Seattle Sounders v LA Galaxy: Vanney looking for power in protection
Greg Vanney has accepted that the playoffs are out of the LA Galaxy’s attain, however has urged his crew to placed on a defensive present once they journey to Seattle Sounders on Saturday.
The Galaxy are backside of the Western Convention however usually are not formally out of the playoff struggle but, as they’re 15 factors behind the San Jose Earthquakes with six video games to play.
It will take a monumental swing, with LA counting on different outcomes, although they’re unbeaten of their final two MLS matches (W1 D1), snatching a late 1-1 draw with the Houston Dynamo.
The Galaxy have not too long ago confronted the Sounders twice, shedding 4-0 in MLS and 2-0 within the Leagues Cup semi-final, and Vanney famous how vital a robust protection will likely be.
“Actually, I don’t assume we’re too centered on whether or not we get eradicated from the playoffs or not,” Vanney stated.
“I feel we perceive the place our positioning is and what we’d have to realize from right here on out. What’s key for us, in opposition to a tough crew in a tricky place to play, is ensuring we’re rock stable on the defensive aspect of issues.
“We all know we’re in all probability not going to go there and rating three objectives, so can we get out of there with a 1-0? We all know their high quality, and I think about they’ll be getting a number of guys wholesome, so we’ll have our fingers full for positive.”
Again at dwelling on Saturday pic.twitter.com/R26tRbZ7B2
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) September 11, 2025
Since their final MLS outing, the Sounders have received the Leagues Cup, beating Inter Miami 3-0 within the remaining, and are on a three-game profitable streak in all competitions. They presently sit fourth within the West.
Head coach Brian Schmetzer can be boosted by gamers getting back from harm, together with the likes of Albert Rusnak and Jordan Morris, however he has but to resolve if they are going to be thrown straight in.
“I’ve already began these conversations,” Schmetzer stated. “I’ve simply reminded these gamers that the power of this crew is the collective.
“The most effective factor they will do is push their team-mates, and in the event that they’re not within the group, prepare laborious, be prepared in your alternative.
“I’ve had that dialog with all people, particularly with the fellows getting back from harm. They’ve to indicate me they’re able to go. That’s a given.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Seattle Sounders – Danny Musovski
In Seattle’s final match, Danny Musovski turned the eighth totally different Sounders participant to attain a hat-trick in MLS play.
Because the Sounders turned an MLS crew in 2009, solely D.C. United (10) have had extra totally different gamers register not less than one hat-trick.
LA Galaxy – Lucas Sanabria
Lucas Sanabria scored the game-tying purpose within the 99th minute in opposition to the Houston Dynamo on Saturday.
It was the newest purpose (98:16) scored by the Galaxy over the past 15 seasons, and was simply Sanabria’s second purpose of the marketing campaign.
Lucas Sanabria known as recreation. pic.twitter.com/ZcfLa2uyYG
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) September 7, 2025
MATCH PREDICTION: SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN
Seattle are unbeaten of their final 9 dwelling matches (W5 D4) in regular-season play in opposition to the LA Galaxy. That’s the longest dwelling unbeaten streak in league play in opposition to the Galaxy since Sporting Kansas Metropolis had an 11-game run from 2008 to 2018.
Of their final league match, the Sounders earned a 5-2 win over Sporting KC, marking the fourth time this common season that they’ve scored 4 or extra objectives.
The one season wherein Seattle had extra regular-season video games with not less than 4 objectives was 2014 (seven).
As for the Galaxy, they’re winless of their 15 regular-season matches on the street in 2025 (D6 L9). The final MLS crew to go winless on the street by way of a whole season was Toronto FC in 2023, whereas LA have completed so as soon as (2003).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Seattle Sounders – 62.3%
Draw – 20%
LA Galaxy – 17.7%
