Following two 1-0 wins to open the season, can Javier Hernandez and the Galaxy keep the good run going against the Seattle Sounders? With no goals scored and no points two matches into the season, this isn’t the start that Brian Schmeltzer expected after rounding out one of the most complete rosters in MLS, but if that’s the tradeoff needed for progression into the semifinals of Concacaf Champions League then it was worth it.
Fredy Montero and Christian Roldan led the Sounders to a 3-0 midweek win over Leon that should make their job easier in the second leg of the tie. It was a match where all the potential of the Sounders attack showed and that’s while Nicolas Lodeiro and Raul Ruidiaz were both injured. Is this a precursor that Schmeltzer may need to rotate some of his stars until they learn to play together? Only time will tell.
But the Galaxy will be prepared as the defense has pitched consecutive shutouts to start the season. Raheem Edwards has been a good addition at both ends of the pitch tallying two assists and Douglas Costa looked more comfortable too, creating five chances. If he gets things going, the Galaxy are not only a playoff team but this side will threaten for MLS Cup.
Here’s our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday, March 12 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Lumen Field — Seattle, Washington
- TV: Fox | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
- Odds: Sounders +124; Draw +225; Galaxy +235 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Featured Game | Seattle vs. Los Angeles
Storylines
Seattle Sounders: The injury list could get shorter as Bruin, Lodeiro, and Alex Roldan have a shot to be available for the match. All three will likely have to settle for a place on the bench but that’s fine considering the depth available to the team. Consistency has been an issue as the Sounders haven’t played the same lineup for two matches in a row once this season. Given that they’re competing on multiple fronts, I don’t expect that to start today as the Galaxy will take advantage of that.
LA Galaxy: With a clean bill of health Greg Vanney will hope that short rest for the Sounders will let Mark Delgado clean things up in midfield. Along with the addition of Edwards, Delgado has been a huge help as Vanney was able to nab some key contributors from his MLS Cup winning Toronto FC team. The Galaxy will want to score a goal before the final 15 minutes of the match as the Sounders are good enough to pounce if they’re left in a game but being able to score late winners is important too.
Prediction
I have belief in the new-look Galaxy defense to at least pull out an away draw but given their form, I’m picking them to take all three points in Seattle. Pick: Seattle Sounders 0, LA Galaxy 1