One of the biggest matches of the 2024 MLS regular season is just around the corner.
The Seattle Sounders will host fellow Western Conference powerhouse LAFC at Lumen Field on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. PT; MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS). Here are five reasons to attend:
Western Conference rivalry
The rivalry between LAFC and the Seattle Sounders dates back to the Black and Gold’s inaugural MLS season in 2018. Over the years, there have been countless epic matches. While LAFC hold the upper hand in head-to-head record, the Rave Green have consistently risen to the occasion on the biggest stages.
The 2019 Western Conference Final saw Seattle carry out one of the biggest upsets in postseason history, winning 3-1 on the road en route to lifting a second MLS Cup title. One year later, the Sounders trounced LAFC by the same scoreline at Lumen Field as they marched toward a second consecutive appearance in the championship match.
Saturday’s matchup at Lumen Field will be another must-see meeting between the two sides. LAFC leads the Western Conference in Points Per Game and boasts one of the best rosters in the league. Seattle, meanwhile, has been resurgent in recent months after a slow start to the season hampered by injuries. The Sounders have lost just twice in their last 18 matches and continue to climb the standings as one of the hottest teams in MLS. Currently sitting 6th in the West, a win on Saturday would see the Sounders pull within four points of LAFC with a chance to jump into to the top four.
Unbeaten Streak
The Sounders are riding a seven-game unbeaten streak in MLS play, including four straight wins at home. The team is heading into the weekend without a loss at Lumen Field since April 20 and the potential to secure their seventh home shutout this season. A clean sheet on Sunday would see Stefan Frei move into sole possession of the No. 2 spot on the league's all-time regular-season shutouts list with 113.
Strength in the attack
A driving factor in Seattle’s red-hot form has been their re-tooled attack, as the Sounders have recorded 14 goals in their last seven MLS matches. Jordan Morris and Albert Rusnák have combined for 13 goals and seven assists from their last 12 games. Meanwhile, Sounders Academy alumni like Obed Vargas and Paul Rothrock have emerged as threats in the final third, combining for two goals and five assists from their last eight matches.
The return of Will Bruin
Sounders FC will honor former player Will Bruin prior to Saturday night’s home match against LAFC. Bruin became a fan favorite during his six-year stint with the club, tallying 30 goals and 15 assists across the regular season and postseason as the team won the 2019 MLS Cup and 2022 Concacaf Champions League. He will be available for photos and autographs with fans in Olympic Hall pre-match.
Matchday activities
Several activities and events will be incorporated into Saturday's matchday fun! The North Plaza will be as busy as ever during pre-match, with options to enjoy live music, A Cityside Happy Hour and delicious local food trucks Buddha Bruddah, Ma & Pops, and Bai Tong on Wheels. Attendees can also listen to live music on Occidental Ave at 6:15 p.m. PT with a special performance from Seattle band All-Star Opera. Seahawks Legend Kam Chancellor will lead Scarves Up and fire up the crowd.
You won’t want to miss this ultimate Western Conference showdown on a picture-perfect Seattle summer evening at Lumen Field!
