The Seattle Sounders will be playing for their postseason lives, again. Unlike Game 2, though, Minnesota United will be in the same boat when they play at Allianz Field at 1 PM today. The Sounders are coming off a 4-2 win on Monday. The winner will face the winner of the San Diego FC-Portland Timbers series.

Here’s what you need to know:

Injury news

Sounders

OUT: Paul Arriola (knee); Pedro de la Vega (knee)

Minnesota United

None

Opposition players to watch

Nectarios Triantis: The box-to-box midfielder has probably been the Loons’ best player in the first two matches of the series, scoring a goal in Game 2 but generally keeping Obed Vargas and Cristian Roldan busy. If the Sounders can win this midfield battle, they’ll be in good shape.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane: The winger has been playing a variety of positions but seems most likely to be deployed as a wingback if Kelvin Yeboah returns to the starting lineup. Hlongwane has been a handful for the Sounders and has been especially dangerous whenever the Loons get out in transition.

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Stats to look smart

12 — The Sounders have gone 12-5 in must-win matches in the MLS playoffs during Brian Schmetzer’s tenure. That includes a win on Monday and a win in the only other Game 3 they’ve ever played (in 2023).

0 — The Loons have gone 0-4 in their last four elimination games, a streak that stretches back to 2020 when they lost to the Sounders in the Western Conference finals.

Tactics to impress

Although they are mostly known for their five-man backline, the Loons have been sneaky good when they’ve decided to press. We saw that again on Monday when they scored both of their goals off turnovers during first-half stoppage time. Don’t be surprised if they pick a few more opportunities to turn up the pressure.
The key to the Sounders’ offensive performance this year has been an ability to get extra numbers into the attack. That’s often the product of one or even both of Vargas and Cristian Roldan pressing forward and creating overloads. The Sounders will need to be mindful of not getting countered, though.