They’ve done it twice (thrice) this season, but can the Loons get one more win over Seattle?

It all comes down to a third match on Saturday afternoon in St. Paul as Minnesota United aims to get past the Seattle Sounders in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. The Sounders have long been the achilles heel to Minnesota United FC with the Loons only managing three regulation wins in the 21 matches they’ve played against the Sounders. Monday night in Seattle was no different than most of the previous meetings in the Emerald City, with the Sounders dominating the match and taking a massive 4–2 win to stave off elimination and force a do or die game three.

One key for MNUFC on Saturday will be the continued performance of their top tier defence and the brick wall in goal known as Dayne St. Clair. Across their four meetings this season the Sounders have scored six goals on the Loons, though four came in their meeting on Monday in Seattle. The attacking side is still a weak spot for Minnesota since Tani Oluwaseyi’s departure to Spain and the Loons will almost certainly look to add another forward in the offseason. But in the interim Minnesota has gotten back on their feet, or I should say taken flight again, with the attack. Joaquín Pereyra, Anthony Markanich, Robin Lod, and Nectarios Triantis have given some life back to the attack, having scored seven goals in Minnesota’s last five matches. MNUFC will need to control the momentum, even without the ball, on Saturday afternoon to avoid yet another defeat to the Sounders.

“It [last match] felt like we wrestled the momentum back in the game, which I think was so important. We want to make sure that we take that tomorrow,” Eric Ramsay said on Friday. “That was the biggest thing that we took away from that game. I think had we had gone under, had we not shown any response, had three got to four or five or whatever, then this week would have been significantly tougher. But I think that we were able to get ourselves back in the game.”

Even on the road in a deciding game, the Sounders are the favourites to win and advance to the second round. Seattle has gained back two players since the start of the series with Ryan Kent and Kim Kee-hee both being available for selection after recovering from injury. Sounders and US soccer coaching legend Brian Schmetzer’s side have gone on a tear, not having lost (in regulation) since 21-September against Austin FC. Seattle has struggled in front of goal since mid-September, having scored more than a single goal only three times since 15-September. Obed Vargas will be the man the Loons need to shut down after his stellar performance and brace on Monday night. The 20 year old defensive midfielder has had quite the season with the Alaskan native making 28 appearances for Seattle, appearing in the MLS All Star Game, along with making six appearances for the Mexican U20 national team.

News & Notes

Dayne St. Clair was named to the 2025 MLS Best XI, becoming only the third Canadian in the past decade to be named to the squad.

Two Loons (so far) headed for international duty. Carlos Harvey has been called up to Panama for their World Cup qualifiers against Guatemala & El Salvador. Dayne St. Clair has also called up for Canada’s friendly vs El Salvador on 13-November.

Another blackout afternoon for Loons fans as the Wonderwall is aiming for everyone to wear all black tomorrow. Pre-match the Red Loons and Dark Clouds will pregame at Black Hart while True North Elite will be at Midway Saloon. The full Wonderwall will have their march to the match at 2pm from the Loon statue on Snelling and University.

After calling nearly every match from 2017-22 Callum Williams and Kyndra de St. Aubin reunite for another Loons match. They’ll be on the call together for the Apple TV broadcast of the match.

Availability

MIN | Out: Hoyeon Jung (SEI) ; Questionable: None

SEA | Out: Paul Arriola (knee), Pedro de la Vega (knee) ; Questionable: None

Staff Predictions

Ashle Paige: 1–1, someone wins in penalties (yes this is the same prediction from game one)

Michael Lake: 3–0 Loons (my kid’s prediction, and I like this energy)

Seth Steffenhagen: 1–1 going to PK’s with GKOY DSC saving the day

Tim McLaughlin: Loading…

Bridget McDowell: Loading…