LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders Prediction, Preview and Odds-4/24/21
LAFC vs Seattle Sounders LAFC opened its 2021 MLS regular-season with a 2-0 victory at home over Austin FC. The match was scoreless through the first half and 15 minutes into the second half, before new LAFC player Corey Baird broke a scoreless deadlock in the 61st minute. Jose Cifuentes followed with a goal during stoppage-time of the second half to give LAFC the 2-0 victory. Pablo Sisniega turned aside three shots by Austin to post the shutout including a final-minute kick save against Jon Gallagher. LAFC’s Carlos Vega, who in 2019 set an MLS record for scoring with 34 goals, was subbed out during the 22nd minute following an injury to his right knee.
Seattle looked strong in its season opener at home as the Sounders soundly defeated Minnesota United 4-0. Joao Paulo opened the scoring for Seattle in the 49th minute after a scoreless first half and that was followed by a brace from Raul Ruidiaz with goals in the 70th and 73rd minute. Freddy Montero ended the scoring for Seattle with a goal in the 86th minute. The score would have been even higher if Raul Ruidiaz had not missed from the spot earlier in the match. Stefan Frei was called upon for five saves in goal for Seattle.
LAFC Will have top Scorers Back
Although LAFC scored two goals and defeated Austin FC in the opening match of the season, the club played the entire game without last season's scoring champion Diego Rossi and all but 22 minutes without the leading scorer for 2019 Carlos Vega. However, both are expected back on Saturday, when LAFC hosts Seattle and the club, will need them as Seattle put up four goals against Minnesota in their opening match.
The victory for LAFC over Austin was the fourth consecutive win in a season opener for the club. Corey Baird scored in his debut with LAFC and became only the third player for the club to score while debuting joining Diego Rossi and Bradley Wright-Phillips. LAFC took 24 shots with nine on target and is expected to take just as many if not more with both Rossi and Vega expected to see action.
Seattle Attack Looks Strong
Seattle opened its 2021 MLS regular season with a surprisingly easy victory over Minnesota, who lost in the MLS Cup Final last season to Columbus Crew. Fredy Montero, who played for Seattle from 2009-2012, returned during the off-season and his goal was the 48th of his career for the Sounders regaining the franchise record for most goals. The goal broke a tie at 48 goals with Clint Dempsey.
Seattle has lost each of its 3 matches at Banc of California Stadium during the regular season and has been outscored 8-2 in those three. However, LAFC did win 3-1 at Banc of California Stadium in 2019 during the Western Conference Final. Seattle became the 11th club in the history of the MLS to win a season opener by four goals.
Full game pick: LAFC -125
With Diego Rossi and Carlos Vega expected back on the pitch Saturday, LAFC will be a difficult club for Seattle to defend against. Rossi and Vega will be constant threats in the box each time LAFC is in the front third. Over the last three matches played between these two MLS Western Conference rivals, Seattle has won two and LAFC one. Of the three matches, just one has been played at Banc of California Stadium with LAFC winning 3-1. LAFC’s backline held Austin FC scoreless in the opening match last weekend and will make it difficult for Seattle to score as often as they did against Minnesota.
Full game total prediction: Over 3.5
Seattle scored four goals in its season opener and LAFC scored two, therefore expect fireworks in this matchup on Saturday. Three goals or more have been scored in each of the last three matches between these two rivals, with four goals scored in each of the most recent two fixtures.
