Minnesota United is primed for an exciting showdown against the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference playoffs, scheduled for October 28 at Allianz Field.
The match marks the first round of a best-of-three series and is anticipated to be a thrilling encounter given the longstanding rivalry between the two clubs.
With Minnesota demonstrating impressive form this season, fans are eager to see how they perform against their Western Conference foes.
The Loons made headlines earlier in the season by becoming the only team to defeat Seattle at their home ground, Lumen Field.
Their victory adds an extra layer of intensity to this upcoming match, especially considering both teams finished closely in the regular season standings.
Minnesota ended the regular season in fourth place with 58 points, while Seattle came in fifth with 55 points.
This close ranking suggests that fans can expect a competitive match, especially since both teams are entering the playoffs with something to prove.
Kick-off is set for 06:30 AM IST, and the match will be officiated by a yet-to-be-determined referee, with VAR technology in use.
Recent form highlights a mix of results for Minnesota United, who have recorded two losses, one draw, and one win in their last five matches.
In contrast, the Sounders have secured three victories, one draw, and one loss in their recent outings, reflecting a stronger finish to the season.
One key player to watch for Minnesota will be Kelvin Yeboah, who is returning from a hamstring injury.
The Ghana-born Italian forward has become an essential player for the Loons this season, netting nine goals, and his return could significantly impact Minnesota’s chances in the playoffs.
Yeboah, who has a rich history in European football with teams like Sturm Graz, Genoa, Standard Liege, and Montpellier, will be eager to showcase his renown on the pitch once again.
On the opposing side, Seattle will look to their star forward Jordan Morris, a player known for his resilience both on and off the field.
Morris has had great success with the Sounders since 2012, accumulating over 200 appearances and scoring 71 goals.
His journey, having dealt with type 1 diabetes, has only solidified his reputation as a fighter, making him one to keep an eye on as Seattle attempts to advance in the playoffs.
In terms of match statistics, Minnesota United averages 1.64 goals at home, while Seattle registers 1.48 away goals.
Interestingly, Seattle has scored in ten consecutive matches, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
When Minnesota takes an early lead at home, they boast a remarkable 78% win rate, indicating their strength in maintaining a lead.
As for injuries, Minnesota will be without Ho-yeun Jung and Carlos Harvey, while Seattle will miss Paul Arriola, Ryan Kent, Yeimar Gomez-Andrade, and Pedro de la Vega.
Historically, the head-to-head record favors Seattle, who have won 16 out of 26 total matches against Minnesota.
The Loons have managed to secure only six wins, while there have been four draws.
With this context, Minnesota’s predicted lineup features a 5-4-1 formation, while Seattle is likely to field a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The anticipation surrounding this clash remains high as both teams vie for a spot in the Conference semi-finals of the MLS playoffs.
While Seattle leads in historical matches, Minnesota is determined to turn the tide in their favor on home turf.
In this thrilling playoff encounter, predictions suggest the match may end in a 1-1 draw as both sides battle fiercely for advancement.
Fans can catch all the action, as every MLS match in 2025 will be broadcast worldwide on Apple TV.
image source from：khelnow
