When it comes to hosting games at Lumen Field, the Seattle Sounders make sure opponents dread the thought playing in the Rave Green’s fortress again.
Whether it be the nonstop singing from the supporters, or the dominant play from the Sounders on the pitch, the environment at Lumen Field is a grueling one for any away team.
The commanding two home-game performances against the Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake proved exactly that, but the real test for the Sounders awaits them this Saturday as the team takes on the 2022 MLS Cup champions LAFC (1:00 p.m. PT; FOX, Watch free on Apple TV; iHeart Radio, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS).
“This feels like a game against two of the biggest clubs in the league,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “We're really focused on playing up to our potential and then we'll see what the scoreline says at the end of the game.”
LAFC TICKETS
Come watch Seattle Sounders FC as the reigning CCL Champions host the reigning MLS Cup Champions at Lumen Field on Saturday, March 18!
The two-time Supporters’ Shield winners are considered one of the best teams in MLS after consistently performing at a high level since joining the league in 2018. Last year, LAFC almost beat the league’s record for most points collected in a single season for a second time in club history (73), but barely missed by six points (67).
Despite LAFC’s incredible run to the championship title last season, the Sounders put up a good fight against the Los Angeles team at Lumen Field in 2022, finishing in a 1-1 draw.
The combination of fan support and the effort from the players at home was evident then, and has been true this season so far as well.
“[LAFC] is 3-0, they’re defending champs, it's a big game, and I hope to see everybody out there…We’ll need the fans,” said Schmetzer.
The two teams have a rich history of heated matches, starting with LAFC’s first-ever win in MLS coming against the Seattle Sounders. One year later, the Sounders returned fire, defeating LA for the first time in the 2019 Western Conference Finals. LAFC was projected to take home the title that year after producing one of the most dominant regular seasons in league history, but the Rave Green pulled off a historic upset en route to winning MLS Cup at home in front of a sold-out crowd at Lumen Field.
And the Sounders hope to bring that same energy this weekend.
“This is another opportunity to send a statement out to the rest of the league, to ourselves, that we can compete with the best on a weekly basis,” said midfielder Cristian Roldan.
With two home-game victories already in the books this season, the Sounders are confident this Saturday will be another one, and Lumen Field will continue to represent the fortress it's always been.
