MLS

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's time with the LA Galaxy has come to an end. 

The club announced Wednesday that they would be mutually parting ways with the dynamic striker ahead of the 2020 season. That news didn't come as a major surprise after Ibra hinted at the divorce earlier in the day with a truly memorable tweet.:

Only Ibra could tell a group of fans "you're welcome" for gracing them with his presence before telling them to go watch baseball, a sport that will be in its offseason until March 26.

Ibrahimovic's stint in Major League Soccer was memorable. In 56 games with the Galaxy, he scored 52 goals and added 17 assists, making him one of the league's most dynamic attacking players and an MLS Best XI selection both seasons. Not too shabby for the 38-year-old.

LA Galaxy president Chris Klein thanked him for his tenure with the club in a statement:

"We would like to thank Zlatan for his contributions to the LA Galaxy and Major League Soccer. Since his arrival in 2018, Zlatan has positively influenced the sport of soccer in Los Angeles. We are grateful for his work ethic and passion. We thank Zlatan for his professionalism and immeasurable impact on the Los Angeles community and the soccer community in North America as a whole."

The one thing Ibra couldn't check off his list in Los Angeles, however, was winning a title with the Galaxy. He's now a free agent, and with reported interest in Europe ahead of the January transfer window, it appears he'll be bidding Los Angeles, and the MLS, adieu. 

Seattle Sounders beat Toronto FC 3-1 to lift the 2019 MLS Cup on Sunday at CenturyLink Field.  

Both sides had chances in an even but goalless first half. Nicolas Benezet went closest for Toronto with a powerful low strike that a diving Stefan Frei managed to block. 

At the other end, Jordan Morris and Raul Ruidiaz both had efforts for the hosts but could not find a way past goalkeeper Quentin Westberg.

Kelvin Leerdam fired Seattle in front just before the hour mark. His shot across goal hit Justin Morrow and rolled into the bottom corner of the net.

Substitute Victor Rodriguez doubled their lead on 76 minutes. The Spaniard was played in by Nicolas Lodeiro and ripped a low shot past Westberg.

Raul Ruidiaz wrapped up the win in the 90th minute by latching on to a long ball upfield and poking past Westberg, while substitute Jozy Altidore headed a late consolation for Toronto.

Sunday's game saw a number of records tumble as a huge crowd descended on CenturyLink Field for the final showdown:

Seattle forced the first effort on target in the game on 10 minutes. Jordan Morris broke down the left and went for goal but put his shot straight at goalkeeper Westberg.

Toronto hit back with a similar effort at the other end of the pitch. Benezet teed up Jonathan Osorio on the penalty spot, but he could only fire straight into Frei's hands.

Ruidiaz swept a Lodeiro corner over the bar when unmarked for Seattle before a diving Frei denied a cross-shot from Benezet:

Seattle went close again through Ruidiaz right on half-time. The striker nipped in to win the ball ahead of Omar Gonzalez but could not beat Westberg, who made a smart stop:

Toronto started the second half on the front foot but were undone when Morrow put through his own net for the opening goal on 58 minutes.

Ruidiaz picked out Leerdam in space in the penalty area. He controlled the ball on his chest, turned and fired a shot that was heading wide until it hit the unfortunate Morrow and deflected into the net:

Journalist Caitlin Murray was surprised the goal was credited to Leerdam:

Toronto threw on Nick DeLeon and then Altidore in search of an equaliser, but it was Seattle's substitute Rodriguez who proved more effective and doubled their lead.

Lodeiro laid the ball off to the 30-year-old to power a low shot past a diving Westberg on 76 minutes:

Ruidiaz added the hosts' third in the 90th minute after latching on to a long ball forward. He beat Chris Mavinga and then poked a shot home to spark wild celebrations in the standings.

There was still time for more drama in stoppage time. Altidore got his name on the scoresheet by powering a header home from the penalty spot.

Yet it was to prove just a consolation for Toronto, who wilted in the second half after going behind, while the Seattle Sounders took their chances and secured their second MLS Cup.

Seattle Sounders contest the 2019 MLS Cup final against Toronto FC on home soil on Sunday.

The meeting at CenturyLink Field will be the third MLS Cup final between the two teams in the last four seasons. Toronto were 2-0 winners when they last met at this stage in 2017. Powerhouse centre-forward Jozy Altidore, a goalscorer two years ago, remains a formidable presence up top, but there are doubts over his fitness.

A healthy Altidore is a player to watch, but the same can also be said of Seattle striker Raul Ruidiaz and dynamic midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro. The Sounders don't often lose in front of the home faithful and qualified for another showpiece occasion after a superb win over Los Angeles FC in the Western Conference Final.

Date: Sunday, November 10

Time: 3 p.m. ET/8 p.m. GMT

TV Info: ABC, TSN4 (Canada), Sky Sports Football

Live Stream: MLS App, Sky Go

Odds

• Seattle: -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
• Toronto: +290 (bet $100 to win $290)
• Draw: +265

Odds per Caesars

Ruidiaz and Lodeiro have 18 goals combined this season. The prolific duo accounted for all three of Seattle's goals against Los Angeles, with Ruidiaz helping himself to a brace.

Lodeiro's seventh goal of the campaign added to the 12 assists he's also supplied as the creative heartbeat for Brian Schmetzer's squad.

A potent attack has also benefited from Ruidiaz's fellow forward Jordan Morris finding the net on 10 occasions. Having this many match-winners in the final third is the main reason the Sounders are firm favourites.

Their case is also helped by the doubts surrounding Altidore. He's been dealing with a quadriceps strain, but Greg Vanney has been keen to move focus away from his star striker, per Laura Armstrong of the Toronto Star: "He'll get involved in training today and we'll see where he's at. But I'd like the emphasis on the team and not just Jozy."

Armstrong noted how Alejandro Pozuelo was a two-goal hero in relief of Altidore against New York City FC in the Eastern Conference last four. Even so, there is no doubt Altidore's strength on the deck and aggression in the air would boost Toronto's chances.

Vanney's men relied on goals from Nicolas Benezet and Nick DeLeon to see off Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference Final. Yet it will take a stubborn rearguard action, along with more guile and craft from Pozuelo, to help Toronto produce an upset.

Seattle Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro said his Uruguay team-mate Luis Suarez is open to a move to Major League Soccer. 

The Barcelona striker acted as a translator for Lodeiro on a phone call with Sounders general manager Garth Lagerwey during his transfer negotiations in 2016.

Lodeiro told MLSsoccer.com: "I think you need to convince Barcelona [to let him leave]. He wants to come to MLS."

He added: "Sooner or later he'll come to MLS. Well, hopefully. He likes the league. He's always asking me things about it. Hopefully he can also play for Seattle Sounders. It may be a more difficult task. I think it's only a matter of time before he's out here."

After Lodeiro made his move to Seattle, Lagerwey joked that while on the phone with Suarez, the forward had told him he would consider joining them in the future.

The 32-year-old has been with Barca since 2014, and he has contributed a great deal along the way:

Suarez has thrived at the Camp Nou not only because of his technical brilliance and tenacity, but also because enjoys incredible chemistry with Lionel Messi.

They formed a remarkable trio alongside Neymar and have remained a potent partnership since the Brazilian's departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.

AS' Robbie Dunne observed Suarez's importance to Barca during the team's recent 3-1 defeat to Levante, in which he went off injured in the first half:

The striker has netted eight goals this season, but they have papered over some cracks in his form.

He'll be 33 in January, and in recent years it has become increasingly clear he's not quite the player he used to be, even if he has remained a prolific goalscorer.

He doesn't have the same dynamism or intensity he used to, which can harm the fluidity of Barca's play in the final third. Suarez has also struggled somewhat in the UEFA Champions League, where he hasn't found the net away from home since 2015.

In the Blaugrana's 2-1 win at Slavia Prague in October, Barcelona blogger Kevin Williams and Squawka's Muhammad Butt observed his struggles:

His goalscoring means he can still be a valuable asset at the Camp Nou, but it's time for Barca to look to the future.

Suarez's contract runs until 2021, so they could let him see it out—at which point he could move to MLS or elsewhere for free—or move him on at the end of this season, when they can still recoup something for him.

Either way, while he may not be the force he was at his peak, he'd be an outstanding acquisition for a side in MLS, like former Barcelona strikers David Villa and Zlatan Ibrahimovic before him.

Carlos Vela has been named the 2019 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player after a record-breaking season with LAFC:

The Mexican scooped 69 per cent of the weighted vote to take top spot ahead of LA Galaxy's Zlatan Ibrahimovic with 14 per cent and Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez in third on six per cent.

Vela netted 34 goals in 31 regular-season appearances for LAFC as well as contributing 15 assists to pick up the award for the first time in his career.

The striker's exploits helped LAFC top the Western Conference table with 72 points, a massive 16 points ahead of second-placed Seattle Sounders. They also netted 85 goals in what was a record-breaking campaign:

LAFC ran away with the Supporters' Shield and enjoyed a thrilling 5-3 win over the Galaxy in the Western Conference play-off semi-final, with Vela scoring twice.

However, there will be no MLS Cup for Bob Bradley's team after they were beaten 3-1 by Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference final, just their second defeat in 2019.

Major League Soccer offered some highlights of their campaign:

Vela's goals this season also saw him become the highest scoring Mexican player in MLS history, and he is also the first Mexican to scoop the MLS MVP award.

LAFC noted how Vela compares with recent MVP winners:

The 30-year-old was handed the award on Monday in a ceremony at the club's Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles:

There is no doubt that Vela has thrived since arriving at LAFC in January 2018 ahead of their first season in MLS. He had previously enjoyed spells in the Premier League with Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion, and in La Liga at Real Sociedad, Osasuna and Celta Vigo.

Vela also landed the MLS Golden Boot in 2019, beating Ibrahimovic to the trophy. His MVP award also follows on from Bradley being named the 2019 MLS Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year in October.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic updated his Instagram story on Tuesday with the message: "Hola Espana, guess what? I'm coming back!"

It was a statement that split football's social media world, as half racked their brains to figure out where he would fit in and the other half dismissed his words as nothing more than a publicity stunt.

The sceptical bunch were correct to raise doubts, as it turns out Zlatan's words are a hint at a betting company he represents moving into the Spanish market.

But that does not mean he isn't considering his next move. Ibrahimovic sees his contract with MLS expire at the end of 2019, and while negotiations are still open for him to extend with L.A. Galaxy, he's got options to consider all over the globe.

Through speaking to contacts across world football, we have ranked his landing spots from the clubs rumoured to be in pursuit of Zlatan's signature...

8. Bologna

The Serie A club have been linked with a six-month contract offer for Zlatan by Corriere Dello Sport, but playing for any club that is not considered one of the elite just does not seem to be in his DNA. His career path since leaving Malmo i 2001 has seen him play for the game's biggest clubs—even L.A. Galaxy are bigger globally than Bologna if social media followings are anything to go by.

7. Manchester United

Ibrahimovic still keeps an eye on their games and still speaks to a couple of people attached to the club—the idea of helping them again would be tempting. They have been crying out for a goalscorer, but if he's to return to any of his former clubs, this is not a wise choice.

Not only are United struggling, but at 38 years old, the prospect of playing in Europe's most competitive league would be difficult for Zlatan. In August, journalists quizzed him on the prospect of coming back to Old Trafford, and he declared: "I could still play easily in the Premier League. If United needs me, I'm here. But Galaxy has me so I'm sorry."

It was said with a grin, and those in his company that day have told B/R they got the impression his time in England was over for good.

6. Atletico Madrid

On the back of Zlatan's cheeky "I'm coming back" message, we have made checks in case he has offers in Spain. The chances of anything happening back in La Liga are very slim. One contact suggested Granada are reaching out to him "just in case he fancies it," while bookmaker 888sport released odds with Atleti as his most likely destination if he does return.

Insiders working closely with La Liga told B/R they see little chance of it happening.

5. Flamengo

Italian journalist Nicolo Schira of Calciomercato.com tweeted on Thursday that Flamengo are interested in a deal. It's an idea that has been floating about, but B/R understands, via Brazilian contacts, no discussions are happening at this point.

Imagine it, though: Zlatan in Brazil, with the Copa Libertadores finalists. It would be box office.  

4. Perth Glory

The possibility of Zlatan playing in the A-League is genuine—but if he does, it's only going to be very brief. 

Perth Glory have been in contact with agent Mino Raiola, trying to sell the idea of a six-week spell in Australian football as a guest. A club is able to spend an unlimited amount on one guest player, but he must satisfy pre-determined marketability criteria—which Zlatan undoubtedly would. 

The fee to get him, even for such a short amount of time, is likely to be in the region of $1.7 million. Contact has been made, but sources say they are waiting for any sort of response to their idea. 

3.  Boca Juniors

We all know Ibrahimovic is not afraid to push himself into new territory to test himself in new situations, and sources in South America confirmed that there has been interest from both Boca and the player about a potential move. 

Daniele De Rossi joined the club in the summer, and the possibility for Ibrahimovic to follow him could yet open up. It is believed Boca would be able to match the type of financial expectations the player would have, and the atmosphere and passion will no doubt appeal.

2. Inter Miami

Owner David Beckham is good friends with Ibrahimovic, and B/R sources in the U.S insist the former England star has let Zlatan know that the door is always open in Miami if he fancies linking up.

It's an intriguing prospect as the new MLS franchise prepares for their first season and will appeal to Ibra if he decides he wants to stay in America—but not with the Galaxy.

Beckham is expected to sign David Silva from Manchester City for next season, and that would add appeal for Ibrahimovic, who has scored 53 goals since landing in MLS.

1. Napoli

In a recent interview with Gazzetta Dello Sport, Ibrahimovic stated that Italy was "his second home" and that he still has a desire to prove he can make a difference at the very highest level.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has met the player and recently confirmed to Sky Italy that the idea of signing Ibra has been on the agenda for "a few months now." Italian sources say the club have also built good relations with his agent, Raiola.

Ideally, if he returns to Italy, Ibrahimovic wants a club that can challenge for the Scudetto. And while Napoli are eight points off Juventus at the top, the Zlatan effect could prove interesting. 

A few years ago, it would have been pretty unimaginable for him to return to Serie A, but now the prospect of playing under Carlo Ancelotti at one of Europe's most intensely supported football clubs just seems a very exciting fit.

The Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC will face off in the MLS Cup final on Nov. 10 at Seattle's CenturyLink Field, a rubber match four years in the making.

Seattle topped Toronto 0-0 (5-4) in penalties to win the 2016 MLS Cup, and then the Reds got revenge by beating Seattle 2-0 in the 2017 MLS Cup.

Toronto secured its spot in the 2019 MLS Cup on Wednesday night with a 2-1 win over reigning champion Atlanta United FC in the Eastern Conference Final. Nick DeLeon put away the game at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the 78th minute:

Seattle had defeated LAFC 3-1 in the Western Conference Final on Tuesday night. The Sounders finished second in the West to LAFC in the regular season, but the gulf was large enough to consider Tuesday's result a major upset.

LAFC etched itself as the most productive offense in league history. The club claimed the Supporters' Shield with a record-setting 72 points, 16 more than Seattle's 56. LAFC entered the postseason with an all-time most plus-48 goal differential, led by captain Carlos Vela's record-breaking 34 goals.

Seattle knew what it had to do in order to edge the L.A. club for just one game, midfielder Cristian Roldan said afterward, per the Associated Press (h/t Sports Illustrated):

"The many times that we've been to MLS Cup now has been off grit, has been off not playing pretty. It's been off winning in different ways. Today we won in a different way. We locked down defense. We scored on our few opportunities. In other games, maybe we would play pretty. But we knew it was going to be a tough opponent away from home. We adjusted accordingly. Sometimes we would press. Sometimes we would sit back. Overall, it was just a fantastic performance."

Seattle had ousted FC Dallas 4-3 in the first round and Real Salt Lake 2-0 in the semifinals before clashing with LAFC. Throughout this run, forward Raul Ruidiaz has been the Sounders' leading scorer with three goals across three games that included a brace against LAFC.

The most important member, though, may be head coach Brian Schmetzer:

But if there's any team in the league versed in facing Schmetzer in big-game situations, it's Toronto.

Toronto entered this postseason fourth in the Eastern Conference. In the first round, the club took care of fifth-seeded D.C. United 5-1. The second round proved more difficult against top-seeded NYCFC, but Toronto prevailed 2-1 with a brace from striker Alejandro Pozuelo capped by a game-winning penalty in the 90th minute.

Pozuelo was Toronto's leading scorer in the regular season with 12 goals,. Jozy Altidore, whose status remains unclear for the MLS Cup match, was on his heels with 11 goals. Altidore hasn't played at all in the postseason.

However, Toronto proved to have a multifaceted attack en route to the MLS Cup. Against D.C., four other scorers outside of Pozuelo and Altidore found the back of the net. Against Atlanta, Nicolas Benezet and DeLeon handled the scoring.

In that regard, LAFC was the perfect primer for Seattle before taking on Toronto. If the Sounders can wrangle in the most productive offensive attack MLS has ever seen, who's to say they can't contain Toronto?

At the same time, Toronto just ousted the defending champions. Who's to say it can't take down Seattle?

Toronto's 2017 title—the first in franchise history—was won at home at BMO Field one year after the Sounders came into BMO Field and took the Cup back home to Seattle.

Seattle and Toronto faced off once in the regular season, back on April 13, with the Sounders winning 3-2. Altidore scored both of Toronto's goal in that match, for what it's worth, and all signs point to him being unavailable for the final and most important game of the year.

But April was a long time ago, and these two teams' history goes back even further that that. Toronto is faring just fine without Altidore, and Seattle is firing on all cylinders. In other words, prepare for anything.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Major League Soccer career appears set to end on a fiery note, with the Los Angeles Galaxy forward saying "nobody will remember" the division if he leaves after making an obscene gesture to Los Angeles FC supporters on Thursday. 

LAFC got the better of the Galaxy in their playoff showdown, eventually winning an absorbing encounter 5-3. 

The loss brought an end to the Galaxy's season and potentially Ibrahimovic's time at the club, with his contract set to expire in a couple of months. The 38-year-old has been strongly linked with a switch to Serie A side Napoli.

Ibrahimovic had plenty to say after Thursday's game; he was asked why he grabbed his crotch as he left the field after being on the receiving end of some stick from the LAFC supporters.

"They said something," he said, per Darren Wells of the Daily Mirror. "Not being disrespectful, but this is like training for me. The stadium is too small for me. I'm used to playing in front of 80,000. This is a walk in the park."

Kevin Shockey shared footage of the exchange between the Swede and some supporters:

The striker was also quizzed on what comes next for him, with his contract close to expiring.

"What happens next year? I don't know," he said. "If I stay it will be good for MLS because the whole world will watch it. If I don't stay, nobody will remember what MLS is."

Here is more of what the enigmatic forward had to say following the game:

Although the Galaxy were beaten in a fixture that has come to be known as El Trafico, Ibrahimovic made his mark on the game. He set up one goal and scored another to help his team recover from a 2-0 deficit, but eventually the home side were too strong:

Ibrahimovic joined the MLS side in 2018, having been released by Manchester United. While his adventure in the United States appears set to end without an MLS Cup, he's had a major impact on the game in the country.

ESPN FC summed up how impressive he has been in his two seasons with Los Angeles:

Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl congratulated the forward on his MLS stint following Thursday's encounter:

A return to Serie A appears to be next for Ibrahimovic, with Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis confirming he has already met with the striker and held discussions over a transfer. "It would be my wish to see him in Napoli colours," he said, per Sky Sport Italia (h/t Joe Wright of Goal). "It's more than a suggestion, and it depends on him."

On Thursday's evidence, Ibrahimovic still has the fire to play at the top level. After a couple of years away from the European game, it'll be fascinating to see if he still has the quality to thrive against a higher standard of opponent week after week.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic already believes he is the best footballer ever to play in Major League Soccer, but Thursday's playoff clash at the Banc of California Stadium gives him a platform to prove his point one more time.

It's Los Angeles FC versus L.A. Galaxy in a one-off clash that has captured the attention of the City of Angels and sent soccer to the forefront of the sporting agenda. Tickets for El Trafico have hit highs of $300 on the resale market, even more than it would have cost to gain entry to L.A. Clippers vs. Lakers in a week when NBA action returned.

The plot has become so absorbing between these two clubs that the prices are barely surprising.

LAFC—in their second season as a franchise—are the best, most high-scoring team in the United States and striker Carlos Vela is the league's top goalscorer. 

But, largely thanks to the powers of Ibrahimovic, they have still never beaten L.A. Galaxy.

Every time these two meet, there are fireworks, and the Galaxy have won two of the five meetings. Three ended in a draw—but this time that cannot happen. We have to have a winner.  

Despite the better head-to-head record, the Galaxy aren't favourites, yet they do always seem to have the edge.

The twist this time: It could be Zlatan's final game on American soil.

His contract ends in December, and he has made no noises to suggest he will stick around. It would not fit with his profile to disappear quietly. 

"From the moment Zlatan stepped on the field in his first MLS game against LAFC, he has been a sensation," said Susannah Collins, host and reporter for MLS. "Love him or hate him, when he's on the field it's always 'can't-miss soccer' and there will always be a fantastic soundbite to go with it.

"He's the gift that keeps on giving for MLS, and if this is in fact his last game, I for one will miss the heck out of him—because he's so darn entertaining."

After touching down in L.A. in March 2018, Ibrahimovic used his first interview to make a bold statement so typical of his personality: "I'm looking to conquer the U.S. just like I conquered Europe."

Nineteen months on from that day, he feels he has done so. His overall record in MLS is 52 goals from 57 matches, but it is performances against LAFC that have gone a long way to defining him as a great in America. 

Over their five games, he has scored eight goals—yet that does not even come close to telling the full story—so here are two major highlights:

• On his debut, Ibrahimovic came on as a substitute with Galaxy trailing 3-1 to LAFC. He was only on the field for 19 minutes yet helped his team pull one straight back, then scored a brilliant goal from 40 yards before heading a late winner for 4-3.

• In the first El Trafico of 2019 Vela scored twice, but Ibrahimovic outshone him by bagging a hat-trick as Galaxy won 3-2.

Zlatan's issue, though, is that he's probably not the best player in the league right now. LAFC's Vela has set a record for the highest single-scoring season and is expected to be named the league's Most Valuable Player.

Ibrahimovic has had to deal with questions over the Mexican's record all season, and he has not been able to resist the odd dig at his rival—the main one coming in July when he told ESPN he was a superior player to Vela: "By far, because if he's in his prime. How old is he? 29. And he's playing in MLS and he's in his prime. When I was 29 (I was in Europe). Big difference."

Vela has outscored him 34-30 this term, and Collins told B/R: "Zlatan puts it all out there. The guy is on the record saying that no one should compare him and Vela because no one except Zlatan can be Zlatan.

"I think it kills him that Vela won the Golden Boot this season. Vela, on the other hand, is much more subdued and humble in his approach, always giving credit to his team for his success. They are two supremely talented players but with very different mindsets.

"While Vela is the ultimate 'good guy,' Zlatan is the bad guy you still want to watch and you still want to cheer for. And he has the mental edge in these matchups for sure."

From the moment Jonathan dos Santos ran away to celebrate a match-winning goal for L.A. Galaxy at Minnesota United on Sunday night, we have been building towards the circus that is El Trafico: Part 6.

Over the past two seasons, Los Angeles Football Club and the Galaxy have developed a rivalry that feels like it has been ingrained in the game for years.

It's fair to say they do not like each other.

We asked Angel Figueroa, member of Galaxy fans' group Angel City Brigade, what to make of LAFC. The response: "I'll keep it PG: Absolutely fake. As fake as a fanbase can be—for multiple reasons. Perhaps only some respect, if any at all, for the supporters who were around since their Chivas USA days."

LAFC fans have become used to such taunts and Valeria Tapia—part of the team's 3252 supporters' group—told B/R: "They call us a lot of things, but what you see in the stands is pure passion.

"There's nothing fake about us, and if anything, Galaxy fans are just jealous that they don't have a unified front like we do. 

"I am proud to be in the 3252, we work together to create something special. We just introduced our first Korean chant, and it just shows how diverse we are. We are Los Angeles, and we represent the city. They can keep calling us fake, but in the stands, we show the city and the world who we truly are."

Some might find it difficult to understand how such a rivalry can build within two seasons, but these teams genuinely do not like each other.

"It's a safe bet the atmosphere is going to be incredible," MLS writer and analyst Bobby Warshaw said. "You'd expect I'd say that, but The Athletic columnist Molly Knight voted earlier this year that an LAFC game at Banc of California Stadium was the best L.A. sporting event she's ever been to, and Bill Simmons talks regularly about how much he enjoys LAFC games, and he's been to a few sporting events.

"As of right now, it looks like this game will be the toughest ticket to get in league history. As of Tuesday, El Trafico tickets were more expensive than Lakers-Clippers on the opening night of the NBA season."

When the teams played out a 3-3 draw in August (Ibrahimovic scored twice, Vela once, for the record) a crowd of 22,757 were in attendance.

That's pretty much capacity—and the place will be packed again for this one.

"It's hard to say how many Galaxy fans will be there," Figueroa said. "Significantly smaller stadium so obviously demand is higher with less supply—hence the crazy ticket prices. But based on previous games, I'd estimate 30-40 percent of the crowd will be Galaxy supporters. And the atmosphere will likely be as the previous five meetings; electric and unparalleled in the league—but, for sure, extra energy from all sides given what's at stake."

LAFC's 3252, who are based behind one of the goals and are widely considered the noisiest in MLS, will be on top form.

"I've been to all of these matches, and the anticipation is insane each time," Tapia said. "We have the better team, but we let many of those games slip away. Regardless of the scoreline, the 3252 will be there supporting 90 minutes-plus.

"I don't let my emotions get in the way of supporting my team, I only get louder and give the best support I can give because I expect the same from my team. We are the best team in the MLS history, but we just need to beat the Galaxy to make sure there are no doubters."

LAFC are clear favourites, with an 85 percent chance of making it through to the Conference Finals, according to projections. But beyond that? You just need to watch this game.

"It's a fair bet something special will happen, for two reasons," Warshaw said. "First, history. Every time these teams have played, something incredible has happened. Second, the 'wow' factor is built into how the teams play.

"It's constructed differently for teach team, though. The Galaxy are built around the stars, so they give the stars allowance to do what they want. If you give Zlatan and Cristian Pavon and Jonathan dos Santos the freedom to try things, they will do some ridiculous stuff.

"LAFC, conversely, are all about the cohesive unit. And they have built the more cohesive unit in league history. Their counter-pressing and transitions and line-breaking passes can be breathless. I'm partial to LAFC's style more than Galaxy, but everyone has his or her own preference."

In the player stakes, Vela has so far edged out Ibrahimovic this season; in the team stakes, the Galaxy have a psychological edge given they have never lost this fixture.

But you just have to wonder how the former Sweden international will rise on this stage—driven by the fact he will not want his final game in the U.S. to be defeat at the hands of the rivals.

Yet you have to wonder, too, whether LAFC—so bruised by past results—will bounce back to produce a beating they are more than capable of dishing out.

"The fanbases do not like each other. The teams do not like each other. And the fact that LAFC, despite winning the Supporters' Shield and being the best team in the league, has not figured out how to beat the Galaxy only adds fuel to the fire," MLS host Collins said.

"Every single time these two teams have faced off it's been scintillating. Add a single elimination playoff game into the equation? It's going to be fire. I can't wait." 

No one can wait. This has the ingredients to be one of the most memorable games MLS has ever seen.

Listen to Dean every week on the B/R Football Ranks podcast. New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe here. 

Los Angeles Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said Sunday's Major League Soccer Cup playoff clash with Minnesota United "could be" his last game for the club. 

The veteran striker is currently in his second season with the Galaxy and the upcoming contest will be his first playoff game for the team. 

While Ibrahimovic will be hopeful his side can win on the road and keep their MLS Cup hopes alive, speaking ahead of the match, the 38-year-old conceded there is a chance the upcoming fixture may be his final outing for the Galaxy, per Chris Burton of Goal:

"Could be. There are no other thoughts, I respect my contract. If I leave you will have less to write about.

"If I stay you will still have something to write about. Let's see what happens. But let's focus on the play-off. I think [my future] is not the right thing to discuss. I've had a good time, good experience. I've learned a lot on how it works here, still a work in progress.

"I've enjoyed it and that's the most important. I came back from my injury and came like a little kid that just wanted to enjoy football. MLS gave me the opportunity and I took it."

Ahead of the crucial playoff game, Ibrahimovic took some time to return to his homeland, where a statue was unveiled of him:

Ibrahimovic is nearing the end of his current contract with the Los Angeles outfit and rumours have been rife regarding a possible move back to European football.

When asked if he could still cut it in some of European football's top leagues, Ibrahimovic said "I know I could still make the difference" and "I'd do better than the players who are there now." Per Burton, the striker joked in August that he'd still be able to do a job for former club Manchester United.

Ibrahimovic suffered a serious injury during his time with the Red Devils and there were questions as to whether he would be able to recover fully. But in MLS, he's found goalscoring straightforward:

The Galaxy will be hopeful their star man can maintain those standards in the post-season, as they will face a big test at Allianz Field on Sunday. In the regular season, Minnesota were only beaten once on their own patch.

Earlier in the campaign, Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated predicted Ibrahimovic would be decisive in these key encounters at the end of the season:

As talismanic a figure as Ibrahimovic is, he will need help from his team-mates if the Galaxy are going to get through to the next stage of the bracket. 

Defensively, the Los Angeles side have struggled throughout the campaign and they were defeated 4-2 by Houston Dynamo in their last regular season match. If they can add some more cohesion to their play, in Ibrahimovic they have a game-changer at the point of the attack.