Seattle vs Minnesota Utd: Match Preview, Prediction, Team News
On Tuesday, the Seattle Sounders will face Minnesota United in a crucial Major League Soccer playoff match at Lumen Field. This confrontation marks game two of their best-of-three series in the MLS Cup playoffs. Following a narrow defeat in the first match, where the Loons triumphed in a penalty shootout, Seattle must secure a win to stave off an early exit.
Match Preview: Seattle Sounders vs. Minnesota United
Seattle enters this match under pressure, needing a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive. This is the first time since the introduction of the best-of-three series format in 2023 that the Sounders find themselves trailing. A loss would result in their first opening round playoff exit since 2021.
Seattle’s Performance at Lumen Field
Despite their current predicament, the Sounders have a solid track record at Lumen Field. They are on a nine-game unbeaten streak at home, winning two of their last home games. Coach Brian Schmetzer’s team has historically performed well during playoffs here, not losing their opening playoff match at home since 2010.
- Seattle has won five home matches in 2025 by a single goal.
- Four of those games ended with a clean sheet.
- In past playoff matches against Minnesota at home, Seattle has shown resilience, coming from behind to claim victories.
Minnesota’s Recent Form
For Minnesota United, the playoffs have been promising. They have avoided defeat in their last three playoff fixtures in the first round, securing two clean sheets during this streak. In their regular season, they won eight matches on the road.
- They recently achieved a significant away victory against Seattle, breaking a long losing streak.
- A win tonight would mark their first away playoff victory in normal time since 2020.
Team News and Key Players
Seattle faces several injury challenges ahead of the match. Pedro De la Vega is sidelined with a knee issue, and Ryan Kent is dealing with a muscle strain. Additionally, Kim Kee-Hee’s participation is uncertain, while Paul Arriola is recovering from an injury.
On the Minnesota side, Carlos Harvey and Jeong Ho-yeon will miss the match due to injuries. Dayne St Clair’s goalkeeping has been crucial, as he successfully defended against Seattle’s attempts in the first game.
Projected Lineups
| Seattle Sounders | Minnesota United |
|---|---|
| Stefan Frei (GK) | Dayne St Clair (GK) |
| Alexander Roldan | Romain Metanire |
| Ragen | Michael Boxall |
| Gomez Andrade | Franco Romero |
| Tolo | Markanich |
| Paulo | Wil Trapp |
| Vargas | Triantis |
| Ferreira | Lod |
| Rusnak | Pereyra |
| Rothrock | Rosales |
| Jordan Morris | Yeboah |
Prediction
Anticipation grows around this must-win match for Seattle. While they may not be as dominant as in previous years, their experience and the support of the home crowd could give them the edge. Our prediction: Seattle Sounders 1, Minnesota United 0.
This playoff clash promises to be intense, affecting both teams’ postseason trajectories. Fans from both sides will be eager to see if Seattle can maintain their unbeaten streak at home or if Minnesota can secure another critical win.
