Autumn is upon us and another full-stadium match is just around the corner as Sounders FC prepares to battle it out with the LA Galaxy this weekend at CenturyLink Field. With just three regular-season matches remaining in the season, the club looks to pick up points at home as it makes its push to the playoffs. With a chance to clinch a spot in the postseason on the table for both teams, Sunday evening's match guarantees to be one for the history books.
SoundersFC.com caught up with Cobi Jones to preview the Western Conference clash. The Galaxy star earned a record 164 caps with the U.S. Men's National Team and was on the roster for the 1994, 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups. Jones retired in 2007 from the Galaxy and now serves as an analyst for the club on Time Warner Cable SportsNet, and also appears on FOX Sports, BeIN Sports and the Pac-12 Network.
All about that W
These teams are thinking about one thing: winning. Both sides know they will have to go through each other if they want to make it to MLS Cup.
The Western Conference usually runs through either LA or Seattle. These teams want to establish their dominance in this game since it's the last one so close to playoffs.
Big crowds, big moments
To be honest, a big crowd doesn't change what they expect. Any time LA is in Seattle, it's a match where it's heated, there will be extracurricular on the field, and they know this is for all intents and purposes a playoff match. Both sides are going to come out with that extra incentive.
The stars will be shining
The amount of talent that has come into the league from overseas has changed drastically since I played in MLS. When I played, every team only had a few stars. The league has continuously grown and it's established itself. It's here to stay. Owners are now vying to get into the league and realize the potential not only of MLS, but of soccer as a whole in the U.S.
When you think about MLS, you think of a few teams. These are two of those teams. The LA Galaxy has been able to establish stars and championships over the years and Seattle has stars and just a phenomenal base of supporters and the attendance numbers are great. The Sounders have set the standard that other teams strive to reach.
Eyes on SEAvLA
At this point in the season, every team that is thinking that they may make the playoffs has someone scouting at these matches. For LA and Seattle, these are the teams that everyone sees as the top. It's about figuring out the weakness and strengths. You need to pay attention to see what works and what doesn't as these two heavyweights start slugging it out.
