Leagues Cup

Sounders Go Home and LAFC Flies High: A Leagues Cup Comedy!

Seattle Sounders’ dreams are dashed in a 3-0 rout by LAFC! Find out how LAFC’s quality players secured their ticket to the semis!

The Seattle Sounders' journey in the 2024 Leagues Cup came to a bitter end as they were outclassed by LAFC in a decisive 3-0 quarterfinal match at Lumen Field. With fans eagerly anticipating a challenging yet thrilling matchup against their rivals, the tension was palpable as the game kicked off. However, it didn’t take long for LAFC to assert their dominance, netting two goals in the opening half-hour of the game, reminiscent of their previous encounter with the Sounders. The early punches proved to be just too much for Seattle to handle, leaving them grasping for an effective game plan amid the mounting pressure of their opponents and the roaring crowd.

LAFC head coach, Steve Cherundolo, couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he praised his team for their incredible performance. "There's no substitute for quality players," he said, referencing the innate talent of players like Denis Bouanga. The Sounders, despite showcasing their tactical tenacity, simply could not keep pace with the flaming ambitions and skills of LAFC. The glaring difference in performance translated into a three-goal deficit that effectively sealed Seattle's fate in the tournament. Fans were left heartbroken as the final whistle blew, officially marking the end of the Sounders’ hopeful campaign.

While LAFC marched triumphantly to the semifinals, where they would face the Colorado Rapids, it was a game of extremes for the teams. At one end, you had the elation of LAFC as they advanced with flair, while at the other, Seattle’s players looked lost in a haze of disappointment, with their championship dreams seemingly tossed aside like an unused sock in the laundry basket. The match not only underscored LAFC's potent attack but also highlighted the pitfalls of over-reliance on strategy without the backing of skillful execution.

But the drama didn’t stop there! Fans of the Columbus Crew had something to cheer about after they clawed their way into the semifinals by overcoming New York City FC in a thrilling penalty shootout. MLS seems to thrive on riveting encounters, and with LAFC and Columbus Crew now leading the charge, the upcoming matches promise excitement that will keep fans glued to their seats.

Did you know that LAFC is the only MLS club to have both a Supporters' Shield (for having the best regular-season record) and an MLS Cup title in its first five seasons? And on the flip side, the Seattle Sounders have a record of winning four U.S. Open Cups, making them one of the most successful teams in that tournament's history! It seems every team’s ups and downs add a new layer to the dramatic narrative of the Leagues Cup.