The Seattle Sounders hit the road for an important Western Conference matchup against LAFC at Banc of California Stadium.
Coming off of a 2-1 defeat to Sporting Kansas City, the Sounders are winless in their last three matches following that loss, but still sit atop the Western Conference standings.
The Black and Gold are hanging on to the seventh and final playoff spot thanks to a recent four-match unbeaten run, a 1-1 draw against Minnesota United their latest result.
Team news
LAFC will be without several players. Jose Cifuentes is out through yellow card accumulation. Knee injuries will sideline Kwadwo Opoku, Francisco Ginella, Erik Duenas and Eddie Segura.
Alvaro Quezada is nursing a chest injury, Eduard Atuesta is battling both shoulder and ankle issues and Julian Gaines has a stress fracture of his pelvis.
Joao Paulo will miss out through yellow card accumulation and Raul Ruidiaz is nursing a hamstring strain, but is getting closer to a return. Brad Smith is still in league-mandated health and safety protocols.
Captain Nicolas Lodeiro is progressing well from his knee injury and could be a surprise inclusion in the Seattle squad for this one.
Predicted lineups
LAFC: Romero; Farfan, Murillo, Ibeagha; Palacios, Blessing, Arango, Moon-Hwan; Edwards, Musovski, Rodriguez
Seattle Sounders: Frei; Nouhou, Gómez, Arreaga; Medranda, Rowe, Atencio, C. Roldan, A. Roldan; Bruin, Montero
Ones to watch
Cristian Arango (LAFC)
With Diego Rossi sold to Turkish giants Fenerbache, Mark-Anthony Kaye traded to Colorado and Carlos Vela out since August 21st, the Colombian has been the club's main offensive weapon, scoring 12 goals and adding an assist in 14 matches since he joined the Black and Gold, including six goals in his last three games.
Kelyn Rowe (Seattle Sounders)
Seattle has been hit with so many injuries, which have forced the Sounders to play many young, inexperienced players. The 29-year old has been a constant presence in the midfield, providing veteran leadership and pushing forward in attack.
Previous meetings
Seattle has only lost once in their last six matches against LAFC with their last encounter coming in May, a 2-0 victory for the Sounders courtesy of goals by Xavier Arreaga and Smith.
How to watch
The match will be streamed nationally on ESPN + and ESPN will have live television coverage of all the action with kickoff set for 10:30pm Eastern time.