It's not your older siblings's LAFC

Since joining MLS, the design of LAFC is to be the most potent counter-attacking team in the league. They enjoyed a defense that was strong, but soft – lacking aggression and distinction while being stout. They spent time as top 10% offense and a top third defense. That version of LAFC is a team that regularly makes finals, wins a few trophies and became a giant in the West. Every year the preseason rankings have Seattle, LAFC and other teams that vary.

The LAFC team you'll see Sunday night (6 pm PT | Apple TV/FOX) is not that LAFC.

They still have Denis Bouanga powering the goalscoring, but he looks mortal. His minutes per goal climbed to 185 from the 111-127 ranges from his previous full seasons. His six goals are on 3.5 shots per game, a dramatic reduction from the near 5 per game in his MVP caliber seasons. His non-penalty goal contributions per 90 this season (0.65) are essentially equal to Jordan Morris (0.60). Denis did have a stellar run in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Bouanga is not the only LAFC player struggling.

LAFC's attacking weakness is similar to Seattle's weaknesses.

Also like Seattle, the lack of punch comes down to the traditional best players on the squad.

Son Heung-Min is sitting on zero goals scored off of 3.29 xG. Six other players have an xDiff (G-xG) of greater than 0.50. Despite playing two more matches than Sounders, LAFC's xG is only 0.34 higher. Seattle's xG per shot is higher, a poor 17th in the league compared to LA's 25th.

Defense is still a hallmark for both sides. They're in the top 3 for xGA per shot and top five for xGA totals on the season.

This final match before the World Cup break can be a declaration by the winner. LAFC already notched five losses, a sorry 8th in the West/13th in the league on raw points (11th by PPM).

Seattle sits 4th in the Shield by PPM, but 5th in the West by raw points. After having the second hardest schedule in the West (and league), the Sounders could take a win and confidently approach the rest of the season as Shield contenders. A draw or loss makes them appear like they'll have home-field in the playoffs, but not contest for the Cup.

Whoever wins, it'll be determined by breaking out of an offensive rut.

Use our affiliate links to support your bloggers when buying merch and tickets.

Catching up on Sounder at Heart

Here's what you missed on the site this week.

Order IV magazine

Final call to get IV before the World Cup starts

Sounders

Next match: Sunday, May 24 at LAFC | 6 pm PT | Apple TV/FOX

This newsletter was made possible through the support of Full Pull Wines, a boutique wines reseller that has been sponsoring us since 2011.

Join their mailing list

Reign

Next match: Saturday, May 30 at Washington Spirit | 3:30 pm PT | ION - last match before their break for the Men's World Cup 2026

Defiance

Next match: Sunday, May 31 at Timbers 2 | 1 pm PT | OneFootball/MLSNextPro.com - Defiance are playing during the World Cup.

This newsletter was made possible through the support of Iron Chuck’s Gluten Free pitas. The only soft, foldy, bendy 100% GLUTEN FREE flatbread-style pitas.

Buy Now!