LA Galaxy win Western Conference on away goals vs. Seattle Sounders

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:26 am

SEATTLE -- Clint Dempsey had a goal and assist in the first half to give Seattle the lead, but Juninho's tiebreaking road goal early in the second half sent the Los Angeles Galaxy to the MLS Cup final for the ninth time in franchise history after their Western Conference final with the Seattle Sounders ended 2-2 on aggregate.

Road goals were used as a tiebreaker in the MLS Cup playoffs for the first time this season and Los Angeles used it to the full advantage following a 1-0 win in the first-leg of the conference finals last weekend.

After surrendering goals to Brad Evans and Dempsey in the first 32 minutes, Juninho's goal was the difference. The Galaxy will go for their fifth MLS championship and kept the career of Landon Donovan going for one more game.

Los Angeles will host Eastern Conference champion New England in the final next Sunday.

Seattle was attempting to reach the MLS Cup final for the first time in franchise history and the Sounders appeared headed that way after an exciting first 45 minutes where their top players were at their best. Evans' goal in the 25th minute pulled Seattle even on aggregate and Dempsey's first goal of the playoffs put the Sounders in front.

A frustrated Clint Dempsey complains to the referee as his Seattle Sounders lost on aggregate to LA Galaxy in MLS Western Conference finals.
AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

But needing a perfect defensive effort in the second half to hold the lead, the Sounders failed to clear a corner kick from danger in the 54th minute. Juninho's shot from outside the box beat Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei and deflected in off the post. Donovan and Los Angeles defender Omar Gonzalez were given assists on the goal.

Needing a goal in the closing minutes Seattle pushed nearly everyone forward into the attack. Andy Rose nearly scored from a difficult angle near the end line in the 84th minute. Dempsey's half-volley in the final minute before stoppage time sailed over the crossbar for a goal kick.

The Sounders never got a clear scoring chance on Los Angeles goalkeeper Jaime Penedo as the Galaxy defense did its part in congesting Seattle's offense.

It was a crushing result for Seattle, which was attempting to become the first team in league history to win the MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield and U.S. Open Cup in the same season.

After a disjointed first 25 minutes, Evans' goal immediately opened up the field for Seattle. Dempsey scored but was flagged for being offside. Martins airmailed an open attempt in the box and Lamar Neagle's left-footed shot for the far post was pushed aside by Penedo.

Seattle finally got the lead and Dempsey was the instigator. He kept the play alive by getting a pass off to DeAndre Yedlin while on the ground, then was in the right spot when Yedlin's cross was deflected to the top of the penalty area. Dempsey's shot fooled Penedo and appeared to take a slight deflection off Gonzalez. Dempsey raced to the Seattle bench and jumped into the arms of his teammates, putting the Sounders ahead on aggregate after just 32 minutes.