Seattle Sounders FC is a professional soccer team based in Seattle LAFC trounced the Sounders 3-0 on Oct. 26 last year in Los Angeles
with goals from Brian Rodrguez, Latif Blessing, and Cristian Arongo. SEATTLE WELCOMES THE WORLD: On Thursday, Seattle
was designated as the host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing the world's biggest sporting event to the Emerald City
in just a few years. RUIDAZ OUT: RUIDAZ OUT, RUIDAZ OUT, RU The Sounders will be without their leading goal scorer
Ral Ruidaz due to a pulled hamstring. In his last six games in all competitions, the Peruvian Designated Player has scored seven goals.
INTERNATIONALS RETURN: Jordan Morris (USA), Cristian Roldan (USA), and Albert Rusnák (Slovakia) will all return to Seattle
after missing Tuesday's 4-0 win against the Vancouver Whitecaps due to international duty. After his time with Cameroon
Nouhou was available as a substitute, but he did not participate. SOUNDERS SURGING: After a sluggish start to the MLS
season while juggling a Concacaf Champions League title push, Seattle has exploded in recent weeks, winning four of its last
five games and vaulting beyond the playoff line with games remaining. STINGY D: Seattle's recent success has been aided