By the end of tonight, we'll know one of the two participants in 2019 MLS Cup. We might even know where the game will be played.
LAFC host the Seattle Sounders tonight (10 pm ET | ESPN, TSN, TVAS) in the Western Conference Final of the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs, with both clubs just two wins away from lifting MLS Cup. Here's everything you need to know.
Greatest of all time vs. team of the decade?
LAFC are in the conversation to be considered the greatest single-season team in league history, which many argue will only happen if they’re able to hoist MLS Cup on November 10. First, they have to get through the Sounders, who might just be the best team of the 2010s.
Carlos Vela & Co. set a new league record for points and goal differential en route to winning the 2019 Supporters' Shield and playing some of the best soccer in league history along the way. Vela, for his part, set a new record for goals (34) and goals plus assists (49) in his historic campaign.
It wasn't that long ago that Seattle were the darling expansion team, though, and they have been a model of consistent excellence this decade. Since their debut season in MLS, the Sounders have won four U.S. Open Cups, one MLS Cup and one Supporters' Shield.
Is Jordan Morris the Sounders' x-factor?
If Seattle are going to sit deep, Jordan Morris' excellence in transition will be vital for the visitors. Nico Lodeiro's through-ball wizardry will be just as important.
“He’s fast, his movement off the ball is very good and he has a real way to cause a threat," LAFC head coach Bob Bradley said of Morris. "We have a lot of respect for him and the way he came back from his injury and we’ve got to do a good job especially with his speed and his ability to run from outside-in and get himself facing the goal.”
Morris, who kicked off these playoffs with a hat trick against FC Dallas in Round One, has been in great form for the Sounders since returning from the Gold Cup.
Lineup questions
Bradley indicated Monday that Mark-Anthony Kaye would be "available" after recovering from a hamstring injury suffered on international duty earlier this month. Will he return to the starting lineup or will Lee Nguyen retain his starting place after LAFC's 5-3 win over the LA Galaxy in the last round?
Another LAFC lineup conundrum: Did Adama Diomande's two-goal performance off the bench in his return to the team convince Bob Bradley he should go back to center forward, allowing Vela back to right wing?
On the other side, it's a bit more straightforward though Roman Torres made an appearance on the injury report as questionable with a left hamstring strain. If he can't go, expect Xavier Arreaga to slot in next to Kim Kee-Hee in central defense.
Seattle have yet to beat LAFC
In four previous meetings, LAFC have three wins and a draw against the Sounders, including their debut match in MLS in 2018.
Earlier this season, LAFC beat Seattle 4-1 at the Banc before the two sides played to a tough 1-1 draw, with the Sounders down a man most of the game.
The Armchair Analyst preview
Here's an excerpt from Matt Doyle's preview of both Conference Finals which, if you haven't read, you should do that at some point before kickoff:
How to beat LAFC: Throughout the year, the best recipe was either "bunker and hope they're not sharp" or "have Zlatan." The Galaxy tried to do both the other day and LAFC beat them 5-3, so ¯\(ツ)/¯
Of course, LAFC didn't exactly let the Galaxy sit deep, did they? They were entirely willing to let their next door neighbors have the ball, with the idea of pulling them upfield and scoring goals exactly like that one above (and the first one of the night, and the second). LA didn't have the personnel or the discipline to pull it off, and LAFC suckered them into digging their own grave.
Which is to say that I still think the only thing you should try against LAFC at this point is putting numbers behind the ball and trying to hit on the counter. Frustrate them, be physical and chippy with them, and keep the game compact. Because if it gets open you're going to lose.
Warshaw's thoughts
Here's an excerpt from Bobby Warhsaw's thoughts ahead of the match which, if you haven't read, you should also do that at some point before kickoff:
"We're not afraid of them," Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer told reporters on Sunday.
It's the exact answer you would expect a coach to give. It's the right emotional message to a team. You can never enter a game with doubt. It's the manager's job to inspire belief and confidence.
But the Sounders should absolutely be scared of LAFC. And if they don't have their tactics reflect that fear, they've got no shot in Tuesday's Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final.
