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Everything you need to know about Sounders-Minnesota

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Everything you need to know about Sounders-Minnesota


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

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Minnesota

None

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

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Niko and Jeremiah talk through the possible sale of the Sounders

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So Minnesota: Enchanted Fantasy Film Museum brings Hollywood magic to Twin Cities

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So Minnesota: Enchanted Fantasy Film Museum brings Hollywood magic to Twin Cities


So Minnesota: Enchanted Fantasy Film Museum brings Hollywood magic to Twin Cities

One museum in the Maplewood Mall brings a part of Hollywood glamour to the Twin Cities.

William Swift is the owner and curator of Enchanted Fantasy Film Museum.

“I own the largest display of film costumes in North America, which is crazy,” Swift said.

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There are more than 350 costumes and props on display from over 90 films and TV shows.

“I have stuff from Narnia, the Power Rangers, and have quite an extensive collection from Game of Thrones,” Swift said. “It’s just so cool and so fun to share with people such a grand collection. We never get anything like this in Minnesota or even really in the Midwest.”

Years ago, Swift, a longtime film buff, started collecting screen-used movie memorabilia in auctions. In 2024, he opened the museum with his massive collection.

“Eventually I ran out of room in my house, and I thought maybe it was time to take that leap of faith,” Swift said.

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MyPillow’s Mike Lindell announces he’s running for Minnesota governor as a Republican

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MyPillow’s Mike Lindell announces he’s running for Minnesota governor as a Republican


MyPillow founder and CEO Mike Lindell has announced he will run for Minnesota governor in 2026 against incumbent Gov. Tim Walz.

Lindell, 64, last week filed the paperwork to potentially run, but at the time said he hadn’t yet 100% decided on a gubernatorial run. On Thursday, he made it official.

“After prayerful consideration and hearing from so many of you across our great state, I’ve made the decision to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race,” Lindell posted on social media Thursday. “I’m still standing and I’ll stand for you.”

Lindell will run as a Republican and a noted ally of President Trump, and enters a crowded field of names who have already tossed their hats into the ring, as Walz, a Democrat, attempts to secure an unprecedented third consecutive four-year term as Minnesota’s governor.

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“We’ve seen what happens when we elect a con man to the highest office in America,” Walz said Thursday, responding to Lindell’s announcement. “We can’t let it happen here in Minnesota.”

In addition to Lindell, state House Republican speaker Lisa Demuth has already announced a run for governor, as well as Scott Jensen, the Republican candidate who lost to Walz in the 2022 midterms. Other Republican hopefuls include Minnesota Rep. Kristin RobbinsKendall Qualls and defense lawyer Chris Madel

Lindell launched a campaign website, listing his main campaign priorities as including stopping fraud, fixing “failing school systems,” stopping “exploding property taxes” and “send(ing) illegal immigrants back.” 

Lindell’s MyPillow has been at the center of a number of legal issues through the years, and earlier this year was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to shipping company DHL.

Also, a judge this year ruled that Lindell defamed election technology company Smartmatic after he alleged their voting machines rigged the 2020 presidential election in favor of former President Joe Biden. Lindell made similar unfounded claims against Dominion Voting Systems.

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Minnesota has a history of political outsiders overperforming in statewide races, most notably former Gov. Jesse Ventura’s surprising win in 1998, but also it’s been two decades since a Republican won a statewide race in the increasingly blue-tilting state. 

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Minnesota leaders criticize Gov. Tim Walz over alleged fraud scheme oversight | Fox News Video

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Minnesota leaders criticize Gov. Tim Walz over alleged fraud scheme oversight  | Fox News Video


Gen Z influencer Isabel Brown and political consultant Michelle Backus consider the potential of the alleged Minnesota fraud scandal to snowball further and praise I.C.E. operations amidst criticism from religious leaders on ‘Fox News @ Night.’



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