One of the interesting elements of the burgeoning rivalry between the Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC is that, at times, it can seem a bit more like a mutual-appreciation society than one filled with trash talking and animosity. Sure, the rivalry has had its heated moments — Brian Schmetzer’s “feeling better than Bob” postgame comment, various tussles and thrown beer cans — but the players and coaches have more often gone out of their way to praise their opponents, as opposed to needle them.
A perfect example came this week when Bob Bradley was asked about Raúl Ruidíaz, the Sounders striker who has scored five goals in five games against LAFC, four of which have come in the last three appearances and three of which have come in two playoff meetings.