History will be made on Sunday, as LAFC travel to Seattle for the first MLS match in Club history. Coming off an undefeated preseason (1W-3D-0L), LAFC faces a tough test out of the gate in the reigning Western Conference champion Sounders.
When & Where To Watch/Listen
Seattle vs. LAFC, March 4 at 2pm PST
TV: ESPN (available on YouTube TV)
Radio: ESPNLA 710, KFWB 980
Opponent Form Guide
Last season, the Sounders took 38 of a possible 51 points at CenturyLink Field. Seattle outscored opponents 10-0 in its final three home matches of the 2017 regular season.
What the Players Are Saying
Carlos Vela on what it’s like being a part of history with LAFC: "It’s a big moment. We are waiting, or in my case, I’ve been waiting since July for this moment. I can’t wait to play. I can’t wait to score my first goal for the team. And I hope we win this Sunday."
João Moutinho on the fans and atmosphere at CenturyLink Field: "That’s what I like. A full stadium and a lot of people, either rooting for us or against, that what every player likes. I can’t wait to play there."
LAFC Projected Starting XI
(4-2-3-1) Tyler Miller; Steven Beitashour, Walker Zimmerman, Laurent Ciman, João Moutinho; Mark-Anthony Kaye, Benny Feilhaber; Diego Rossi, Carlos Vela, Latif Blessing; Marco Ureña
What To Watch For
Congested Fixture List: Seattle defeated Santa Tecla 4-0 on Thursday at CenturyLink Field to advance to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League. They face a quick turnaround to start the regular season with many of their preferred starters having gone 90 minutes in the second leg against the El Salvadorian squad. To add to the workload, Seattle faces Chivas of Guadalajara in the first leg of their CCL quarterfinal on Wednesday.
Ciman To Return: After missing LAFC’s final three preseason games, center back Laurent Ciman was in full training the entire week leading up to the team’s MLS opening match. The Belgian is listed as questionable but there’s a strong possibility he takes up his spot next to Walker Zimmerman in Bob Bradley’s preferred center-back pairing.
Tyler Miller Returns To Seattle: The first selection of LAFC’s Expansion Draft in 2017, Miller spent two seasons with the Sounders playing in two matches. The goalkeeper is likely to be the starter for LAFC in their inaugural match.
