No team has been better throughout the MLS regular season, nor over the past two months or so, than LAFC. The Angel City crew come into Friday’s nationally televised match against the Seattle Sounders leading the Supporters’ Shield race with 45 points and a 7-1-1 record since May 22. This could also mark the starting debut for Gareth Bale, who has one goal in 45 minutes off the bench in his two previous appearances.
The Sounders, meanwhile, have been struggling a bit of late. After a nice run of form that put them back into the thick of the playoff race, they’ve slumped a bit over the past few weeks and remain a point out of playoff position.