Frei tied a playoff profession excessive with 9 saves tonight in opposition to LAFC. He beforehand recorded 9 saves within the 2017 MLS Cup Last in opposition to Toronto FC on December 9, 2017.

• Frei turned the third goalkeeper in MLS historical past to document 9 or extra saves in a number of playoff matches, becoming a member of Brad Guzan and Matt Reis.

• Brian Schmetzer made a number of changes to the beginning lineup from Seattle’s final match in opposition to Houston on November 3. With Nouhou (sickness) and Paul Rothrock (quad) unavailable, Jonathan Bell and Reed Baker-Whiting began on the left aspect of Sounders FC’s formation. Jordan Morris, getting back from a hamstring harm, additionally changed Raúl Ruidíaz at striker, whereas Albert Rusnák, getting back from a hip harm, began within the attacking midfield function.

• Tonight marked the primary profession playoff begins for each Bell and Baker-Whiting, with Bell additionally incomes his first playoff look.

• Tonight’s end result additionally marked LAFC’s first residence loss within the MLS Cup Playoffs in over 5 years, with the Southern California aspect final dropping to Seattle within the 2019 Western Convention Last on October 29, 2019.

Seattle Sounders FC 2 – Los Angeles FC 1

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Referee: Guido Gonzales Jr.

Assistants: Kyle Atkins, Cory Richardson

Fourth Official: Tim Ford

Climate: 59 levels and clear

LAFC – Ryan Hollingshead (Mateusz Bogusz) 50’

SEA – Personal Purpose (Maxime Chanot) 59’

SEA – Jordan Morris 109’

LAFC – Maxime Chanot (warning)

LAFC – Mateusz Bogusz (warning) 77’

SEA – Yeimar (warning) 95’

SEA – Joao Paulo (warning) 112’

Seattle Sounders FC – Stefan Frei; Alex Roldan (João Paulo 106’), Yeimar (Nathan 66’), Jackson Ragen, Jonathan Bell; Cristian Roldan, Obed Vargas, Pedro de la Vega (Georgi Minoungou 72’), Albert Rusnák (Raúl Ruidíaz 106’), Reed Baker-Whiting (Josh Atencio 96’); Jordan Morris

Substitutes not used: Andrew Thomas, Cody Baker, Danny Leyva, Léo Chú

LAFC – Hugo Lloris; Jesus Murillo, Sergi Palencia (David Martinez 112’), Ryan Hollingshead, Maxime Chanot (Ilie Sanchez 91’), Aaron Lengthy; Lewis O’Brien, Mateusz Bogusz (Kei Kamara 106’), Eduard Atuesta (Timothy Tillman 70’); Olivier Giroud (Cristian Olivera 70’), Denis Bouanga

Substitutes not used: Thomas Hasal, Omar Campos, Eddie Segura, Marlon Santos