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Minnesota United vs Seattle Sounders MLS Preview: Loons Eager to Rid ‘Sour Taste’ in Playoff Clash
The Minnesota United FC open their postseason run at Allianz Field on Monday, October 27, 2025, hosting the Seattle Sounders in the first match of their Western Conference first-round best-of-three series.
Minnesota finished the regular season in fourth place, earning home-field advantage, but recent form has raised questions. After a disappointing U.S. Open Cup semifinal loss and a sluggish 1-2-1 finish to league play, the Loons enter with something to prove. Seattle, meanwhile, found late-season momentum and closed with three straight wins, reminding the league of their championship pedigree.
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Line Movement and Betting Odds
The latest lines list Minnesota United as narrow home favorites at -112, with the Seattle Sounders priced at +245 and the draw at +240. The total is set at 2.5 goals, with early betting favoring the under due to both sides’ defensive consistency.
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Matchup Breakdown
Minnesota’s campaign featured stretches of top-tier play, but the late-season dip has tested their composure. The loss of striker Tani Oluwaseyi to Villarreal in August disrupted their attack, while injuries to Kelvin Yeboah limited their finishing options. Despite those setbacks, coach Eric Ramsay insists the adversity can sharpen his group’s playoff mentality.
The Loons’ defensive structure remains their anchor, with goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair — a finalist for MLS Goalkeeper of the Year — providing security in net. St. Clair’s command and leadership have been key in narrow results throughout the second half of the season.
The Seattle Sounders, conversely, surged to the postseason following a Leagues Cup title earlier in the year. Head coach Brian Schmetzer’s playoff pedigree is unmatched, guiding Seattle to four MLS Cup finals and two championships since 2016. Striker Jordan Morris, the club’s all-time scoring leader, returned from injury and immediately impacted their late-season wins.
Seattle will, however, miss midfielder Pedro de la Vega, sidelined after season-ending knee surgery. The return of defender Yeimar Gomez Andrade from a hamstring injury adds experience to a back line that must contain Minnesota’s transition-heavy play.
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Key Storylines
Minnesota’s Finishing Drought
The Loons’ attack has lacked a consistent scoring threat since Oluwaseyi’s departure. With Yeboah still regaining fitness, Minnesota will rely heavily on midfield creativity from Franco Fragapane and Robin Lod to generate quality chances.
Seattle’s Postseason Pedigree
Few MLS teams handle playoff pressure like Seattle. With a healthy core and the return of key veterans, the Sounders’ blend of experience and composure makes them a dangerous fifth seed.
Goalkeeper Duel
Dayne St. Clair and Stefan Frei represent two of the league’s top shot-stoppers. St. Clair’s athleticism and Frei’s playoff experience could dictate the tempo in a match expected to be low-scoring and tactical.
Injury Report
Minnesota United
- Kelvin Yeboah (hamstring) – probable
- Bongokuhle Hlongwane (groin) – day-to-day
Seattle Sounders
- Pedro de la Vega (fractured patella) – out
- Yeimar Gomez Andrade (hamstring) – cleared to return
Prediction
Minnesota United has the defensive structure to contain Seattle’s counterattack, but the Sounders’ experience and late-season form make them a live underdog. Expect a physical, cagey opening leg with few clear scoring chances.
Projected Score: Minnesota United 1, Seattle Sounders 1
Best Bet: Draw (+240)
Secondary Lean: Under 2.5 goals (-110)
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