LAFC vs Seattle Sounders: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction
By 90min
The Seattle Sounders are looking to bounce back from Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Sporting Kansas City and extend their lead atop the Western Conference in a Tuesday night tilt against playoff hopeful LAFC.
While both sides will be without key contributors due to injury and suspension, the teams look to claim a massive three points in the MLS Western Conference playoff race.
Here’s what you need to know about the Western Conference matchup…
What TV channel is Seattle Sounders vs LAFC on?
When is kick off? Tuesday October 26th, 22:30 (ET), 19:30 (PT)
Where is the match being played? Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, California
What TV channel is it on? ESPN
Seattle Sounders team news
Following Saturday’s contest, the Sounders are just three points ahead of SKC and Colorado Rapids for first-place in the Western Conference. Head coach Brian Schmetzer said the team sent a “very stern report” to MLS following a controversial yellow card on goalkeeper Tim Melia in the match.
Schmetzer said Raul Rudiaz is a “stretch” to play against LAFC, adding that Jordan Morris is ready to return but must wait due to the medical timeline given by doctors. Nicolas Lodeiro could potentially return for Tuesday’s match, while Joao Paulo will not play due to a suspension for yellow card accumulation.
LAFC team news
While Seattle attempts to cement its first-place spot in the Western Conference, LAFC will be seeking three points to stay alive and enter the playoff picture. Currently, LAFC sit in ninth on the Western Conference table with 41 points, just three points behind seventh-place side Vancouver Whitecaps in the playoff hunt.
Head coach Bob Bradley said that Carlos Vela has returned to training from injury and that while the former MVP would not start against Seattle, he could potentially see playing time.
Predicted lineups
Seattle Sounders: Frei, O’Neill, Arreaga, Gomez, Medranda, Rowe, Atencio, A. Roldan, C. Roldan, Benezet, Bruin
LAFC: Blackman, Farfan, Murillo, Fall, Palacios, Crisostomo, Blessing, Blackmon, Duke, Rodriguez, Arango
Head to head record
Since LAFC joined MLS in 2018, the Sounders have been even with the club. LAFC and Seattle are tied in their 12 meetings at 5-5-2. In the two previous matches in 2021, the teams tied 1-1 in Los Angeles in April, while the Sounders won 2-0 at Lumen Field in Seattle in May. LAFC holds a 3-1-1 series advantage at home.
Seattle Sounders vs LAFC score prediction
While the Sounders have struggled in the last three weeks with a 0-2-1 record, this experienced group knows just how vital three points would be in its quest to finish atop the Western Conference.
Following back-to-back matches against Sporting Kansas City and Colorado Rapids, the second and third place teams in the conference, Seattle are battle-tested going into this matchup with Los Angeles. Expect a close one at Banc of California Stadium as both sides look to fight for an important three points in the playoff race, but the Conference-leading Sounders should get the win on Tuesday night.
Prediction: LAFC 1-2 Seattle Sounders