In a pivotal Major League Soccer playoff encounter, Minnesota United will challenge the Seattle Sounders at Allianz Field on Monday. This match represents their first playoff clash since 2020 and starts a best-of-three series.
Teams Overview
Minnesota United concluded the regular season in fourth place within the Western Conference, amassing 58 points, the highest in the club’s history. Conversely, the Seattle Sounders finished in fifth place, just three points behind Minnesota, despite clinching victory against New York City FC in their final game.
Match Significance
This matchup is particularly crucial for Minnesota United, as it marks their inaugural postseason appearance at home under the new playoff format. While they enjoyed a successful 2025 season with eight wins at Allianz Field, their recent form has not been as strong, with only one win in their last four home matches across all competitions.
Historical Context
During the 2025 regular season, Minnesota United managed to defeat the Sounders in both encounters, including a notable 1-0 win at home. Seattle, however, brings a wealth of playoff experience, having participated in the postseason 16 times out of the last 17 seasons. They enter this match on a four-game unbeaten streak, highlighting their recent resurgence with three consecutive one-goal victories.
Statistics at a Glance
| Statistic | Minnesota United | Seattle Sounders |
|---|---|---|
| Standings | 4th | 5th |
| Points | 58 | 55 |
| Recent Form | 1 Win in Last 4 | 4 Matches Unbeaten |
Team News and Injuries
Both clubs face significant injury challenges as the match approaches. Minnesota United will likely be without Carlos Harvey, who is recovering from a knee injury, and Jeong Ho-yeon, sidelined due to a cruciate ligament tear. Despite these challenges, goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair has been recognized as a Goalkeeper of the Year nominee, boasting an impressive save percentage of 78.9% for the season.
On the Seattle side, they will miss attacking midfielder Pedro De la Vega due to a knee injury sustained in their prior match. Additionally, Yeimar Gomez Andrade and Ryan Kent are nursing muscle injuries, while Paul Arriola continues to recover from a cruciate ligament issue. Nevertheless, Jordan Morris and Jackson Ragen played pivotal roles in their last match, contributing to the team’s recent success.
Predicted Lineups
- Minnesota United: St. Clair; Hlongwane, Diaz, Duggan, Romero, Markanich; Pereyra, Triantis, Trapp, Rosales; Yeboah
- Seattle Sounders: Frei; Bell, Ragen, A. Roldan, Tolo; Paulo, Leyva; Ferreira, Rusnak, C. Roldan; Morris
As both teams gear up for this crucial playoff opener, excitement continues to build. Minnesota United aims to leverage their home advantage, while the Seattle Sounders hope to demonstrate their playoff resilience once again.
