RECAP: Sounders fall 3-0 to LAFC, eliminated from Leagues Cup
The Seattle Sounders were eliminated from the 2024 Leagues Cup on Saturday night following a 3-0 loss to LAFC in the Quarterfinals. Ryan Hollingshead and Kei Kamara each grabbed a goal in the first half before Denis Bouanga added a third just after the halftime break.
Seattle started the match brightly, with Paul Rothrock forcing LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris into a point-blank save in the 5th minute following a mazy run down the left.
The visitors took the lead just nine minutes later when Hollingshead latched onto a diagonal pass and burst into the box before sliding his shot in the bottom corner.
The Sounders almost pulled level in the 18th minute when a João Paulo cross found Rothrock at the back post, but the ensuing volley was blocked out for a corner.
LAFC doubled their advantage in the 25th minute as Kei Kamara pounced on a mis-cleared corner and struck a side-volley into the back of the net.
Seattle managed to carve out several half chances before halftime, with Albert Rusnák and João Paulo each striking dangerous shots from outside the box, but were unable to beat Lloris in goal.
In the 51st minute, LAFC made it 3-0 when Lloris played a ball to Bouanga over Seattle’s back line. The 2023 MLS MVP Finalist held off a challenge from Nouhou before firing a shot into the corner.
The Sounders had a pair of gilt-edged chances in the 64th minute when Josh Atencio had a shot cleared off the line by an LAFC defender and Jordan Morris’ flicked header missed the far post by inches.
In the 80th minute, Raúl Ruidíaz weaved through several defenders before attempting to chip Lloris, but his shot floated over the crossbar.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Next Opportunity
Saturday night marked the second consecutive 3-0 to defeat to LAFC for the Sounders. Seattle will get a chance at revenge on August 28 when they host the Black & Gold in the U.S. Open Cup at Starfire Stadium.
Attack Stutters
Much of the Sounders’ resurgence in recent months has been due to the team’s reignited attack. Seattle’s loss in the Leagues Cup Quarterfinals was just the second time the Rave Green have been held scoreless since May 15th.
Return to Action
The Sounders will resume MLS Regular Season play on August 24 when they visit Minnesota United at Allianz Field (3:30 p.m. PT; Watch on MLS Season Pass, FOX).
