Los Angeles FC lead Major League Soccer’s Western Conference by four points over FC Dallas heading into round 15 of the season.
Up next for Los Angeles FC are Seattle Sounders, who sit seventh in the MLS standings. Seattle Sounders are on an excellent run of form heading into the weekend fixture with four wins from their last five MLS fixtures.
A genius on the pitch and in the classroom. Get to know, @chiellini. 🇮🇹— LAFC (@LAFC) June 15, 2022
A genius on the pitch and in the classroom. Get to know, @chiellini. 🇮🇹
The Sounders started the season slowly, but are coming on strong at the moment. However, 10 points separate Seattle and Los Angeles FC in the table, showing the gulf in class between these teams currently.
The last six encounters between these teams saw the home side go unbeaten. The away team has never won a match when Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC play. Based on the form and quality of Los Angeles FC that trend could change this weekend.
Carlos Vela has been the main man for Los Angeles FC this season. The Mexican has bagged six goals in 13 appearances. No team in MLS has scored more goals than the Angels’ 29 strikes.
Midfielder Jose Cifuentes has tallied three assists to lead the team in creating goals.
Los Angeles FC have conceded just 13 times this term. Manager Steve Cherundolo could be without up to five players. Defender Diego Palacios is nursing a neck injury.
Defenders Franco Escobar and Erik Duenas are also doubts due to a calf and knee injury, respectively.
Meanwhile, midfielder Julian Gaines may miss the game. There is also doubt around Vela’s participation as he recovers from a muscle injury.
Seattle Sounders are coming off of back-to-back wins. Last time around, they defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 4-0. Forward Raul Ruidiaz leads the team with five goals.The Sounders have scored 19 times while conceding 16 goals in 2022.
Manager Brian Schmetzer has just one player on the injury list ahead of the weekend fixture. Joao Paulo is ruled out with an ACL injury. Other than Paulo, Schmetzer has a fully fit squad.
Despite Seattle Sounders’ good form and improving play, Los Angeles FC are the team to defeat in the MLS Western Conference. In a combined MLS table of East and West, Los Angeles FC lead the full standings.
Although the trend between these sides is for the home team to win, Los Angeles FC should end that trend on Friday. The game should finish with both teams scoring and over 3.5 goals.