This year’s MLS Cup Playoffs have been marked by surprising outcomes, with the Seattle Sounders pulling off a significant upset against Los Angeles FC (LAFC). Jordan Morris scored the decisive goal in the 109th minute, leading Seattle to a 2-1 victory in the conference semifinal held Saturday night at BMO Stadium, Los Angeles.
Historically, LAFC had been a dominant force against Seattle, remaining unbeaten in ten previous encounters. “They’ve had our number for a while,” Morris stated, highlighting the importance of this win. With this victory, the Sounders now look forward to two more matches in their playoff journey.
LAFC entered the playoffs as the top seed in the Western Conference and was widely considered a favorite to claim the MLS Cup, especially after seeing heavyweights like Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and last year’s Supporters’ Shield winners, FC Cincinnati, eliminated in the earlier rounds. However, this loss means LAFC will not return to the MLS Cup for a third consecutive year, having won the title in 2022 and losing to the Columbus Crew in the final last year.
The match unfolded with LAFC initially taking the lead through a penalty converted by Ryan Hollingshead in the 50th minute. Yet, everything changed in the 59th minute when Maxime Chanot accidentally turned the ball into his own net, allowing Seattle to equalize after having been on the back foot. Despite having outscored their opponents, LAFC was unable to secure a win.
For Seattle, this victory was particularly sweet, especially after previous defeats to LAFC in knockout rounds of both the Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup. Now, having reached the Western Conference final for the fifth time, the Sounders are hopeful for another chance to compete for the MLS Cup, which they previously won in 2016 and 2019.
The path ahead remains exciting, with the L.A. Galaxy poised to face Minnesota United and Orlando City set to challenge Atlanta United. The outcomes of these matches will determine who Seattle faces next in their quest for the title.
As the playoffs continue, fans can expect thrilling matchups ahead. The unpredictability of the tournament has ignited hope and excitement among supporters, showcasing the competitive spirit of Major League Soccer. This year’s playoffs remind everyone that anything can happen in sports, and upsets often pave the way to unforgettable moments.