LAFC loses to defending champs in playoffs, 3-1

SEATTLE — The trio of Nicolas Lodeiro, Raul Ruidiaz and Jordan Morris were dominant during the MLS regular season, recognized among the best 11 players in the league.

When the MLS Cup playoffs finally started for the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday night, that trio was even better.

Lodeiro scored early in the first half, Ruidiaz added a second midway through the second, and Morris provided the capper as the defending champion Sounders beat depleted Los Angeles FC 3-1 on in the opening round of the MLS playoffs.

“For me playing with guys like Nico and Raul is really special,” Morris said. “They make the game easy. We’re complimenting each other really well.”

Seattle’s version of the “Big 3” had roles in each of the three goals, sending the Sounders into the Western Conference semifinals next week against FC Dallas.

Lodeiro scored in the 18th minute off assists by Ruidiaz and Morris to give the home side the early advantage. Ruidiaz finally finished one of Seattle’s numerous chances with his eighth career playoff goal in the 66th minute, spinning a right-footed shot off a corner kick.

Eduard Atuesta scored in the 77th minute to pull LAFC to 2-1, but Seattle regained its two-goal advantage moments later when Ruidiaz found Morris on a quick counter. Morris had missed a wide-open goal earlier in the half, one of several missed chances Seattle had in the opening stages of the second half to build a cushion.

Ruidiaz has six career playoff assists to go with his eight goals.

“The ‘Big Three’ did their jobs tonight. They earned their paychecks,” Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer said. “But I think what I’m most impressed with is the fact that this game was never going to be easy. We knew (LAFC coach) Bob (Bradley) was going to have his team ready. ... It’s just testament to the qualities that we have on our squad, that were able to beat a tricky opponent.”

The marquee matchup in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs lived up to its billing in a rematch of last year’s Western Conference final won by the Sounders in Los Angeles. And it was the Sounders coming out on top again.