LA Galaxy vs Seattle Sounders match preview & what to look forward

One of Thursday night's soccer contests pits two teams against each other who are rather familiar with one another. The game will be played at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.

The LA Galaxy hopes to play the role of guest and the spoiler by defeating Seattle again. In the two games this season, head coach Greg Vanney has not yielded a loss to the Sounders.

The first matchup of the year was back on Saturday, March 30th. Los Angeles Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec scored the game's only goal.

This would be the first of his MLS career. Midfielder Joseph Paintsil collected the assist on the scoring play for the LA Galaxy.

Seattle maintained the edge over Los Angeles in possession, shot attempts, and corner kicks. That did not matter as the LA Galaxy came away with the win. The five-time MLS Champions played a slightly cleaner game as they earned zero yellow cards to Seattle's three.

In the month of May, the Los Angeles Galaxy went through a stretch of four games in a row where they had to settle for a tie. The first of the four occurrences was in the rematch against the Sounders, 0-0.

LA Galaxy keeper John McCarthy recorded five big saves in this game. Ricard Puig and Dejan Joveljic did not play in this one. Their absence was felt offensively by the team.

What to look forward to on Thursday?

For starters, Novak Micovic played keeper last time out in League Cup play. He had six huge saves in the game as the LA Galaxy was able to hold on for the victory 2-2 on penalty kicks.

Micovic also led the LA Galaxy to victory in their first game when they won 2-1 against the San Jose Earthquakes during group play.

Pec, Paintsil, and Diego Fagundez each have a goal for the LA Galaxy during League Cup play. Their efforts have been matched by Seattle players Obed Vargas, Jordan Morris, and Paul Rothrock. Those three all have a goal apiece during League Cup play, too.

While the LA Galaxy have won both of their games, Seattle split their pair of matches, scoring three and allowing three, as well. Puig and Paintsil look to strike again and put another one in the net on Thursday.

Along with Pec, Marky Delgado and Miki Yamane, each have one assist during these two wins for the LA Galaxy. More of the same can be expected from the top team in the Western Conference of MLS.

Look for Micovic to play in goal well, again. Well, enough for the Los Angeles Galaxy to pull off another victory against the Seattle Sounders. Pec and Paintsil are favored to score or assist in this game.

If they win in this first knockout round on the bracket, their next opponent will be Pumas UNAM. They currently sit in second place in the Mexican Liga BBVA MX.

Prediction: Los Angeles Galaxy, 2 ; Seattle Sounders 1.