Well, that went as bad as it could have. In a match between two titans of the Western Conference in the MLS, it was Seattle Sounders that were able to get the most out of their rotated squad this past weekend as they played host to LAFC. The black & gold tried to get some key players some much needed rest with Champions Cup at the midweek, but perhaps they flew a little too close to the sun, getting absolutely torched on the road against a team they will undoubtedly see again throughout the slew of competitions this season.
Fulltime. pic.twitter.com/saXbMJCVpM
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 8, 2025
Both sides are having to navigate the rigors of Champions Cup competition this early in the season, and it showed this past weekend with both sides coming into this match with heavily rotated squads. LAFC came in making eight changes to the lineup we saw at BMO taking apart Columbus Crew. Just at a glance, it was the type of lineup that made you hope for the best, but made you temper expectations. That said, the first half of the match gave us a lot more hope that perhaps the team would be able to sneak out of Seattle with a result, despite the slim squad. Seattle opened up the scoring early courtesy of an amazing moment from their young rising talent, Kossa-Rienzi, who used his pace to get past the defense, and used his skill to find enough space to get a shot off for the score. Most fascinating, that was the only shot Seattle mustered the entirety of the first half. LAFC finished the half with six shots, including the equalizer as the half ended that really made you feel like this would be one of those matches where both sides just feel happy with a point.
Nathan Ordaz was the one on the end of the equalizer, on a corner kick that ended up bouncing around in the box, where it finally fell to Ordaz who struck it past the keeper to level up proceedings before the halftime break.
Right place, right time 👊
Nathan Ordaz scores for the second match in a row.#SEAvLAFC 1-1 pic.twitter.com/IqXwhRTog6
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 8, 2025
The second half couldn’t have gone worse for the visitors. In the 57th minute, Seattle regained the lead with a quick free-kick that seemed to catch the LAFC defense off guard, leaving Paul Rothrock with far too much space at the top of the box, where he wasted no time, and unloaded a screamer that got past the keeper for the second half lead.
🎯 PAULIE PRIMETIME!!
Long distance goal from Seattle Sounders’ Paul Rothrock pic.twitter.com/DJyBgoNGS5
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) March 8, 2025
Shortly after, LAFC defender Marlon suffered an injury that resulted in him being subbed off, which also resulted in a formation change given the injury, and that is where the wheels fell off for LAFC. “Defensively, the unfortunate injury of Marlon and having to change formations, that kind of threw us off” said LAFC Head Coach Steve Cherundolo after the match. “Our subs, who we subbed on, were pretty disappointing. Not just in performance, but also effort and mentality.” After the injury Seattle started to put their foot to neck. Seattle had a much better second half, racking up 13 shots, keeping 60% of the possession and opening the floodgates on their scoring. Twenty minutes after taking the lead, Jordan Morris gave Seattle a third goal. It was a special moment for him, as it put him atop the team standings as Seattle’s top scorer. The hosts then proceeded to add two more goals throughout the course of the half as they put LAFC away with relative ease.
Los Angeles did want to salvage some respect, and as time ticked away in stoppage time, midfielder David Martinez put in some work on the Seattle defense, dribbling past a handful of them as he went from midfield to back of the net with some excellent skills and clinical finishing. The goal didn’t do much but make the scoreline a bit more respectable, but it was welcome on a day where nothing seemed to go right for the squad.
David Martínez takes it the distance after winning the ball at midfield 🇻🇪 pic.twitter.com/Mo9Dv9Iyj8
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 8, 2025
In the end, Seattle added one more to add insult to injury, completing the 5-2 rout of LAFC. Now, the team have to regain their focus ahead of a very crucial midweek match. If they were destined to lay an egg this week, better it be against Seattle in the early stages of MLS regular season action, and not in the second leg of the Champions Cup competition. Luckily the team are nursing a three goal advantage as they prepare to hit the road to once again take on Columbus Crew, but that could evaporate instantly should we see another performance like we saw Saturday afternoon.
Thoughts on the loss? Leave a comment below!