The two clubs have been dominant forces in the West in recent years but Seattle, who beat LAFC in last year's Conference semi-finals, ran away with the game in the second half at Lumen Field. Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, drafted out of college by Seattle and brought up from their reserve club Tacoma Defiance, opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a clinical finish after cutting in from the right.

LAFC pulled level seven minutes before half-time through homegrown forward Nathan Ordaz, who poked home from the close-range after a scramble. But the Sounders got back in front through Paul Rothrock's thundering drive from outside of the box in the 57th minute and Jordan Morris made it 3-1 with his 87th goal for the club making him Seattle's all-time top scorer.

LAFC were ragged at the back and lacked punch in attack where former France international Olivier Giroud was once again ineffective. A smart finish from Cristian Roldan made it 4-1 in the 84th minute before the visitors restored some pride in stoppage time thanks to a determined solo run and finish from David Martinez.

But there was still time for the Sounders to add one more with Albert Rusnak turning in a low cross from Georgi Minoungou to complete the rout. Earlier Columbus Crew, the 2023 MLS champions, were held to a 0-0 draw at home to the Houston Dynamo. Later on Saturday, Atlanta United host last season's beaten finalists the New York Red Bulls and the Vancouver Whitecaps take on Canadian rivals Montreal. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami are at home to Charlotte on Sunday.

K. Kossa-Rienzi

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