Galaxy vs. Sounders preview: Western Conference foes battle on Sunday

The Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders meet on Sunday night for a big Western Conference matchup that could be a preview of a potential playoff battle. If Seattle wins, it passes Real Salt Lake for the No. 2 seed. If the Sounders lose, they finish third for the year.

The Galaxy enter the game with 51 points thus far, which is good for fourth place in the West. Los Angeles has 15 wins, 12 losses and six draws in 2012. Look for Robbie Keane, Landon Donovan and David Beckham, who lead the team in goals scored this season, to force the issue against a talented Sounders defense.

As for the Sounders, they sit in third place with 56 points. They've won 15 matches, tied 11 times and lost just seven times, which ties them for second-fewest in the entire league. Seattle is led by Eddie Johnson and Fredy Montero, who have combined for 27 goals this season.

Tonight's match is set to begin at 6 p.m. Pacific time.