HALFTIME: LAFC scored in the 21st and 48th minute to head into halftime leading 2-0. The first goal came from Bryan Rodriguez, who beat Stefan Frei five-hole. The second goal came from Latif Blessing, who was first to a deflected cross to finish on the doorstep.

LINEUPS: The Sounders made four changes to their lineup from the weekend, most notably marking the return of Brad Smith at left wing back. Smith has missed the past six games. Also notable is the inclusion of Nicolas Lodeiro in the bench. Lodeiro has not played in any of the past eight games after undergoing a second knee surgery.

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This is not a literal must-win for the Seattle Sounders, but if they want to stay atop the Western Conference they don’t have much room for dropped points over the final three games of the season. The Sounders are currently clinging to a three-point lead over both the Colorado Rapids and Sporting KC, who have one additional game left to play.

It’s a bit closer to a literal must-win for LAFC, who are currently in ninth, three points behind the seventh-place Vancouver Whitecaps. LAFC have somewhat righted the ship after winning just 3 of 16 and are now unbeaten in four straight. They’re also dramatically underperforming their expected-goals output and remain as dangerous as ever.

Their recent resurgence has been mostly fueled by Cristian Arango. The No. 9 has six goals in his past three games and 12 goals on the season. LAFC may also have back Carlos Vela, who hasn’t played in more than two months.

The Sounders should be getting back Brad Smith and Nicolas Lodeiro. Smith appears to be fully recovered from the shoulder injury and could be in line to start, while Lodeiro at least traveled but probably won’t start after missing the last eight games.

Notes

• The Sounders are still looking for regular-season win No. 200 in franchise history.
• LAFC have already equaled their longest unbeaten run of the season. The last time they had a longer streak was when they went six unbeaten to start the 2020 season.
• With a win, the Sounders can tie the MLS record for most road wins in a season and break their franchise record.

Absences: Injury, international duty and suspension

Seattle

QUESTIONABLE: Nico Lodeiro (R knee surgery); Brad Smith (R AC joint sprain)

OUT: Jordy Delem (R ACL tear); João Paulo (YC accumulation); Jordan Morris (L ACL tear); Raul Ruidíaz (hamstring strain)

LAFC

OUT: Erik Dueñas (L Knee); Julian Gaines (Pelvic Stress Fracture); Mahala Opoku (L Knee); Alvaro Quezada (Chest ); Eddie Segura (R Knee); Francisco Ginella (L Knee); Eduard Atuesta (R Shoulder / Ankle); Jose Cifuentes (YC accumulation)

SUSPENDED NEXT YELLOW CARD: LAFC: Jesus Murillo | SEA: Raul Ruidiaz

Officials

REF: Kevin Stott; AR1 (bench): Kathryn Nesbitt; AR2 (opposite): Eduardo Mariscal; 4th: Michael Radchuk; VAR: Jair Marrufo; AVAR: Fabio Tovar

How to Watch

Match date/kickoff time: Tuesday, 7:38 PM PT

Venue: Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles

Online Streaming: Fubo TV (affiliate link)

National English TV: ESPN (Champion, Twellman)

Local Radio: 1090 KJR-AM Seattle (Costigan, Keller)

Local Spanish Radio: El Rey 1360 AM (Rodriguez, Maqueda, Tapia)

Local Spanish TV: KUNS-TV Univision-Seattle

Lineups

Highlights will be posted as the match progresses.

This is Seattle Sounders at LAFC; watch with us

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