The MLS season is back underway as the league looks to play catch-up. This match analysis will cover two sides that have great pedigree due to their exciting players and playing styles. In terms of positions, the Seattle Sounders and LAFC sit second and seventh respectively in the western conference of the MLS.
The Seattle Sounders have had a great start to the new season and are looking to be a threat to other teams in the league. Only Sporting Kansas City have more points than the Sounders, yet Seattle have one more game to play in order to close the small gap. They will be striving for more success this year after a disappointing exit in the MLS is Back tournament. Funnily enough, their exit fell to the hands of LAFC who beat the Sounders 4-1 in late July.
LAFC went past the Round of 16 in the tournament after registering the win against their western conference rivals. However, they fell to the hands of Orlando City (spearheaded by Luis Nani, formerly of Manchester United) in the quarterfinals, and this loss was difficult to take as it came to a penalty shootout. Despite the disappointment, LAFC had a strong showing. As they faced Seattle Sounders in their latest fixture, they were looking to replicate the result which ended in a victory a month ago.
This tactical analysis and match report will examine the tactics of the Seattle Sounders and LAFC as the Sounders registered a 3-1 victory.
Lineups
Bob Bradley, manager of LAFC, started his preferred 4-3-3 formation for the match. One of the biggest omissions from the squad was the leagues leading goal scorer last season, Carlos Vela. Vela, who has played for clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona, was left out due to a knee injury that will see him out indefinitely. In that case, Bradley was forced to changed his side to include Bradley Wright-Phillips as the main striker with Diego Rossi and Brian Rodriguez playing on the wings. Behind them was a balanced midfield three that possesses a lot of energy, particularly Latif Blessing, who has both defensive and attacking capabilities. In defence, Bradley went with a standard four at the back. However, LAFC are known much more for their goal-scoring prowess, not their defensive record.
The Seattle Sounders started in a 4-3-2-1, a formation that has proven to be successful thus far in the MLS season. Their main man, Jordan Morris, started on the left wing as he looked to provide goals and assists to help his side. The two pivot players in the midfield completed the balance of the side and helped clog the middle of the pitch. Tactically, there were no surprises from the Seattle Sounders.
