LAFC loses to MLS-leading Sounders to fall to bottom of Western Conference

SEATTLE — Xavier Arreaga and Brad Smith scored second-half goals and the MLS-leading Seattle Sounders beat LAFC 2-0 on Sunday night.

Arreaga opened the scoring in the 57th minute, redirecting João Paulo’s corner with a header inside the right post. It was Arreaga’s first career goal with the Sounders (5-0-1).

Carlos Vela, the 2019 MLS MVP, made his second appearance of the season, entering as a substitute in the 70th minute and giving the LAFC (1-2-2) side a potential boost for a tying goal. But Smith made it 2-0 for Seattle three minutes later, heading home Alex Roldan’s cross.

Smith was off target on the best scoring opportunity of the first half, spraying a wide-open shot left of the goal from 12 yards out.

Soccer

For some MLS players, loneliness and anxiety are their toughest opponents

Playing far away from home on MLS and other U.S.-based teams can be a stressful experience for overseas soccer players not used to American culture.

May 14, 2021