Sounders will host LAFC in season opener

For better or worse, the Seattle Sounders are going to play a somewhat significant role in LAFC history. The Sounders will host LAFC in both teams’ season-openers on March 4 at 2 p.m. and also be the opponent in LAFC’s home opener on April 29 at 6 p.m., it was formally announced on Tuesday.

This would mark the second time in franchise history that the Sounders have both hosted an expansion team’s first game and been that same team’s opponent for their home opener. In 2010, it was the Philadelphia Union. The Sounders won their home opener 2-0 and allowed the Union to open PPL Park with a 3-1 win of their own.

LAFC is still far from a finished product, but by all appearances they’re looking to emulate Atlanta United’s immediate success. LAFC have already signed a pair of high-priced Designated Players — Mexico’s Carlos Vela and Uruguay’s Diego Rossi — and several other intriguing MLS talents, including former Sounders goalkeeper Tyler Miller.

Banc of California Stadium, their new home, is also shaping up to be one of the league’s crown jewels. With an estimated price tag of about $350 million, it’s already the most expensive soccer-specific stadium in the country.