Sounders open MLS is Back knockout phase against LAFC

The path to the MLS is Back Tournament final was laid out on Thursday. For the Seattle Sounders, it will start with a reprisal of last year’s Western Conference finals and potentially culminates with a rematch of MLS Cup.

The Sounders — who ended up with the No. 2 seed in their group after the Vancouver Whitecaps beat the Chicago Fire 2-0 — will begin the Round of 16 on Monday at 8 PM PT (FS1, UniMas) against Los Angeles FC, who were forced to settle for the No. 2 position in their group after tying the Portland Timbers 2-2 on Thursday. LAFC were by far the top scoring team in the group stage with 11 goals, but they also allowed seven goals, the second most of any team. The Sounders will be on several more days’ rest, having most recently played on Sunday.

The winner of that match will play the winner of Orlando City-Montreal Impact on July 31.

If the Sounders are able to advance to the finals on Aug. 11, Toronto FC and the Portland Timbers are among the teams they could face. The Timbers open against FC Cincinnati on July 28 while TFC open against New York City FC on July 26. The winners of those matches will play one another on Aug. 1.