90min
·17 August 2024
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Yahoo sports90min
·17 August 2024
Two Major League Soccer giants will do battle this weekend as Seattle Sounders play host to LAFC in the Leagues Cup Quarter-finals.
Seattle reached the Quarter-finals after their dominant 4-0 triumph over Liga MX side Pumas UNAM with Jordan Morris bagging a brace in the process. The sounders have already taken down two tournament favorites in Pumas and LA Galaxy in the Round of 32, and they'll have to take down another favorite in LAFC if they are to reach the last four.
The Black and Gold clinched their place in the Leagues Cup Quarter-finals after an impressive 4-1 victory over in-state rivals San Jose Earthquakes. Reigning MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga managed a brace in the win as Steve Cherundolo's team remain one of the favorites to take home another piece of silverware before the summer is over.
Here is 90min's preview of the Sounders vs LAFC.
You can watch all of the Leagues Cup 2024 action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Rusnak and Morris were on point for Seattle vs Pumas / Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Pedro de la Vega is the only player unavailable for selection due to a groin injury, and the former Lanus player is expected to return in the coming weeks.
Albert Rusnak grabbed two assists while Jordan Morris claimed two goals in the win over Pumas, and head coach Brian Schmetzer will hope to see a similar performance from the two veteran attackers against LAFC.
Seattle Sounders predicted lineup vs LAFC ( 4-2-3-1 ): Thomas; Alex Roldan, Gomez, Ragen, Tolo; Paulo, Vargas; Cristian Roldan, Albert Rusnak, Rothrock; Morris.
Timothy Tillman remains out through injury / Bob Drebin/ISI Photos/GettyImages
LAFC will be without midfielder Timothy Tillman against the Sounders as the USA international is still dealing with a leg injury. Tillman is expected to return early next month and you can expect for Cherundolo to lean on the two-man midfield until then.
New signing Olivier Giroud made his debut against San Jose, playing the last 20 minutes of the match.
LAFC predicted lineup vs Seattle Sounders ( 3-4-3 ): Lloris; Murillo, Chanot, Long; Palencia, Sanchez, Atuesta, Hollingshead; Olivera, Giroud, Bouanga.
All signs are pointing to a high-scoring contest out west at Lumen Field with the quality up front that both sides have.
Seattle will feel they can take down any side at the moment and rightfully so, but LAFC are a different animal and will come out on top in dramatic fashion with Olivier Giroud scoring the winning goal late on.
Prediction: Seattle Sounders 2-3 LAFC