You’ve seen the highlights. You know the narrative: a "new age" rivalry built on shiny stadiums and high-octane stars. But if you’re just looking at the scorelines, you’re missing the actual story of Seattle Sounders vs LAFC. Honestly, it's not just a game; it's a clash of MLS philosophies that has basically defined the Western Conference for nearly a decade.
People love to talk about the "manufactured" rivalries in modern soccer. This isn't one of them. While Seattle was the gold standard of the 2010s, LAFC arrived in 2018 like a lightning bolt, immediately trying to snatch the crown. And they did—at least in the regular season. But when the lights get bright in the postseason? That’s where things get weird.
The Regular Season Curse (and the Playoff Flip)
If you’re a Sounders fan, the regular season matchups against LAFC have been, well, kinda miserable lately. Until very recently, the Black & Gold had a stranglehold on this series. In 2024, LAFC basically treated the Sounders like a punching bag for three straight months. They beat them 2-1 in the season opener. They smashed them 3-0 at Lumen Field in July. Then they did it again—another 3-0 drubbing—in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals in August.
It felt like a permanent power shift.
👉 See also: kc chief score today: Why the Season Ended in Las Vegas
But then the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs happened. Seattle went into BMO Stadium as massive underdogs in the Western Conference Semifinals. LAFC outshot them 28 to 13. It was a siege. Yet, thanks to a vintage Stefan Frei performance (nine saves, tying his career playoff high) and a 109th-minute winner from Jordan Morris, Seattle walked away with a 2-1 victory.
Why Does This Keep Happening?
Soccer is a game of moments, sure, but there's a tactical psychological war here. LAFC, under Steve Cherundolo, plays a style that is physically demanding and transition-heavy. They want to kill you on the break. Seattle, led by the ever-steady Brian Schmetzer, is built on defensive structure and "finding a way."
- Seattle’s Playoff Edge: Before 2024, they did this in 2019 and 2020 too.
- LAFC’s Regular Season Dominance: They often have deeper rosters that handle the "grind" of the season better.
- The Goalkeeper Factor: Stefan Frei seems to have a "God Mode" button specifically reserved for matches against the Black & Gold.
The Son Heung-Min Era and the 2026 Landscape
Fast forward to right now, January 2026. The landscape has shifted again. If you haven't been keeping up with the off-season moves, LAFC basically broke the internet last year when they brought in Son Heung-Min.
Son didn't just join MLS; he assaulted it. In late 2025, he was putting up a goal contribution every 69 minutes. He's currently a finalist for Newcomer of the Year, and his partnership with Denis Bouanga is, frankly, terrifying for any backline.
👉 See also: What's the score for the game today: NFL Divisional Round and Saturday Sports Update
Seattle hasn't stayed quiet, though. They’ve leaned into their academy and some smart veteran pickups. We’re seeing a younger, faster Seattle team. Guys like Obed Vargas and Jackson Ragen are no longer "prospects"—they are the core. And let’s talk about the 5-2 blowout Seattle handed LAFC in March 2025. That match proved that when Seattle’s offense clicks, they can still hang five on the best team in the league.
Key Players to Watch in the Next Clash
- Denis Bouanga (LAFC): The man is a walking goal. He’s the all-time leading scorer in Leagues Cup history and shows no signs of slowing down.
- Jordan Morris (Seattle): He’s tied with Raúl Ruidíaz for the most postseason goals among active players. He is the ultimate "big game" player for the Rave Green.
- Ryan Porteous (LAFC): Since joining from Watford, he’s anchored a defense that had to rebuild on the fly.
- Andrew Thomas (Seattle): The heir apparent to Frei. He was the Goalkeeper of the Tournament in Seattle’s 2025 Leagues Cup title run.
Misconceptions About the "Rivalry"
Most pundits say Seattle and LAFC don't have "history" because they aren't in the same city. Tell that to the fans. This rivalry was born from competitive friction, not geography.
The most annoying thing people say is that Seattle is "past their prime." Honestly, people have been saying that since 2021. Then they go out and win the 2025 Leagues Cup. They keep finding ways to evolve. Meanwhile, the "LAFC is all flash" narrative is also dead. They won the 2024 U.S. Open Cup and have reached four finals in the last two years. They are as gritty as they are talented.
What’s Next for Seattle Sounders vs LAFC?
If you’re looking at the 2026 schedule, mark your calendars for May 24th at BMO Stadium and November 7th at Lumen Field. These aren't just mid-season games; they are the matches that will determine who gets home-field advantage for the playoffs.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors:
- Don't bet against Seattle in the playoffs. Even if they're playing poorly in October, their "playoff DNA" against LAFC is real.
- Watch the first 15 minutes. LAFC loves to score early (like they did in the 2024 Leagues Cup). If Seattle survives the first wave, the game usually settles into a tactical chess match.
- Monitor the injury report for Seattle's defense. When Yeimar or Nouhou are out, the Sounders struggle significantly more with LAFC’s speed on the wings.
The next time these two face off, don't just look at the standings. Look at the history of the "upset." Look at the way a single Jordan Morris run can negate 90 minutes of LAFC dominance. This is the best matchup in MLS right now. Period.
Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the fitness of Son Heung-Min as we approach the May fixture. His presence significantly alters how Seattle has to deploy their holding midfielders. Additionally, check the status of Stefan Frei’s contract; with Andrew Thomas rising, the goalkeeper battle in Seattle is the most interesting sub-plot of the 2026 season.