After sweeping Seattle in 2025, can the Loons do it again in '26

Minnesota United has had a rough start to the 2026 campaign to say the least. Without Michael Boxall at centre-back the Loons have given up nine goals in the past two games, including suffering their worst loss in club history last week. This all came after a draw in Austin and win over Cincinnati to start the 2026 campaign. But manager Cameron Knowles is confident in his teams ability to rebound from the heavy defeat last week.

But without Michael Boxall the question remains will the Loons be able to rebound and get a win against Seattle as they did in 2026. Minnesota has added quite a few new players, though due to visa delays many have not made a first appearance yet for MNUFC. The other big question on everyone's mind is if Colombian superstar James Rodríguez will make his first start. James debuted for the Loons last week in Vancouver coming on as a sub late in the match.

Seattle on the other hand has had an amazing start to the 2026 season, suffering only a single loss in competitive play this season. The Sounders have won their last four straight, including two in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Vancouver Whitecaps. Minnesota will need to shut down Paul Rothrock more than anyone as he has a tendency to give Loons fans a metaphorical gut punch with his goals.

News & Notes

For a more in depth look at the Sounders, check out this weeks Opponent Insight with Sounder at Heart
Michael Boxall and Peter Stroud remain out, with Stroud being out for at least a few more weeks
MNUFC has added two more assistant coaches, with Danny Cruz joining from Louisville City alongside former MLS and USL manager Tom Soehn
Seattle is missing a few big names today. Pedro de la Vega is still out after suffering a knee injury late last year. Yeimar Gomez is still out following suffering an injury a few weeks ago against St. Louis
Want to meet up with fellow supporters ahead of the match? Dark Clouds and Red Loons will be meeting at Black Hart and TNE over at Midway Saloon
This week there IS a March to the Match, meeting at the Loon statue at the corner of Snelling & University at 12:15pm

Availability

MIN | Out: Michael Boxall (adductor), Peter Stroud (quad) ; Questionable: None

SEA | Out: Pedro de la Vega (knee), Yeimar Gomez (hamstring), Andrade (hamstring), Stuart Hawkins (quad), Kim Kee-hee (calf), Ryan Sailor (knee); Questionable: Hassani Dotson (head)