It was going to come at some point this year: The Sounders went down to Los Angeles undermanned and outgunned, and are coming home on the wrong end of a 4-1 beating at the hands of what now must be called the best team in MLS. Missing their top two forward options and (arguably) their best centerback when fully fit, the Sounders had all sorts of problems handling a full-strength LAFC side with their best player, Carlos Vela, playing at his peak.

WINNERS

LAFC’s claim to be the cream of the crop: LAFC had looked like the best team in the league, and a midweek stumble to a desperate Vancouver team aside, they absolutely looked the part on Sunday.