The Seattle Sounders are visiting the LA Galaxy on Sunday (7:30 p.m. PT; JOEtv, Prime Video, 1090 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM) in their first meeting of the 2020 season. Here are three matchups to watch.
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Nicolás Lodeiro vs. Jonathan Dos Santos
Two of MLS’ best go head-to-head in the middle of the park on Sunday. The Sounders’ No. 10 has four goals and four assists in 10 matches this season and will look to try and get the better of his Mexican international counterpart in Dos Santos, who made his first start since March after returning from injury in LA’s midweek loss at Real Salt Lake. JDS is a ball-winning, two-way midfielder who at his best, like Lodeiro, is MLS Best XI-caliber. Whomever can control central midfield will play a pivotal role in Sunday’s outcome.
Kelvin Leerdam vs. Cristian Pavón
Another week, another challenge for Leerdam, who so far this season has proved well up to the task. This week he gets pacy Argentine winger Pavón, who has plausible shouts for MLS MVP through the first dozen matches of the season. Pavón has six goals and four assists, but has cooled off slightly recently, having not gotten on the score sheet in the last three games. He also doesn’t like to play a lot of defense, which should open plenty of offensive space for Leerdam, who is one of the best attacking fullbacks in the league.
Jordan Morris vs. Julian Araujo
It’s bona fide United States national teamer Morris against 19-year-old U.S. youth international Araujo, who is one of the most exciting prospects in the U.S. pipeline. He’ll have his hands full though, as Morris has posted six goals and five assists in just nine starts this season and has given opposing right backs nightmares. How much space Morris gets in behind Araujo will be a key factor to keep an eye on.
