Seattle Sounders vs. LAFC odds, picks and predictions

The Seattle Sounders welcome LAFC to Lumen Field Sunday for a Western Conference semifinal matchup. Kickoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Seattle Sounders vs. LAFC odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

The Sounders ended the season with a 14-11-9 record, going 7-6-4 at home. They scored 41 goals (1.21 per game) and allowed 32 (0.94 per game). Seattle was 0-1-1 against LAFC during the regular season. It beat FC Dallas in 2 of 3 matches in the 1st-round best-of-3 series by a 4-3 final aggregate. Seattle’s main weapon is F Jordan Morris, who has 11 goals in 26 games.

LAFC finished the year 14-10-10 and was 4-7-6 on the road. They scored 54 goals (1.59 per game) and allowed 39 (1.15 per game). LAFC was led by F Denis Bouanga, who ended the year with 20 goals in 31 matches. They destroyed the Vancouver Whitecaps in the 1st round, winning 5-2 at home and 1-0 on the road. LAFC has won 4 of their last 5 games.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Seattle Sounders vs. LAFC odds

BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:41 a.m. ET.

Seattle Sounders vs. LAFC picks and predictions

Prediction

Seattle Sounders 1, LAFC 1 (LAFC advances in penalty kicks)

SPRINKLE DRAW (+220).

LAFC dominated Vancouver in the 2 1st-round games. They beat Austin FC and Minnesota United a combined 9-3 in 2 of their final 3 regular season games. LAFC has one of the best creators in the MLS in F Carlos Vela and a confident defense spearheaded by former European great D Giorgio Chiellini.

There’s a good chance it qualifies, but on the road, it will be a difficult battle. These teams drew 1 of 2 matches earlier in the season. Seattle has won 5 of its last 8 and has drawn 5 of its last 12. This should be a highly competitive game and overtime could certainly be possible.

For a small unit, take DRAW (+220).

BET UNDER 2.5 (-135).

Seattle’s defense is the real deal. It has had a clean sheet in 3 straight home games and in 4 of its last 5 games. The Sounders have gone Under this total in 4 of their last 5 games. LAFC has gone Under in 5 of their last 8.

Both games between these teams earlier in the season went Under this total, and neither team had more than 1.5 expected goals in either matchup. Expect a close game with limited opportunities.

Take UNDER 2.5 (-135).

: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.