The Seattle Sounders are hosting Minnesota United on Saturday in their third and final 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 be televised on JOEtv, KUNS, and Prime Video.
WHERE TO LISTEN: The match will air on 1090 KJR AM and El Rey 1350 AM.
2021 RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Seattle: 12-4-6 (42 points, 1st West), Minnesota: 8-6-7 (31 points, 5th West)
PREVIOUS MEETING: The shorthanded Sounders lost their first match of the season at Minnesota on July 18, ending their MLS-record unbeaten streak of 13 matches to start a campaign. After holding out for 81 minutes at Allianz Field, the Sounders’ defense was breached when Robin Lod found the match-winner.
FORM GUIDE (most recent first): Sounders: LWWWD, Loons: WDDLW
UPDATED HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN: The Sounders announced this week an immediate adoption of King County’s expanded mask mandate for large events. Learn more about the updated health and safety plan HERE.
HOME COOKING: The Sounders have enjoyed tremendous success against the Loons in Seattle. In five all-time meetings, including the postseason, the Sounders are a perfect 5-0-0 and own a 13-4 goal differential. Minnesota’s win against Seattle in July was the club’s first and only victory in nine total meetings.
RETURNING INTERNATIONALS: The Sounders had five players gone during this FIFA window. Cristian Roldan (United States), Alex Roldan (El Salvador), Raúl Ruidíaz (Peru), Brad Smith (Australia) and Xavier Arreaga (Ecuador) all represented their respective countries during World Cup Qualifying. Minnesota’s Jukka Raitala (Finland) and Romain Métanire (Madagascar) will also be returning from international duty.
CHÚ THE RESCUE: Summer signing Léo Chú has been training with the Sounders in Seattle after being introduced to fans during the Portland Timbers match on Aug. 29. The 21-year-old attacker could potentially make his MLS debut on Saturday.
READY FREDDY: Saturday will also mark the Sounders coaching debut of new assistant coach Freddy Juarez. Seattle hired the former Real Salt Lake manager on Sept. 1.
MINNESOTA NICE: Following a disastrous four-match losing streak to open the 2021 season, the Loons have only lost twice in their last 17 matches.
FRENCH FORCE: Designated Player Adrien Hunou enters this weekend fresh off a brace in his last match, giving the Loons all three points in a 2-1 win over the Houston Dynamo. The 2021 MLS newcomer doubled his goal tally and is now second on the team with four on the season.
REYNOSO QUESTION MARK: Loons playmaker Emanuel Reynoso withdrew from the MLS All-Star Game on Aug. 25 and then did not play against the Dynamo on Aug. 28 while dealing with a thigh injury. His status for Saturday appears to be up in the air, and his absence would be a huge blow for Minnesota. He has two goals and a team-high six assists in 19 matches this year.
