As of Thursday morning, the Seattle Sounders are scheduled to host Los Angeles FC in the Emerald City on Sunday. However, there may or may not be a match as the Sounders cancelled their game Wednesday night with the Los Angeles Galaxy and LAFC cancelled their match with Real Salt Lake as a result of the Jacob Blake shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Five of the six games scheduled to be played yesterday were postponed as the MLS joined the NBA, WNBA, and MLB in boycotting the day’s games, but early indications are that games will indeed go on as scheduled over the weekend.
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MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Seattle Sounders +171
Los Angeles FC +139
Draw +296
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
LAFC were shut out for the first time this season by city rival Los Angeles Galaxy in El Trafico last weekend. They were heavy favorites per the MLS betting odds as the 2019 Supporters’ Shield winners were getting back league MVP Carlos Vela, but their offense sputtered throughout the match in a 2-0 loss. They could only put three shots on frame, and that has led to some pessimism about their chances on the road this week.
The Sounders beat rival Portland 3-0 last week, but the match was much closer than the score line suggests. Raul Ruidiaz broke open the deadlock in the 72nd minute, and he added a second in the 83rd minute before Kelvin Leerdam finished things off two minutes later. Those two teams had been pretty even before Seattle’s explosion, so don’t read too much into the lopsided final over the MLS is Back Tournament champions.
These teams met in the Round of 16 at the MLS is Back Tournament last month, and LAFC dominated from start to finish. They doubled up the Sounders in terms of shots and shots on target, earning a 4-1 victory. Diego Rossi secured a brace, while Latif Blessing and Brian Rodriguez both scored for LAFC in the victory.
Key Absences
Seattle will be short-handed this weekend. Midfielder Danny Leyva is going to miss at least a few weeks with a fractured left foot, and fellow midfielder Jordy Delem is dealing with a strained hamstring. Defender Xavier Arreaga will miss the match with a strained quad, and goalkeeper Trey Muse has yet to be cleared following a concussion. Midfielder Shandon Hopeau is questionable too, so the middle of the pitch is pretty thin for the Sounders.
Midfielder Eduard Atuesta is still out for LAFC with a right foot injury, and Carlos Vela was injured in his first game for the club since March. Vela was subbed out after limping off the pitch against the Galaxy, and subsequent tests revealed he suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain. There is no timetable on when Vela will return to the club.
Player to Watch
The absence of Vela will put the spotlight on Diego Rossi once more for LAFC. He was one of the best players at the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, and Bob Bradley’s squad is in good hands with Rossi at the reins. Rossi has six goals and two assists this season, and he has teamed up well with Bradley Wright-Phillips and Brian Rodriguez up top.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This is a nice price for LAFC, and I like them to bounce back with a road win over the Sounders this weekend. LAFC are healthier, and they still have almost all their talent although Vela is out.
Major League Soccer Odds: Los Angeles FC 3, Seattle Sounders 1
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