Seattle still trying to solidify playoff plans as they welcome LA Galaxy to town

Sounders midfielder Nicolas Benezet

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Sounders are still trying to figure out what their destiny will be when the MLS Audi Cup playoffs come around in November, and they have a chance to clear their path when the LA Galaxy come to town on November 1st, 2021. The Galaxy are also looking to lock in their plans for the playoffs, as a victory in Seattle in addition to Minnesota and LAFC losing would mean that the Galaxy would return to the playoffs after missing out in 2020.

Last match recap: The last match for the Sounders was ugly, and really ugly at that. Seattle traveled down to play LAFC, and would be blown out by a score of three to nothing. The loss would mean that Seattle only had won once in the past five games that they have played. It wasn’t a case of LAFC dominating the stat sheet either, it was more so that Seattle did not capitalize on the chances that they had, and LAFC did. All of the major stats were either in favor of Seattle or close, LAFC just put better shots on goal and took advantage of poor Seattle play. With the victory over Seattle, LAFC moved themselves closer to a potential playoff berth.

Joao Paulo was identified as the Sounders MVP candidate

Where they stand heading into this matchup:

LA Galaxy: 7th in the Western conference with a 13 win, 12 loss, 7 tie record
- Including this game, LA has two games left to play in the regular season and it will be crucial that they pick up at least one win in those two, as Real Salt lake and LAFC both have a chance to overtake the Galaxy for that last playoff spot.
Seattle Sounders: 2nd in the Western conference with a 17 win, 8 loss, 7 tie record.
- Seattle will be scoreboard watching in their next two games, which include this one against LA. The Sounders can still technically sneak back into the number one seed, but as it sits prior to kickoff there is a three way tie, with Sporting taking the tiebreaker to hold the one seed.

Key points to this game

Get back to basics: The result of the match against LAFC drew anger and frustration from both the rave green faithful, and the players + coaching staff. It is time for Seattle to put these things in the rearview mirror, and get back to the basics of what this organization does best: Win. Seattle is not the same team it was early season when several players were battling injuries or were away with international clubs. The injury report is short, and many key players have been with the team for a good stretch now. Returning to basics should help Seattle remember who they are, and start some positive momentum heading into playoffs.
Take care of your own business: Thanks to unfavorable results in their past four matches, the Sounders no longer control their own destiny towards the number one seed in the Western conference. They will need outside help if they want to get that top seed back, but in all reality, that will not be happening. With that being said, anything is possible. The best course of action for the Sounders would be to win their next two matches, against the Galaxy and then finishing out the season on the road against the Whitecaps, and let the rest of the league playout on its own. You had the chance to control your destiny, and that did not work out. Do your job, win these next two games, and see what happens from there.
Get your playmakers the ball: Jordan Morris is slated to be back for this game, which should be a huge addition to a team that has been lacking offensive consistency lately. The Mercer Island native will more than likely not be completely back to himself, but his presence should be a big help to the struggling rave green. Cristian Roldan has been in good form as a of late, even despite the infamous rock bottom he received at the hands of Tim Melia. Get Roldan, Morris, and even Leo Chu involved often and early. I would normally include Raul Ruidiaz in that list, but it is still unsure whether or not he will be available.