Galaxy denied first crack at making playoffs

Los Angeles (AFP) – The Los Angeles Galaxy were denied a chance to qualify for the Major League Soccer post-season on their first attempt Sunday, losing 4-2 to the Seattle Sounders.

Jordan Morris scored back-to-back goals in the second half to keep the Sounders’ playoff hopes alive and spoil the festive atmosphere for the Galaxy and their fans at StubHub Center stadium in south central Los Angele.

Toronto FC, New York Red Bulls and New York City FC all punched their tickets to the postseason on Saturday night as the MLS Cup playoff field starts to take shape. 

The three clubs joined the Western Conference-leading FC Dallas, who became the first MLS team to secure a playoff spot last weekend.

The Sounders took a 2-1 lead when Morris, who is in the running for the MLS rookie-of-the-year award, scored in the 63rd minute off a pass from Alvaro Fernandez.

Morris scored his team-leading 12th goal in the 73rd minute to give Seattle a 3-1 lead. 

Robbie Keane scored both goals for the Galaxy, opening the scoring in the 20th minute and converting a penalty five minutes from full time after Steven Gerrard was brought down in the box.

Five-time MLS Cup champions Galaxy lost for the first time at home this season.

They were unbeaten in 15 straight regular season games at the StubHub Center, dating back to a 5-2 loss to the Portland Timbers in October 2015.

The Galaxy’s next game is Saturday at FC Dallas.