- What: 2024 MLS Western Conference Semifinals
- Who: Seattle Sounders vs. LAFC
- When: Saturday, November 23 at 7:30 p.m. PT
- Where: BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California
- How to watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Major League Soccer fans remain quite stunned that Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are no longer in the MLS postseason. That's right, Atlanta United took them down and they're now headed to the Eastern Conference semifinals. On the other side, though, there are four teams ready to make a splash in the Western Conference. With that said, LAFC are favorites to beat the Sounders in the MLS playoffs. Will they come out on top later this week?
That's a question that a ton of people have on their minds. LAFC has been red hot of late and they're dreaming of making a push to reach the MLS Cup. In order for that to happen, their star players are going to have to deliver against the Sounders. Seattle has stepped back a bit in its usual level of play, but they're still poised to post an upset. This is something LAFC will have in mind leading up to the weekend.
| LAFC vs Seattle odds |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAFC to win | -125 | -125 | -125 |
| Seattle to win | +300 | +300 | +300 |
| Over 2.5 goals | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Under 2.5 goals | -110 | -110 | -110 |
“Taking away the numerical advantage in midfield, or at least reducing it by one made all the world of difference for us," LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said after the win over Vancouver. "Once the game got fast, that's kind of [in] our wheelhouse, and then it's tough to play against us. And I think it was only a matter of time until we scored the first goal.”
According to the best sports betting sites, LAFC holds -125 soccer betting odds to come out on top. Meanwhile for the Sounders, they've been given +300 odds by the top MLS betting sites. These odds tell you that people in Las Vegas are feeling quite high about LAFC taking down Seattle and moving on to the conference final. It's not going to be easy, but we're going with LAFC as our pick to post a win. We'll find out soon enough if that happens or not.
#LAFC Mateusz Bogusz on his goal vs Vancouver,
“We had a very good regular season but the really serious games start now so I’m very happy that I can confirm my performance from the regular season...I can’t describe a lot. I'm so, so happy. I still don't know what happened.”
— Justin Ruderman (@JustinRuderman_) November 9, 2024
The over should hit between Seattle and LAFC in this game
Keeping in mind both of these offenses, the over should hit between Seattle and LAFC in this game. Denis Bouanga was one of the top scorers in the MLS during the regular season, while Mateusz Bogusz was also brilliant. He played a massive role in LAFC coming out on top in their latest postseason win. Now, the hope is that Bogusz and Bouanga can keep things rocking on offense for this team.
LAFC's confidence is high right now, but the same can be said for Seattle. They've been known for posting some memorable wins in the playoffs and they know all about MLS Cup glory. With their offensive stars on the field too, they'll be ready to make a splash against Los Angeles. With the high-octane power these two teams provide, we feel like there are going to be a ton of goals scored in this one.
🎥 Every angle of Mati Bogusz's goal to send us to the Western Conference Semifinals.
Thrill of the Match | @Yaamava pic.twitter.com/6jqxCaelWn
— LAFC (@LAFC) November 11, 2024
“He took his goal very well,” Cherundolo said of Bogusz's goal in a recent interview. “Every touch was perfect. His idea that he had in his head he implemented very well and at the highest pace possible at that moment, which gave him a great advantage and just a class finish.”
Per the oddsmakers, the over/under for this game has been set at 2.5 goals, with -110 odds per the top soccer betting sites. For the under to hit, two goals would have to be posted, but for the over, we'd need to see at least three goals in this contest. Again, with the offensive firepower that both of these teams have on the pitch, we're expecting a lot of offensive action. We're no question going with the over as our pick.
The Galaxy are favored in the other Western Conference semifinal showdown
In the other matchup out west, the Galaxy are favored in the other Western Conference semifinal showdown. This is a game that a lot of people are excited about. For the Galaxy, it's simple: win and keep their season alive, or lose and the campaign is over. The pressure is on for them in this one, which is something a lot of people are keeping in mind. At the same time, there's a reason the Galaxy are in such good shape.
Should the Galaxy and LAFC both go on to win, it will set up a thrilling Western Conference final matchup between the two Los Angeles teams. The city will be divided for that matchup. We're hopeful they will end up battling it out with a trip to the MLS Cup on the line. With all of that said, we're also going with the Galaxy as our pick to beat Minnesota in the semifinals to advance to the next round.
