The Seattle Sounders were knocked out of the 2024 Leagues Cup on Saturday night after suffering a 3-0 defeat against LAFC in the Quarterfinals. Goals from Ryan Hollingshead and Kei Kamara in the first half, followed by a third from Denis Bouanga shortly after halftime, sealed the Sounders’ fate.
Seattle started strong, with Paul Rothrock forcing LAFC’s goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, into a crucial save in the 5th minute after a determined run down the left flank. However, LAFC took control of the match just nine minutes later when Hollingshead received a diagonal pass, drove into the penalty area, and found the bottom corner with his shot.
The Sounders nearly equalized in the 18th minute when a cross from João Paulo reached Rothrock at the back post, but his volley was blocked and cleared for a corner.
LAFC extended their lead in the 25th minute, as Kei Kamara took advantage of a poorly cleared corner, executing a side-volley that found the net. Seattle pushed for a comeback, creating several opportunities before the break, but attempts from Albert Rusnák and João Paulo failed to beat Lloris.
In the 51st minute, LAFC struck again to make it 3-0, with Lloris delivering a pass to Bouanga, who shrugged off a challenge from Nouhou and shot accurately into the corner.
The Sounders had two prime chances in the 64th minute; Josh Atencio’s effort was cleared off the line by an LAFC defender, and a flicked header from Jordan Morris missed the far post by a hair’s breadth.
In the 80th minute, Raúl Ruidíaz navigated through several defenders but saw his attempted chip over Lloris sail over the crossbar.
Looking Ahead
This loss marks the second consecutive 3-0 defeat to LAFC for the Sounders. Seattle will have the opportunity for revenge on August 28 when they host LAFC in the U.S. Open Cup at Starfire Stadium.
Offensive Challenges
The Sounders had enjoyed a resurgence in recent months thanks to a revitalized attack, but this defeat in the Leagues Cup Quarterfinals marked just their second game without scoring since May 15.