The Seattle Sounders have been here before. In fact, they’ve been here quite often. This will the 17th time the Sounders have played a literal must-win playoff game since Brian Schmetzer took over in 2016. They have gone 11-5 in their previous 16 such games.

Minnesota United has a little more room for error after winning Game 1 in a penalty shootout, so it’s not a must-win for them. Historically, though, they’ve gone just 2-5 in must-win playoff games and are on a four-game losing streak. They will likely just as well avoid a must-win game if they can help it.

Here’s what you need to know:

Injury news

Sounders

OUT: Paul Arriola – Knee; Pedro de la Vega – Knee

Minnesota

None

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Opposition players to watch

Kelvin Yeboah: The striker wasn’t healthy enough to start in Game 1, but he did come off the bench. It’s not entirely clear if he’s yet been cleared to start, but either way he gives the Loons a look they otherwise don’t have. Yeboah allows the Loons to play a more coherent style, acting as a hold-up player that allows them to build (to the degree they are interested).

Dayne St. Clair: No one cast a bigger shadow of Game 1 then the newly crowed Goalkeeper of the Year. Although he was really only tested a couple of times in regulation, he came up with a massive save in the shootout. His general presence can’t be overstated either as he just makes the goal seem smaller.

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Stats to look smart

2.4 — The Sounders generated 2.4 xG in Game 1, easily the most they had created in a game without scoring this year. If they are able to do that again, scoring at least one goal seems extremely likely.

4 – The Sounders have twice generated four big chances in a game in which they failed to score at least once. Both were against Minnesota United.

Tactics to impress

• The Sounders’ two best chances were generated with Jordan Morris sending in crosses from the right side to Danny Musovski. Don’t be at all surprised if we see that tactic attempted again.
• Minnesota United likely feels like for all the chances they gave up in Game 1, they were ultimately OK with the tradeoff. Their main focus will almost certainly be keeping numbers behind the ball and forcing the Sounders to break them down.

Opposition research

Inside Minnesota United’s rebirth: Playing “like Stoke City on a rainy Tuesday” & buying into data

The Loons’ unorthodox rebuild has seen them develop into one of MLS’s most modern and competitive outfits.

Kit matchup

Playoff bracket

Other reading

Statistical preview: Sounders vs. Minnesota United, Game 2

Match Preview

Of Red Mist & Red Herrings

Drama drives engagement so at the very least the fuel for the narrative was burning brightly.

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Be aggressive, b-e aggressive

Sounders will need goals to get through Minnesota

Sounders likely sticking with Stefan Frei in future shootouts

Schmetzer seems skeptical of swapping in Andrew Thomas just for penalties.

Sounders say they are seeking new investors

The Sounders are enlisting an investment bank to raise capital for various projects, likely including a new stadium.

More listening

Listen to the episode: Click here This player is still in beta, there may be some bugs. Advertisement

Niko and Jeremiah talk through the possible sale of the Sounders

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