The Seattle Sounders are hosting Columbus Crew SC on Sunday in their first and only meeting of the regular season. Here is everything you need to know:
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 2 p.m. PT at Lumen Field (TICKETS).
WHERE TO WATCH: The match will air on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
WHERE TO LISTEN: The match will air on 93.3 KJR FM and El Rey 1360AM.
2025 RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Sounders: 8-6-5 (29 points, 5th West), Crew: 10-3-7 (37 points, 4th East)
FORM GUIDE (all competitions, most recent first): Seattle: WLLLL, Columbus: WWWLD
PREVIOUS MEETING: Booned by a red card late in the first half to goalkeeper Abraham Romero — and without a backup goalkeeper on the Crew’s matchday roster — the Sounders defeated Crew SC 4-0 on Sept. 7, 2024, at Lower.com Field in Columbus. Albert Rusnák recorded a hat trick while Jordan Morris added a fourth.
Healthcare Heroes (vs. Columbus Crew)
We’re raising a toast to our healthcare heroes! With a $32 ticket, you’ll receive a custom Sounders-branded portable cup, perfect for staying hydrated while supporting the Rave Green.
Kickoff at 2:00 p.m. PT on July 6. Gates open at noon.
INTERCONFERENCE CLASH: With the continued addition of new teams to MLS, the opportunity for contests against Eastern Conference teams has become scarce. Columbus is one of just six matches the Sounders will play against the East this season, joining Charlotte FC, Nashville SC, Atlanta United, Inter Miami and New York City FC.
CENTER BACK COVERAGE: With Sounders center backs Yeimar, Kim Kee-hee and Stuart Hawkins injured, and Jon Bell suspended, fullback Alex Roldan admirably filled in next to Jackson Ragen in Seattle’s 2-0 winover Austin FC last weekend. Bell will be back for this one, but Roldan’s ability to cover will give Head Coach Brian Schmetzer more options, especially in a potential formation with three center backs.
RIGHT WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: The Sounders carried over their valiant effort in the FIFA Club World Cup into MLS play, punishing Austin FC from the get-go and cruising toward a much-needed three points.
FREI ON BRINK OF 1,000 SAVES: Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei enters this weekend with 999 saves in his illustrious Sounders career. His first save on Sunday will see him join Nick Rimando as the only two MLS goalkeepers to record 1,000 saves with a single club.
RUSNÁK MILESTONE: Following his first-half assist in the Sounders victory over Austin FC, Rusnák now has a total of 65 career goals and 65 career assists, becoming the 13th player in MLS history to achieve such a feat.
Two Tickets & Two Beers (vs. Columbus Crew)
Come out to Lumen Field to watch the Sounders FC take on Columbus Crew with this special ticket offer sponsored by Michelob Ultra. For just $40 + Taxes & Fees, get two tickets & two beers for the match on.
Kickoff at 2:00 p.m. PT on July 6. Gates open at noon.
INTERNATIONAL ABSENCE: While everyone else has returned from international duty, the Crew are still without defender Max Arfsten, who is with the United States at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. The 24-year-old scored his first international goal on Sunday, helping the U.S. take down Costa Rica in the quarterfinals.
TOUGH TO BEAT: Columbus has been one of the best teams in MLS since Head Coach Wilfried Nancy took over in 2023, and this season is no different. The Crew are one of just six teams with at least 10 wins and are tied for the fewest losses in the league with just three.
POSSESSION BATTLE: The Crew and Sounders both love to be on the ball, as they are first and fourth, respectively, in passes completed. It will be a chess match between Nancy and Schmetzer, as Seattle especially likes to control tempo at Lumen Field.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Diego Rossi, F
The former LAFC forward, now in his third season in Columbus, continues to be one of the most effective goalscorers in Major League Soccer. The 27-year-old Uruguay international has nine goals and four assists in 19 matches this season en route to a 2025 MLS All-Star Game selection.
