The MLS kicks off, and the first match that LAFC, current runner-up of the league, will have to face is at home against Seattle Sounders, replaying last season’s quarterfinals.
The Black & Gold comes into this season as the reigning finalists and, in their last warm-up game, beat Toronto FC 1-0.
The Sounders failed to reach the final of the U.S. championship and comes from a 1-0 loss to Sacramento Republic at the end of the preseason.
When and where?
Saturday, February 24, 4:30 pm ET at the Banc of California Stadium
Moneyline odds:
Los Angeles FC 1.738
Seattle Sounders 4.605
Draw Offs:
3.635
Where Can I Watch?
MLS Game Pass on Apple TV
Why Bet on LAFC?
Los Angeles FC has shown a lot of hierarchy in the MLS in the last two years, as it was champion in 2022 and finalist in 2023, so there is a lot of expectation with what the Californian team can do in 2024.
At the end of the preseason, they beat Toronto 1-0, thanks to a goal by their star striker Denis Bouanga, the 2023 campaign’s leading scorer.
Actually, in the final LAFC was notoriously beaten by Columbus Crew, but it should be noted that it was able to obtain that place in the decisive match by eliminating heavyweight teams such as Seattle Sounders and Houston Dynamo.
In the market, this team moved well and got the Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta, who returns on loan from Palmeiras, and the goalkeeper world champion with France in 2018, the veteran Hugo Lloris, who arrives with 38 years to provide all his experience and security. They also signed young strikers David Martínez and Tomás Ángel and paid 4 million dollars for Mexican defender Omar Campos.
What is still a novel is the future of Carlos Vela. The Mexican striker’s contract ran out, and he did not renew it, it seemed that he was going to return to his country and was linked to Cruz Azul, but rumors continue to grow that he will stay at LAFC to continue being the team’s captain.
In the preseason, they won two games and lost two. However, Steve Cherundolo’s team will rely on the goals of Bouanga, the security of French goalkeeper Lloris, and the defense of Jesús Murillo to win their second title.
Why Bet on the Seattle Sounders?
Seattle Sounders is a historic MLS team that is used to fighting until the final stages for the title, something they tried last season until Los Angeles FC thwarted them.
Seattle Sounders prepared with five games for this MLS, won the first two and lost the next three, the last of them 1-0 against Sacramento Republic, a USL team.
We will have to pay attention to the young Argentine striker Pedro de La Vega, who arrived for more than 6 million dollars from Lanús. This will be his first experience outside Argentina. With the Granate, he played 126 games, scored 17 goals, and distributed 13 assists, being a very versatile player in the offense.
Also among the relevant signings are Brazilian defender Nathan and winger Danny Musovski, who will try to make up for the departures of experienced players who were not getting many minutes, such as Nicolás Lodeiro, Fredy Montero, and Héber.
Among the experienced players are Swiss goalkeeper Stefan Frei (37), Colombian defender Yeimar Gómez (31), and forwards Raúl Ruidíaz (33) and Jordan Morris (29). Frei was the goalkeeper who kept the most clean sheets last season, with 14 in 32 games.
Final Betting Analysis: LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders
The last match between these teams ended 1-0 in favor of the California side, with a goal by Denis Bouanga, thus LAFC qualified for the conference final.
Los Angeles has a six-game unbeaten streak against the Sounders with four wins. Seattle has not won in this matchup since May 16, 2021, and as visitors since 2019.
The numbers at Gambyl Exchange have LAFC as the favorite. The Moneyline for them shows 1.738, while Seattle Sounders has 4.605, and the draw is at 3.635.
At home, Los Angeles FC will not miss the opportunity to show their starting strength, and that is why they will take the three points against a complex opponent like Seattle Sounders.
Go for a win for LAFC. If you bet $100 at 1.738, you will gain $73 for a total payout of $173.
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