LAFC - Seattle Sounders summary: scores, stats and highlights | MLS

LAFC open with a win

They have made it to MLS Cup in each of the last two season and LAFC look a reasonable bet to reach the showpiece final for a third consecutive year. Goals from Tillman and Bogusz were enough to give them the lead and they withstood a late rally from Seattle. 

Peeep peeeep peeeeeeep

The full time whistle is blown and LAFC have another opening day victory, their seventh consecutive opening win. 

It was a hard-fought victory but one that Steve Cherundolo's men deserved. 

Nouhou makes good progress down the left wing but goes down, appearing to be clipped by Segura. The referee, bafflingly, awards LAFC a free kick. 

That might be it for Seattle...

Good defensive work from Nouhou to win the ball back and start a final attack for his team. 

LAFC come forward again with Nathan Ordaz, who wins a free kick from Obed Vargas 30 yards from the Seattle goal. 

Good work from the 20-year-old. 

Ryan Hollingshead comes off for LAFC. He's replaced by Eddie Segura, who's making his first appearance since tearing his ACL in 2022. 

Hugo Lloris kills a bit of time for his team, dallying over a goal kick. 

Every second counts. 

LAFC's 3252 group unfurl a massive black tifo to see their team through to the final whistle. 

'You can't sit down' it reads. And they're not. 

There will be six minutes of added time, mostly from the elongated penalty check by VAR. 

Bouanga misses another opening!

LAFC break on Seattle and Ordaz slips Bouanga through on the left. He gets himself one-on-one with Andrew Thomas but drags his right-footed shot wide of the near post. 

Timothy Tillman

The LAFC midfielder is booked for a fairly innocuous foul in the Seattle half. 

Good hold-up play from Jordan Morris. He plays the ball back to Cristian Roldan who curls in a cross to the back post. 

De la Vega is lurking but can't get his head on the ball. 

De la Vega tries an ambitious pass towards Cristian Roldan. LAFC clear the danger but it's back with Seattle on the halfway line. 

Second change of the day for LAFC. Nathan Ordaz comes on to replace Eduard Atuesta. 

Corner kick is well-claimed by Thomas who tries to play the ball directly up to Morris. The long pass is off-target and it's nodded back to Lloris. 

Clever from Atencio to feed the ball out to the right. 

LAFC win it back and Bogusz does brilliantly to surge forward into space. He slips the ball out to Bouanga on the left but Ragen gets across well to block the shot. 

Corner kick to LAFC. 

It looks like LAFC are shifting to a back three - Palencia, Murillo, Long - for the final stages. 

Substitution for the hosts. Palencia comes on to replace Olivera.

Good defending from Long to dispossess Baker. LAFC are a bit 'backs to the walls' now, focused on defending this narrow lead. 

Strong tackle from Arreaga to dispossess Atuesta. 

Seattle are back on the attack and it's De la Vega who skips past Ilie Sanchez and onto the LAFC defence. He tries to slip the ball through to Morris but it's a touch overhit. 

De la Vega could be the difference-maker for Seattle. 

We've now had 31 shots in this game, three off which have hit the crossbar and three in the back of the net. 

Seattle have grown in confidence since that goal. Pedro de la Vega is desperate to get on the ball, driving at the LAFC backline when he can. 

More good play from Seattle. Obed Vargas drops a clever dummy, allowing the ball to run through to Cristian Roldan on the edge of the box. He takes a touch and curls his shot just over the crossbar. 

With 15 minutes to go this game is perfectly poised now. 

Seattle will push forward in search of a leveller, that will give LAFC space to break on them. 

Referee calls a foul on Nouhou for a clumsy, two-footed foul to stop a LAFC attack. The Seattle defender was booked just minutes ago and the hosts are demanding a second yellow for that foul. 

Referee says no, Nouhou survives. 

Seattle pull one back from the penalty spot

Gooooooaaaaaal! Pedro de la Vega

Pedro de la Vega steps up and slots the ball past Hugo Lloris. 

Just five minutes after coming on to make his MLS debut! What a start for the 23-year-old.

Seattle Sounders penalty!

It took longer that we'd expected, but Seattle Sounders get the spot kick!

Pedro de la Vega grabs the ball, the new signing wants it!

It was a very clumsy challenge from Aaron Long, who had a lot of catching up to do on Jordan Morris. Long certainly clipped Morris' right leg and didn't seem to get the ball. 

We're expecting a penalty decision, but we're still waiting. 

VAR check: Seattle Sounders penalty

Referee Wesley Costa is going across to take a look at the screen. 

This could be a penalty for Seattle...

Huge shouts for a penalty as Jordan Morris is clipped by Aaron Long in the LAFC box!

Referee said no, but VAR is checking it. It looked like a good appeal.

Another opening for LAFC, this time for Bouanga. He spins on the edge of the box and tries to make space for the shot but Nouhou won't let him. 

Great defending from Nouhou. 

Nouhou Tolo

The Seattle defender is booked for a cynical foul on Olivera on the halfway line. 

Poor free kick from De la Vega. The new signing arrived for a club-record $7.5 million and is expected to help the renovation of this experienced but aging Seattle roster. 

New Seattle signing Pedro de la Vega is starting off on the left on his Seattle debut. His side win a free kick on the left flank and the 23-year-old is straight across to take it. 

LAFC come forward again and Campos tries to skip past his man on the left. He is tackled but wins the throw-in. 

Another double change for Seattle. 

Nathan is replaced by Xavier Arreaga. Leo Chu comes off for Pedro de la Vega. 

WATCH: Mateusz Bogusz doubles LAFC lead

Here's the second for LAFC, a stunning solo strike from Mateusz Bogusz. He's filling the 'Carlos Vela role' today and is doing a very passable impression of the Mexican stalwart. 

Seattle enjoy a spell on the ball and try to build something. Toto Nouhou is a bit too ambitious and punts an attempted through-ball straight through to Hugo Lloris. 

Denis Bouanga makes good work on the left and is felled in the box by a clumsy challenge from Jackson Regan. 

Huge appeals for a penalty but the assistant's flag is up, Bouanga had strayed offside. 

That second goal has really got the home crowd on their feet. 

It's prompted a change from the visitors too; Seattle switch to a back three. 

Double change for Seattle. Ruidiaz and Cristian Roldan come off, Daniel Musuvski and Cody Baker enter. 

That Bogusz goal really was LAFC at their best. Lloris wasted no time in getting his new team on the offensive and the LAFC attacking trident were just as proactive. 

The ball was worked to Bogusz on the left side of the Seattle box and he cut inside onto his right, curling a brilliant strike into the top corner. 

Stunner from Bogusz doubles LAFC lead

Free kick to the Sounders, around 40 yards from goal on the left. 

Alex Roldan curls in a dangerous ball but Lloris does well to watch it into his hands. 

Good run forward from Nouhou down the left, well-blocked by Hollingshead. 

Sounders win the throw-in and keep the ball moving. 

Seattle want a free kick on Atencio on the edge of the LAFC box but the appeals are waved away. The hosts get the goal kick. 

Good play from Omar Campos to block Cristian Roldan and in the ball. The young left-back has looked good on his LAFC debut. 

Sounders manage to regain a bit of control after a difficult start to the second half. This Seattle side have plenty of experience and they'll need it all against LAFC. 

Another corner kick for LAFC. Atuesta takes it again but Ragen heads clear. 

Denis Bouanga hits the crossbar!

Sensational play from the LAFC forward. 

He gets the ball on the edge of the box and shifts it onto his right. He strikes a vicious effort at goal but it cannons back off the crossbar. 

That's the third time LAFC have hit the woodwork so far!

Early opening for LAFC as Denis Bouanga wins his side a corner kick. 

Eduard Atuesta takes the kick and whips in a dangerous near post delivery, well cleared by Sounders. 

Sounders get the second half underway

No changes for either side at the break, away we go...

Above all else, it was a really proactive and entertaining first half from both sides. LAFC and Seattle Sounders are expected to be at the very top of the Western Conference come the end of the regular season and the two teams look fairly evenly matched on the basis of the opening 45 minutes of their MLS seasons. 

Watch: Timothy Tillman goal puts LAFC ahead

LAFC were the prevailing force for much of the first half and their pressure finally told in the 45th minute.

Good work from new signing Omar Campos down the left, clipping in a delicate cross to the back post. Brilliant finish from Timothy Tillman to slot the ball past Thomas. 

First half comes to a close

Half time at BMO Stadium, where LAFC are ahead through a well-taken Timothy Tillman goal. The hosts hit the woodwork twice and are pretty good value for their lead. 

LAFC aren't done with the first half and come forward again through Bouanga. He makes space for a shot on his left but his effort is well-held by Thomas. 

There will be a minimum of two minutes' added time in Los Angeles. 

Tillman fires LAFC ahead against Sounders

Sounders' ball retention session is ended by a misplaced Jackson Ragen pass. LAFC look to take full advantage, taking the throw-in quickly. 

LAFC get the resulting corner kick clear but Sounders look to come back at them. 

Chu skips past the LAFC challenges but can't quite make space for a shot. 

Sounders are forced all the way back to Thomas by LAFC. A clever turn from Atencio gets them back on the attack, playing it out to Morris on the right. 

The ball is curled in towards Raul Ruidiaz, who takes a swing but his effort is deflected over the crossbar. 

Good spell of possession for Sounders now to end the half. Nouhou takes a shot from distance but it's deflected out for a throw-in. 

Sounders get back on the offensive and work it out to Chu on the left. He cuts inside and lets fly on his right foot, but his effort isn't troubling Lloris. 

Good run from Hollsingshead to bring his team up the field. Olivera gets the ball in space on the right and does brilliantly to skip past two challengers, before being dispossessed by the third. 

Cristian Roldan

The Sounders captain goes into the book for protesting the decision not to award Tillman a yellow card. 

Ironic, huh?

Sharp turn from Obed Vargas in the midfield. He's tripped by Timothy Tillman, who is lucky to avoid a booking for that tackle. 

Good footwork from Tim Tillman but LAFC are blocked from their advance. 

Ilie Sanchez flies into a challenge to regain possession but only succeeds in giving away a foul. 

Nasty collision in the box as Jackson Ragen and Jesus Murillo clash heads in the box. Ragen won the ball but he has come off the worst from the collision. 

The Sounders defender is being assessed by medical staff. 

LAFC back on the ball and looking for gaps in the Sounders defence. 

Olivera skips past a couple of challenges but is stopped by Nouhou. 

Atuesta's second corner of the game is easily cleared by the Sounders and they can launch a counter-attack. 

Ilie off the woodwork!

Ilie Sanchez is first to the headed and glances a header onto the crossbar. It must have taken a deflection, it'll be another corner for LAFC. 

Strong running from Bouanga to bring the ball up for LAFC. He plays it through to Olivera on the left, who wins a corner for his team. 

LAFC go straight on the counter-attack and get Bouanga on the ball again. The Gabonese forward cuts inside onto his right this time but his curling effort is well off-target. 

Bouanga's looking dangerous from the off, here. 

Sounders enjoy a good spell of possession on the edge of the LAFC box. The ball is shifted to Ruidiaz but his long-range effort is easily saved by Lloris. 

More good work from Bouanga on the left. He squares up Alex Roldan and skips past him, striking the crossbar from a tight angle and bouncing out of play on the far side. 

His shot must have been deflected because LAFC have been awarded a throw ing. 

Good interplay from Bogusz and Bouanga on the edge of the box, making space for the latter to shoot. His effort is snatched and he drags it wide of the post. 

LAFC starting to turn the screw now. 

Another opening for the hosts as Olivera makes space for the shot on the left. His curling effort is blocked. 

It's been a fairly open start at BMO Stadium with presentable chances for both sides. 

Last year's playoff meeting was a nervy affair, this one looks much more open. 

So close for Bouanga!

Ilie Sanchez does brilliantly in the middle for LAFC, winning the ball and sliding a pass through to Denis Bouanga. The 2023 Golden Boot winner is one-on-one with Thomas and takes it round the Sounders stopper, but his left-footed shot is weak and easily cleared by a recovering defender. 

So nearly classic LAFC!

LAFC come forward with Bouanga on the right. He tries to square for Bogusz but the ball is cleared, but only as far as Tillman on the edge of the box. 

The USMNT midfielder hits it low but Thomas saves comfortably. 

Ruidiaz hits it firmly and the strike takes a deflection off the LAFC wall. Lloris saves comfortably. 

Ryan Hollingshead is penalised for a clumsy foul on Leo Chu. 

Ruidiaz to take it...

Chaos at the back for Seattle

LAFC are on the attack and play through to Bogusz, who is running in on goal. The recovering defenders manage to smother the chance but Roldan air-kicks and sends the ball up in the air. Andrew Thomas comes out of his goal to save. 

Bit of a let-off for Seattle, there. 

Seattle are really looking to press the LAFC backline, trying to prevent them playing through the middle. Their approach is working well so far. 

Morris and Ruidiaz are functioning as a traditional two-man strike force. 

First chance for Atuesta on the ball. He finds space 30 yards from goal and steps forward with it, trying a low drive from distance. 

The shot goes wide, goal kick Seattle. 

Lloris claims the corner kick and plays a long ball forward to Olivera. He looks to play in Bouanga but the pass is a little too long. 

Sounders have time to get back and stem the LAFC attack. 

Free kick to Seattle on the right after a foul on Morris. 

Alex Roldan curls the ball far too long, but Tillman mistakenly heads the ball just as it was about to cross the line. Seattle win a corner. 

LAFC's 3525 are making themselves heard behind Andrew Thomas' goal. 

It's been a thrilling start at BMO Stadium. More of this, please. 

LAFC look to take advantage of Sounders being up the field and break. The ball is shifted to Olivera and he fires low from the edge of the box. Easily saved. 

Big chance for Sounders!

Sharp interplay from Sounders to play Jordan Morris into space behind the LAFC backline. He hits his shot firmly but Hugo Lloris stands tall. 

Top save from the new stopper. 

Sounders look on it from the start, eager to get their own back on the team that knocked them out of the playoffs. 

They're starting with an aggressive XI, almost fielding four forwards against last year's MLS Cup finalists. 

Incredible atmosphere from the off. Bogusz makes good progress through the middle and tries to slide the ball through to Olivera. 

Sounder defence cuts it out. 

And we're off!

LAFC get us underway for this hotly-anticipated Western Conference clash. 

The players are out and we're nearly for kick-off in Los Angeles!

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Hugo Lloris is one of a number of players sporting a MLS Debut Patch this afternoon. Wondering what it's all about? Here's everything you need to know...

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The players are out on the field at BMO Stadium and there's a real air of anticipation amongst those gather for this MLS season opener. Fixtures between LAFC and Seattle Sounders have developed into something of a rivalry in recent years, helped by a number of high-profile meetings. 

Last year's playoff victory for LAFC will still be fresh in the minds of Seattle players. 

Eduard Atuesta returns for LAFC

He returns! One of the stars of LAFC's early years in MLS has returned and is looking to pick up the prize that eluded him, MLS Cup. 

Atuesta joined the club shortly before their MLS debut in 2018 and established himself as one of the league's top midfielders. He was named in the MLS Best XI in 2019 and the All-Star Team in 2021. He picked up the Supporters' Shield with LAFC but did not lift MLS Cup, heading to Brazil before their 2022 triumph. 

Now he is back in the starting XI for Steve Cherundolo's side. 

Both lineups now confirmed, this is shaping up to be an engrossing match. In the playoffs last season the Sounders sought to frustrate LAFC in a 4-2-3-1 formation, preventing the gaps for LAFC to unleash their counter-attacking game. 

This time around the Sounders are starting with two strikers, a more offensive approach but one that could leave them looking vulnerable during those crucial transition moments. Can LAFC take advantage, or will the Sounders be able to disrupt this new-look backline?

We're about to find out...

And here's the LAFC lineup

Better late than never, the hosts have confirmed their starting XI to take on Seattle Sounders. 

There are starts for new signings Hugo Lloris and Omar Campos, as well as returning hero Eduardo Atuesta. Matteusz Bogusz starts in the centre of a fluid front three, replacing Carlos Vela. 

Denis Bouanga back with LAFC

There were no shortage of off-season rumours, some of which were propagated by the player himself, but Denis Bouanga starts the 2024 season as an LAFC player. The 2023 Golden Boot winner was irresistible last season and he almost single-handedly put Seattle Sounders to the sword in the playoffs. 

Today he comes up against the Sounders once again. 

Here's how Seattle Sounders line up this evening

Few surprises for Seattle Sounders for their MLS opener. Raul Ruidiaz starts alongside Jordan Morris in a fluid front two. Cristian Roldan, playing ahead of his brother Alex, has the captain's armband. 

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Last season was so nearly a record-setting one for Denis Bouanga. The LAFC star was a sensation, bagging the MLS Golden Boot and reaching the final of MLS Cup. 

However LAFC were beaten by Columbus Crew in MLS Cup and the Gabonese forward finished one short of setting a new single-season goal-scoring record in MLS. Here's a look at the number to beat for 2024...

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Hugo Lloris explains reason for LAFC move

“It was always in my mind, the day I become a bit more free, because I don't have any more the national team because I retired [from Les Bleus] one year ago, so I had the freedom. I wanted to travel and to discover a new culture, a new lifestyle, a new continent, and football sometimes can provide you that type of experience.”

New Seattle star takes in the surroundings

Will new Seattle Sounders winger Pedro de la Vega be the difference maker for his side tonight? The 23-year-old arrives from Lanús on a club-record $7.5 million deal and is expected to contribute from the start as Seattle look to replace club legend Nicolas Lodeiro. 

LIGA MX

Carlos Vela linked with Cruz Azul move

Where is Carlos Vela? Well, he's certainly not in the LAFC squad for this weekend. 

The 2022 MLS Cup winner has not yet agreed a contract extension with LAFC and his previous deal expired at the end of 2023. Steve Cherundolo sounds confident that Vela can be tempted back to the club, but the Mexican forward has been linked with a move south of the border. 

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MLS Cup holders take the lead in opener

We'll be focused on LAFC-Seattle Sounders, but it is just one game in a busy slate of MLS opening day fixture. In today's early kick-off Columbus Crew have a one-goal lead over Atlanta United. 

Cucho Hernandez opens the scoring for the reigning champions. 

Calm before the storm

BMO Stadium is the venue for tonight's MLS clash between LAFC and Seattle Sounders. The opening weekend of the 2024 MLS campaign pits together two teams expected to challenge at the top of the Western Conference this year. 

Will either team stake their claim for prominence in the West? We'll find out shortly...

Huge Lloris ready in LA

It's not often that a World Cup winner rocks up in MLS, but that's exactly what LAFC have pulled off with the signing of Huge Lloris.The former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper brings a wealth of experience and should be an immediate upgrade on last year's No. 1 Maxime Crepau. 

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Steve Cherundolo says “the door is always open” for Carlos Vela to return to LAFC

There will be no Carlos Vela in the LAFC squad today, the Mexican's contract having expired at the end of the 2023 campaign. But, despite failing to agree an extension over the off-season, LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo is confident that a deal will be reached between Vela and the club. 

"Both parties want to, so we’ll leave it up to them; Carlos and I have a wonderful relationship and the door will always be open for him but I stay out of the rest of the stuff.”

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Sounders celebrate half century

The new Sounders kit, too, leans heavily on some vertical stripes. The green and blue is a combination rarely seen on soccer jerseys but it works well on this 'vintage-inspired' design. 

It's a yes for us, and a fitting tribute to 50 years of soccer in Seattle. 

New season, new kit

It's pinstripes for LAFC this season as the famous 'black and gold' go for a more reserved, business-sport aesthetic. The subtlety of the gold is more reminiscent of the team's early MLS kits and looks set to be a popular one with supporters. 

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LAFC chief: “Omar Campos is an incredibly talented left-back”

We should have team news from BMO Stadium very shortly. One of the big decisions for LAFC boss Steve Cherundolo will be whether to field left-back Omar Campos from the start. The new signing comes in to replace Diego Palacio, but aged just 21 will he be trusted from the start?

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WATCH: Sounders prepare for LAFC test

LAFC were MLS Cup winners in 2022 and were beaten finalists in 2023, highlighted their reputation as one of the top sides in MLS. They will provide a stern test for a Seattle Sounder team who have appeared on the wane in recent seasons. 

Here's how the Sounders got ready for todays MLS season opener...

Hello and welcome to AS USA, where we'll be bringing you live minute-by-minute coverage of LAFC - Seattle Sounders. 

I'm Will Gittins and I'll be taking you through all the action from BMO Stadium as Steve Cherundolo's side look to get their 2024 MLS journey off to a winning start.