Seattle Sounders FC (14-11-9) vs. LAFC (14-10-10)
Seattle Sounders FC vs. LAFC 11/26/23 – The Seattle Sounders FC (14-11-9) will host LAFC (14-10-10) on Sunday in the Western Conference Semifinals. According to MLS expert picks, this matchup features two of the top offenses in the league. The Sounders have found scoring success behind Jordan Morris while LAFC leans on Denis Bouanga.
The Sounders come into this one averaging 1.7 goals per game. Morris has continued his strong season with 11 goals while also chipping in 2 assists. His scoring has boosted an offense that has struggled at times. LAFC has been stingy defensively, giving up just 1.2 goals per game. They will likely focus attention on trying to slow down Morris.
For LAFC, Bouanga has been simply unstoppable in his first season. He leads the league with 20 goals and has added 7 assists. The Sounders defense has been average, giving up 1.5 goals per contest. Containing Bouanga will be critical if Seattle hopes to come out on top. Carlos Vela can also break a game open when healthy.
Seattle Sounders FC vs. LAFC 11/26/23 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 9:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Lumen Field |
| TV: | ATV |
| Stream: |
Stefan Frei GK vs. John McCarthy GK
Frei has turned in his typically consistent season between the sticks for Seattle. In 32 starts, he has registered an impressive 15 clean sheets, which showcases his shot-stopping abilities. Facing over four shots on target per 90 minutes, Stefan Frei has answered the call with nearly four saves per contest. His steady play gives Seattle confidence as they take on an LAFC side that averages the second-most shots per game in the league. Frei should expect to be busy yet up to the task.
For LAFC, John McCarthy has split starting duties this campaign, making 25 appearances thus far. His output has been average at just eight clean sheets while allowing 1.2 goals per 90 minutes played. Even in limited action, McCarthy faces over two shots on target per start, requiring him to make 2.5 saves per match. Seattle will test McCarthy early and look to expose any rust or weakness in his game after inconsistent playing time lately. With confident shooters like Morris, the Sounders hope to capitalize on any McCarthy mistakes.
Soccer Odds/Point Spread: Seattle Sounders +130, Total Odds: 2.75
The Sounders enter as narrow favorites playing at home. The total has been set at a relatively low 2.75 goals. With two capable offenses, the over looks enticing at those odds.
Seattle Sounders FC Betting Trends
The Sounders have played well lately, going 2-0 straight up in their last five contests while covering the spread in three of those. Seattle has been extremely strong on the road against the number this season with an 11-5 record. In their previous five matchups, the over has hit just once. However, for their last 17 home games, the over has cashed in six times, showing some potential value on the total to go over 2.75 goals in this important playoff clash.
LAFC Betting Trends
Over their last five fixtures, LAFC has a 3-1 straight up record and has covered in three as well. On the road, they have been average against the spread with an even 8-8 tally. In three of their previous five matches, LAFC games have gone over the posted total. That trend amplifies when isolating their last 17 away contests where they’ve played over the total nine times. Facing a Sounders team prone to give up goals at home, LAFC could contribute to another high-scoring affair.
Seattle Sounders FC vs. LAFC 11/26/23 Betting Picks
This matchup features two capable offenses and questions in net on both sides. According to the trends, goals should be expected. The over 2.75 goals looks like a strong play. Both teams have defended well lately but can break out on offense at any time.
For the side, the Sounders are slight favorites at home. Riding their offense and home field, Seattle appears like the right side. Morris and the Sounders should do enough to get the win and cover the small spread. According to elite top advice, take Seattle laying the points.
Free Pick and Prediction: Seattle Sounders FC 2, LAFC 1