Sporting Kansas City vs Seattle Sounders Fc Picks and Predictions July 12th 2025

Sounders Travel to Face Sporting KC Without Captain Stefan Frei

The Seattle Sounders are heading into a challenging road test against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night without the leadership of longtime captain and goalkeeper Stefan Frei, who is sidelined due to a concussion. With Western Conference playoff spots heating up, this clash offers crucial points for both clubs.

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Frei Out, Thomas In as Sounders Adjust

Frei’s absence comes after a late injury in Seattle’s 1-1 draw with the Columbus Crew. Backup Andrew Thomas will step into the starting role as the fifth-place Sounders (8-6-6, 30 points) seek to build on recent home form and gain ground in the standings.

“We all know the risk that we run when we step on the field,” said Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas. “It comes with the job. Stef is a symbol of what we’re all supposed to be. He puts his body on the line for the team, and he would do it again if the play was there.”

Seattle hasn’t played away since June 8, having hosted multiple Club World Cup and MLS matches, including a 2-0 win over Austin FC. Now, they face a tough summer road environment in Kansas City.

“It’s always tough to go (to Kansas City) in the summer, especially. It’s gonna be hot, it’s gonna be humid,” added forward Jordan Morris. “They started off the season a little bit rough, but they’ve turned things around.”

Sporting KC Climbing Back with Joveljic Leading the Charge

Sporting KC (6-10-5, 23 points) sit just three points outside the playoff line and appear rejuvenated under interim coach Kerry Zavagnin. With Dejan Joveljic in red-hot form—currently tied for fourth in the Golden Boot race with 12 goals—Kansas City is unbeaten in its last three outings (2-0-1).

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“Each week we’ve taken a few steps forward,” Zavagnin said. “And that’s put us in a better position than we were a few months ago.”

This will also mark the first time Seattle faces Sporting without longtime coach Peter Vermes on the opposite sideline—a major change after 15 years of rivalry.

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With Seattle navigating key absences and Sporting KC finding form, this Western Conference clash could go either way. Be sure to review the latest MLS Betting Predictions to guide your picks as playoff races intensify.