Minnesota United and the Seattle Sounders square off this Saturday at Allianz Field in a clash that’s worth more than three points. It’s third versus fourth in the West, with just three points between them and two very different stories that could define how each side finishes the season.
The Loons come in trying to stop a slide after consecutive losses, hoping to avoid a dip that threatens their spot near the top. Seattle, on the other hand, arrives in form, unbeaten in weeks, the mood in their locker room completely turned around and the team looking once again like a genuine title contender. Anyone following MLS knows this one has the feel and weight of a playoff night.
Minnesota searching for a way back
The pressure’s on Minnesota after dropping two straight, the most recent a 2-1 defeat at home to Colorado Rapids. It marked the first time all season the Loons lost back-to-back, something they hadn’t experienced since June of 2024 when a miserable run of six losses and nine winless games derailed them. Before the Leagues Cup break things actually looked brighter — they had strung together some important wins and were leaning on one of the tightest defenses in MLS, a unit that has still only allowed 30 goals in 26 matches.
Up front, the spotlight’s on Canadian forward Tani Oluwaseyi, who’s already hit 10 goals with eight assists, enough to catch the eye of clubs in Europe. In goal, fellow Canadian international Dayne St. Clair should be busy against Seattle’s attack. For Minnesota, the real task is stopping this rough patch from snowballing into a crisis and holding off a direct rival that comes in red hot.
Seattle rolling into form
Seattle’s in a very different place. Since bowing out of the Club World Cup, the Sounders have put together a 10-game unbeaten streak, picking up seven wins and three draws. They’ve poured in 29 goals in that stretch, proof the attack has found its rhythm again. Last weekend, even missing starters, they hammered LA Galaxy 4-0 on the road. Danny Musovski scored twice, Snyder Brunell grabbed a goal on his MLS debut, and Paul Rothrock forced an own goal. History leans their way too.
Since 2017, the Sounders have racked up 12 wins, two draws and only two defeats against Minnesota. The Loons managed their lone home win over Seattle earlier this year, back in June. Right now, Seattle sits on 41 points from 25 matches, three behind Minnesota with a game still in hand. That means they could draw level with the Loons this weekend. For Minnesota, it’s about cutting off Seattle’s momentum and keeping a grip on their spot in the West’s top three.