Just when you think this team has hit rock bottom, welcome to a new week in which it could get worse. The upcoming LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders match at Dignity Health Sports Park that kicks off the Galaxy’s U.S. Open Cup campaign takes place with LA’s form the worst it’s ever been. Not just this season, but in the existence of the franchise.
And you could see it all over the body language of the team during a match in which they were outworked and disjointed. It led to the Galaxy’s recent 3-1 home loss to the Colorado Rapids which leaves them with their lowest point total through 10 games in club history.
That the Galaxy face off in the Round of 32 against a Sounders team that’s already beaten them this year in MLS play, does not bode well. That they do so on short rest, the second of five games in 15 days, makes a win for LA somewhat unlikely.
LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders at Dignity Health Sports Park
Started from the bottom now we’re … still bottom https://t.co/rRusDumSuz
— anandagalaxiana (@anandagalaxiana) May 7, 2023
LA Galaxy’s Current Run of Form
Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney has tried with little success to jumpstart his team. He’s tried a variety of different formations, lineups, and tactics, all with the same result. This Galaxy roster just doesn’t have the players to perform the formation that Vanney prefers. Time and again this season, he’s tried to play something other than a 3-5-2. Only for him to revert to this system, which plays to the Galaxy’s strengths and covers their deficiencies.
A 3-5-2 also allows Riqui Puig to get forward and create between the lines. This space is ideal for Tyler Boyd to work. Boyd came in off the bench after Vanney went back to the formation in the second half against the Rapids and was LA’s best performer.
Vanney’s stubbornness has cost the Galaxy. In five matches played at home during the 2023 campaign, the Galaxy holds a 1-3-1 record (7 GF, 9 GA). They’ve now lost five of their last six and only won once in the last 10 matches. In that 10-match span, they’ve lost six times. In the past six games, they’ve conceded 13 goals while only scoring six. This gives LA a 1-3-6 record and leaves them stuck in 13th place in the Western Conference with a -9 goal differential.
Only SKC has been more futile by losing one more match than the Galaxy. But with their shock win over the Galaxy’s next opponent, Seattle, they tied LA on points in the standings and are only behind on goal differential. Otherwise, the Galaxy would be in last place in MLS.
Read More: 2023 LA Galaxy Season Preview: Riqui Shoots for MVP
Seattle Sounders Current Run of Form
Seattle just handed SKC their first win this year, so they’re going to be in revenge mode. Especially after losing for the first time at home this season. While still in first place in the West with 20 points, they now have St. Louis a point behind, with LAFC and San Jose behind just two points.
They won their last Open Cup match 5-4 over the San Diego Loyal with a mostly reserve lineup, but odds are Seattle will put out a first-choice lineup against LA. This means that Jordan Morris will be back to terrorize the Galaxy.
Recent Head-to-Head
The Galaxy hasn’t beaten the Sounders in the last 10 games (6L, 4D). They’ve only managed one win in the last 17 matches over Seattle and only two in their last 21 matches.
The last game these two teams played was a 2-1 Seattle away win in which Morris and Léo Chú terrorized the Galaxy backline. There was also a very controversial penalty n0-call that spawned a thousand Vanney memes and probably cost the Galaxy a point.
LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders Prediction
There is no reason to believe the Galaxy will trouble Seattle midweek. LA is down bad, tied for last place, while Seattle is literally the polar opposite. Additionally, the Sounders’ recent loss makes them dangerous.
Between current form, recent head-to-head history, and the continuing malaise of the Galaxy roster, it’s hard to see the glimmer of hope for Los Angeles. Which is why it shouldn’t be a surprise to see them get eliminated in their first match of the U.S. Open Cup at home Wednesday night.
Look for Vanney to hand Mauricio Cuevas an MLS debut and give Jonathan Perez significant minutes.
