Seattle Sounders 3-0 Los Angeles FC: MLS champions go top as Lodeiro sets record

Nicolas Lodeiro’s record-setting brace inspired Seattle Sounders to a 3-0 win over Los Angeles FC as the MLS champions moved top of the Western Conference.

Lodeiro scored two first-half penalties to fuel the Sounders, who are a point clear of Sporting Kansas City in the west after 11 matches.

Seattle playmaker Lodeiro has now converted all 14 of his penalties during the regular season, the most by any player with a 100 per cent record in MLS history, per Opta.

Raul Ruidiaz completed the scoring with eight minutes remaining on Friday as the Sounders continued their ruthless form after humiliating San Jose Earthquakes 7-1 last time out.

14 – @NicolasLodeiro has converted all 14 regular season penalties he’s attempted in @MLS, more than any other player with a 100 percent record from the spot in league history. Clinical. pic.twitter.com/F8hUdIVpiQ

— OptaJack (@OptaJack) September 19, 2020

The Sounders opened the scoring via Lodeiro’s penalty in the 29th minute following Dejan Jakovic’s handball in Seattle.

LAFC goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega was forced to collect the ball from the back of the net again four minutes later when Lodeiro converted another spot-kick, this time after Latif Blessing’s foul.

Sounders topscorer Ruidiaz netted his seventh goal of the season in the 82nd minute to secure maximum points at CenturyLink Field.

Reigning Supporters’ Shield holders LAFC have now lost three of their last four matches by 3-0 scorelines. They had lost by three or more goals just twice in their first 79 games – including play-offs – according to Opta. They are sixth in the west, six points behind Seattle.