Soccer lingo calls matches like this “six pointers.” The Loons are just ahead of the Seattle Sounders, with both sides thinking that they are capable of making the MLS Cup Playoffs. Minnesota United is built around a no-defense concept that just tries to blast their way through everything.

Brian Schmetzer’s side is built on a defense that can crush the best attacks in MLS. With the recent addition of Raul Ruidiaz the attack is good enough, probably. The main question is if they have enough time to make that run into the playoffs.

Saturday’s match will go a long way toward either team standing above the red line.

Loons in brief

Record: 9-12-1 -9, 8th in West, 12th in Shield

Last Five: L-W-W-W-L with 12 goals scored and 11 conceded

Top Goal Scorer: Darwin Quintero, 9

Top Assist Leader: Darwin Quintero, 8

Top xG+xA: Darwin Quintero, 11.62

Keeper shutouts | saves: Bobby Shuttleworth, 2 | Bobby Shuttleworth, 74

Sounders in brief

Record: 7-9-5 -2, 10th in West, 17th in Shield

Last Five: D-D-W-W-W with 7 goals scored and 2 conceded

Top Goal Scorer: Will Bruin, 5

Top Assist Leader: Nicolas Lodeiro, 6

Top xG+xA: Will Bruin, 8.77

Keeper shutouts | saves: Stefan Frei, 4 | Stefan Frei, 75

How to Watch

Date/Time: Saturday, August 4 @ 5:00 PM

Location: TCF Bank Stadium — Minneapolis, Minnesota

TV: JOEtv

Streaming: YouTube TV (in Seattle and Spokane), ESPN+ (subject to blackouts)

Radio: 950 KJR AM (English), El Rey 1360AM (Spanish)