Seattle Sounders are on their best come postseason time. And they showed that in the first round of 2020 MLS Cup playoffs, beating the LAFC 3-1 and securing a spot in the Western Conference semis.
It was a dominant performance from the reigning MLS Cup champions, as Sounders opened the scoring just 18 minutes into the contest. Raul Ruidiaz and Jordan Morris made a well-executed setup in LAFC’s penalty box, making it easy for Nicolas Lodeiro to strike it home and give his team a lead.
LAFC had a chance to bounce back right away, being awarded a penalty in the 21st minute following a Nouhou Tolo’s tackle on Carlos Vela. LA’s star striker took it upon himself to execute but delivered a bad shot that was easily caught Sounders’ goalie Stefan Frei.
Seattle increased their lead in the 66th minute when Ruidiaz used a commotion in LAFC’s penalty box after a corner kick and scored from a beautiful volley.
Colombia’s Eduard Atuesta gave some hope to LAFC by scoring in the 77th minute, but this turned out to be everything that the LA team managed to do. Sounders closed out the game just three minutes later after Morris added a goal to his name alongside the assist.
Sounders, who have a chance to add their third MLS Cup win in five years this season, will next face FC Dallas.
LAFC, on the other hand, is ending their quest for trophies early on once again and will have to go back to the drawing board.
