LOS ANGELES -- Tension ruled the air just like the cool rain as the Seattle Sounders dampened LAFC’s postseason aspirations with a dramatic 2-1 victory in extra time at BMO Stadium on Saturday night.
The weather, more reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest than Southern California, set the stage for a contest where the Sounders’ resilience and tactical acumen shone through, culminating in Jordan Morris’s decisive goal in the 109th minute that eliminated LAFC from continuing on in the playoffs and ending their hopes for a third straight MLS Cup Final appearance.
The first half unfolded with both teams probing for opportunities but failing to register a shot on target until the final moments as Jonathan Bell's shot was blocked by Maxime Chanot in the 43rd minute. LAFC, despite their dominance in recent fixtures against Seattle, struggled to find their rhythm and frame a goal on target, a testament to the Sounders’ disciplined defensive setup.
The deadlock was broken in the 50th minute when LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead capitalized on a set-piece opportunity, heading the ball past Seattle’s Stefan Frei to give the home side a 1-0 lead. The goal injected fervor into the match, with LAFC pressing to extend their advantage.
However, the Sounders responded with grit. In the 59th minute, a cross into the LAFC box led to a costly own goal by defender Maxime Chanot who was attempting to clear a set piece, leveling the score at 1-1. The equalizer shifted momentum in favor of Seattle, who began to assert more control over the midfield.
As regulation time concluded with the score tied, the match advanced into extra time. Both teams exhibited signs of fatigue, but it was the Sounders who found the decisive moment. In the 109th minute, Jordan Morris who represents the Sounders successes over the past decade as much as Frei does, received a well-placed through ball from Nicolás Lodeiro, maneuvered past the Lewis O'Brien, and slotted the ball into the net, securing a 2-1 lead for the Sounders.
The dense air in the stadium suddenly collapsed as the home side shifted into panic mode and the minutes counted down to their inevitable conclusion. LAFC mounted a late surge, seeking to force a penalty shootout, but the Sounders’ defense held firm, with Frei making crucial saves to preserve the lead. LAFC outshot Seattle 26 to 13 but Frei was able to save an outstanding nine.
As the final whistle confirmed Seattle’s place in the Western Conference Finals, the stadium's LAFC chants went silent for the first time this year. Errors and lack of finishing in the final third stifled LAFC's postseason hopes as much as the Sounders determination.
This victory is particularly noteworthy given LAFC’s recent dominance over Seattle, including eliminations in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals, the 2024 Leagues Cup Quarterfinal, and the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semifinal. The Sounders’ ability to overcome these past setbacks and secure a win on the road underscores their resilience and tactical growth.
For LAFC, the loss marks a premature end to a season that had promised much but reflected problems that manifested throughout the season - costly but silly errors (like own goals) and a fruitless mid-season blockbuster signing in Olivier Giroud, who did not score a single league goal since joining the club.
"I think with a preseason, a full preseason, and a proper preseason, it's been much better with Olivier next year. Every player who comes from Europe after a very short summer and tacks on a little more, at the end of the season, and the last, all the travel, and the weather. All of them strong, and all of them settled in by the beginning of next year," Cherundolo said.
As the Sounders prepare for the Western Conference Final, they carry forward the momentum of this hard-fought victory, aiming to continue their pursuit of the MLS Cup. For LAFC, the offseason will be a period of reflection and regrouping, with an eye toward returning stronger in the next campaign.
In a match where the elements mirrored Seattle’s home climate, it was fitting that the Sounders emerged victorious, raining on LAFC’s parade and advancing further in the postseason. For the time being, Cherundolo and his team will have to be content with one trophy for the year, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the chance that comes with it - a spot in the next edition of the Concacaf Champions Cup.