Minnesota United vs. Seattle Sounders: Game 2 Preview
The Seattle Sounders are set to host Minnesota United at Lumen Field on Monday, November 3, 2025, in a crucial Game 2 of their best-of-three first-round MLS Cup Playoff series. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. PT. The match will be televised on FS1, FOX Deportes, TSN/RDS, and available on Apple TV+ via MLS Season Pass. Radio coverage will be available on the iHeart App, SiriusXM FC 157, and El Rey 1360AM in Spanish.
Minnesota United currently leads the series 1-0 after a scoreless draw in Game 1 that saw them prevail 3-2 in a penalty shootout. This victory puts the Loons in a position to advance to the second round with a win in Seattle. The Sounders, on the other hand, are facing elimination and must win to keep their season alive and force a Game 3 back in Minnesota.
What's at Stake
For Seattle, the equation is simple: win or go home. A victory would extend their playoff run and give them a chance to continue their pursuit of the MLS Cup. A loss would mean an early exit from the playoffs. The Sounders will be looking to leverage their strong home form, where they had only one loss in 17 MLS matches during the 2025 season. However, that one loss did come against Minnesota United.
Minnesota has the opportunity to close out the series and advance to the Conference Semifinals. A win in Seattle would mark their first away playoff victory in normal time since December 2020. Coach Eric Ramsay is keen to build on the momentum from Game 1 and avoid a decisive Game 3.
Keys to the Game
Seattle will need to convert their dominance in possession and chance creation into goals. In Game 1, the Sounders controlled nearly every phase of the game with 70% possession and 2.37 expected goals, but failed to find the net. They must also tighten up defensively and limit Minnesota's counterattacking opportunities. Albert Rusnák believes the team plays better at home and wants to use that advantage to level the series.
Minnesota will aim to replicate their compact defensive setup and explosive counterattacks. Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair will need to continue his excellent form, while the Loons' attackers must capitalize on their chances. According to Ramsay, key areas of improvement include winning one-on-one battles around the penalty area.
Odds and Predictions
As of November 2, 2025, bookmakers have the Seattle Sounders as favorites to win, with odds of -179, implying a 64% chance of victory. Minnesota United are the underdogs at +430, implying a lower probability of winning. The over/under for total goals is set at 2.5.
One prediction suggests a 1-0 victory for Seattle Sounders, trusting their experience and the home crowd to lead them to victory in this must-win contest. Another match prediction favors Seattle Sounders, highlighting their strong home record and the number of players who have scored multiple goals at home during the regular season.
Team News
Seattle has several players on the injury list, including Georgi Minoungou, Obed Vargas, Cristian Roldan, Ryan Kent, Kim Kee-Hee, and Paul Arriola. Minnesota will be without Carlos Harvey due to injury.
The predicted lineups are as follows:
- Seattle Sounders (4-2-3-1): Stefan Frei (GK), Alex Roldan, Yeimar Gomez, Jackson Ragen, Nouhou Tolo, Obed Vargas, Cristian Roldan, Jesús Ferreira, Albert Rusnák, Paul Rothrock, Jordan Morris
- Minnesota United (5-4-1): Dayne St. Clair (GK), Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Jefferson Díaz, Michael Boxall, Nicolás Romero, Anthony Markanich, Joseph Rosales, Nectarios Triantis, Wil Trapp, Joaquín Pereyra, Robin Lod
With their season on the line, expect a determined performance from the Seattle Sounders. However, Minnesota United has proven to be a resilient and adaptable team, making this a difficult encounter to predict.
