Sounders end LAFC's historic season, advance to MLS Cup final

The Seattle Sounders will compete in the MLS Cup final for the third time in four seasons after dispatching Los Angeles FC by a score of 3-1 in the Western Conference final on Tuesday.

Minutes after Eduard Atuesta's stunning free-kick gave LAFC the lead in the 17th minute, Seattle roared back with two goals in four minutes from Raul Ruidiaz and Nicolas Lodeiro, respectively.

Ruidiaz completed his brace in the second half to put the contest out of reach and secure Seattle's place in next month's final.

LAFC star Carlos Vela - who ended the 2019 campaign with a record-breaking 34 regular-season goals - was largely ineffective during the contest, as Seattle managed to limit the Mexican by playing a physical brand of soccer.

The defeat brings an end to LAFC's historic season, in which Bob Bradley's team finished with an MLS-record 72 points. The Supporters' Shield winners also tied the record for most goals scored in a campaign (85) and set a new benchmark for goal differential (plus-48).

Meanwhile, Seattle becomes the fourth team to reach three MLS Cup finals in four years, joining D.C. United, the LA Galaxy, and the New England Revolution. The Sounders won the MLS Cup in 2016 with a shootout victory over Toronto FC before falling to the Canadian club in the 2017 title match.

Seattle will face either Toronto or reigning champions Atlanta United on Nov. 10.