After one and a half rounds of Champions Cup and a four-match home stand to start the 2025 campaign, LAFC are back on the road and this time they get set for the first rivalry matchup of the new year, taking on Seattle Sounders. The trip north may be short, but the history between these two sides is already plenty long. If Columbus Crew are the budding rivals that have become the annoying presence at a party for LAFC, then the Sounders are that childhood rival that never got past the competition between the two of you. The one who has been there from day one, the one the club has been compared to far too often than they probably would enjoy. Now, another chapter is written as these two meet for the first time this year, and the first time in MLS action this season.
Matchday: #SEAvLAFC
⏰ 1:45 PM PT
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🎧 @espnlosangeles pic.twitter.com/AJ21JjatbA— LAFC (@LAFC) March 8, 2025
“A very difficult match, it’s always a tough road trip to Seattle, but also a lot of fun” said LAFC Head Coach Steve Cherundolo when speaking to media ahead of the match. “Brian (Schmetzer) has consistently, over many, many years , one of the most competitive teams and groups of players in the league and that makes them very successful. That’s something you have to understand when you play in Seattle and against that team, you have to match their competitiveness.”
Seattle come into this one looking for their first win of the new MLS season. They too, like LAFC, are navigating life in the Champions Cup early on this season, and while they have performed well against their Liga MX opponents in that competition, its been far more lackluster for the Sounders in MLS league play. Of course, it’s been just two matches, but a draw and loss to start the season with LAFC coming to visit, doesn’t scream confidence. That said, if there is one thing we know, it’s that Brian Schmetzer will have his team ready to hand LAFC their first loss of the MLS season.
BRB LA 🤙#LAFC | @flyONT pic.twitter.com/BFUTj1V4U2
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 8, 2025
Despite the perceived “lack of goals” from LAFC to start the 2025 season, they have gotten the results they want. Through the early stages of the season they have only lost once, the opener on the road in Colorado with temps at freezing and sun glare in their eyes. The black & gold have yet to lose or even draw through their first two MLS matches this season, and have kept their opposition from scoring in their last four matches. While they may not be blowing the doors off of teams, they are as dominant as you can be this early on.
Of course, the big question for both sides will be how they lineup today, with Champions Cup matches for both, Tuesday. Seattle have it a lot tougher, as they go on the road against a very tough Cruz Azul side that was able to escape leg one with a 0-0 result. LAFC can have a bit more freedom after dispatching Columbus Crew 3-0 at home, setting up a fairly straightforward second-leg, that said, its still a balancing act when it comes to health and minutes fresh off of preseason. Los Angeles have a real chance at keeping the clean sheet run going and continuing to grow their form.
How To Watch
An afternoon delight today as the match is set for kickoff at 1:45pm PT from Lumen Field in Seattle, WA. The match will be broadcast live and can be seen on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, FOX, and FOX Deportes. Those looking to listen on radio can find the match on 710AM ESPN, with Spanish broadcasting on 980AM LA Mera Mera.
Thoughts ahead of the trip to Seattle? Leave a comment below!