The LA Galaxy defeated the Seattle Sounders 1-0 in the Western Conference Final on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., behind a late goal from Dejan Joveljić.
The Sounders had the first good look just three minutes into the match when Albert Rusnák got through on the left side and forced goalkeeper John McCarthy into a kick save at the near post.
Stefan Frei was called upon for the first time in the 19th minute when he dove to his right to push away a volley from Joveljić headed toward the far corner.
One minute later, Nathan made a great sliding block in the box on Joveljić.
Rusnák forced McCarthy into another difficult save off a free kick just outside the left side of the box that McCarthy tipped over the crossbar.
Seattle had a great look in the 62nd minute when Georgi Minoungou whipped a cross in that found Jordan Morris with his back to goal. He dropped off a pass to Rusnák, but his first-timed effort was right at McCarthy.
Nouhou came up with a big defensive block on Riqui Puig in the 79th minute to deny a great would-be opportunity.
Joveljić broke the deadlock in the 85th minute when Puig got the ball off a turnover and played the Serbian international in behind. Joveljić finished with a one-timed, right-footed effort that he slotted past Frei.
The Galaxy will host the Eastern Conference Champion New York Red Bulls next Saturday in MLS Cup.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
Season ends
The Sounders wrapped up their 2024 MLS season on Saturday and head into the offseason just one match short of MLS Cup.
Nathan steps up
Despite the loss, the Sounders got a valiant effort from Nathan at center back. The Brazilian had not started since the opening match of the season back on Feb. 24.
Minoungou shines
Minoungou earned a well-deserved start at left wing and was trouble all evening long for the right side of the Galaxy’s back line.
