The LA Galaxy defeated the Seattle Sounders 1-0 on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., behind a fourth-minute goal from Gabriel Pec.
The Galaxy nearly opened the scoring two minutes in when GastĆ³n Brugman slipped in Joseph Paintsil, but his shot rattled off the near post.
LA found the opener just two minutes later when Riqui Puig chipped in Paintsil, who dropped a first-time pass to Pec, who beat Stefan Frei at the near post for his first MLS goal.
The Sounders had a chance to equalize in the seventh minute when Jordan Morris drove down the left flank and picked out RaĆŗl RuidĆaz, whose re-directed effort just missed outside of the near post.
Josh Atencio intercepted a pass at midfield in the 28th minute and attacked the Galaxy defense, but his eventual shot was blocked and went out for a corner.
Pec almost doubled LAās lead in the 39th minute when Puig set up the Brazilian youth international at the top of the box, but his left-footed shot flew past the far post.
The Soundersā had a great chance in the 65th minute when Danny Musovski, who scored on a header last weekend to open his Seattle account, headed a cross that forced goalkeeper John McCarthy into a reaction save.
Seattle almost equalized in the 70th minute when Nouhou crossed a ball to the top of the box that Albert RusnƔk fired just wide.
Puig had a chance to double LAās advantage in the 82nd minute after a clever interchange from 20 yards out, but Nouhou closed him down to block his shot.
The Soundersā best opportunity came in the 90th minute when Dylan Teves played a ball to the penalty spot for Morris, but his one-timed shot skipped past the far post.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Return to 4-2-3-1
After starting the season employing a 4-4-2, Head Coach Brian Schmetzer reverted to his preferred 4-2-3-1 with RusnĆ”k available to start as the No. 10, RuidĆaz as the lone No. 9 and Morris back on the left wing.
Alex Roldan at right mid, Cristian to central midfield
Another big personnel change was Schmetzer pushing Alex Roldan up a line from his normal right fullback position into right mid. He replaced his brother, Cristian, who slid into the double-pivot in central midfield alongside Atencio.
Back home vs. MontrƩal
The Sounders return home to Lumen Field next Saturday for a clash against Eastern Conference side CF MontrƩal (7:30 p.m. PT; MLS Season Pass on Apple TV | TICKETS).