Seattle Sounders x LA Galaxy

The Seattle Sounders advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2024 Leagues Cup with a commanding 3-1 victory over the LA Galaxy on Thursday night at Lumen Field. The Sounders struck early and often, with Yeimar opening the scoring in the fourth minute by heading in a well-placed corner kick from Albert Rusnák. Just three minutes later, Jackson Ragen doubled the lead, capitalizing on a rebound after Jordan Morris’ header struck Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy in the face. The early onslaught put the Galaxy on the back foot, and they struggled to recover.

Seattle’s dominance continued throughout the first half, and Alex Roldan added a third goal in stoppage time with a stunning 25-yard curling shot that nestled into the side netting. Despite some opportunities for the Galaxy, including two missed chances by Gabriel Pec, they couldn’t break through Seattle’s defense. The Galaxy thought they had pulled one back early in the second half, but Maya Yoshida’s header was ruled offside, keeping the Sounders firmly in control.

The Galaxy did manage a late consolation goal in the 83rd minute when Pec dinked the ball over a sliding Andrew Thomas after a clever pass from Riqui Puig. However, it was too little, too late, as the Sounders comfortably saw out the match to secure their place in the next round. The victory, driven by a strong first-half performance and solid defensive work, underscores Seattle’s ambitions in this year’s Leagues Cup.

[Photography by Alejandro Sanchez]