The Seattle Sounders will put the finishing touches on their 2025 regular season today when they visit CitiField to face New York City FC. The Sounders are locked into the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference, but could potentially jump as high as 10th in the Supporters’ Shield standings with a win. NYCFC is effectively fighting for home-field advantage in the first-round of the playoffs.
Here’s what you need to know:
Injury news
Sounders
OUT: Paul Arriola – Knee; Yeimar Gómez Andrade – Hamstring; Ryan Kent – Hamstring; Kim Kee-hee – Calf
New York City
OUT: Keaton Parks – Leg; Malachi Jones – Leg
Opposition players to watch
Alonso Martinez: The Costa Rican forward has quietly been one of the most prolific goal-scorers in MLS over the past two seasons. After scoring 16 in less than 1,500 minutes last year, he has 17 this year. He thrives in space, using his speed to beat opposing defenders.
Maxi Moralez: Yes, the 38-year-old is still pulling the strings for NYCFC. In fact, he’s experienced a bit of a renaissance this year, establishing himself as a starter and logging more minutes than in any season since 2018. His 11 assists lead NYCFC.
Sounder at Heart will receive a portion of all sales made using this link.
Stats to look smart
16 — New York City has been one of the top defending teams at home this year, allowing just 16 goals. That includes allowing just four goals in four games at CitiField where this game will be played.
+1.28 — It has been a theme this year, but the Sounders’ underlying numbers on the road have been pretty good. In fact, their +1.28 expected goal-difference is fourth best among away teams.
Tactics to impress
- Although they’ve historically been known as a team that likes to press, this year’s NYCFC squad has been far more interested in possession. They want the ball more than anything else and are more interested in rest defending. Forcing them to be active defensively could be key.
- This could be just the second time the Sounders start a game with an attacking quartet of Albert Rusnák, Jesus Ferreira, Pedro de la Vega and Jordan Morris. If they can get this group going, sky’s the limit.
Kit matchup
Opposition research
Opposition scouting report: New York City FC
We caught up with Hudson River Blue to get some insight.
Standings
Other reading
Cristian Roldan understands ‘timing is everything’
Sounders midfielder discusses his bid for the 2026 World Cup squad.
Osaze De Rosario named MLSNP’s Pathway Player of Year
Forward scored 17 combined goals for Sounders and Defiance.
After slow start, Jesús Ferreira has gained Sounders’ trust
Ferreira has already set career highs in minutes and has become a fixture on Brian Schmetzer’s lineup sheet.
Cristian Roldan delivers his best USMNT performance ever
Midfielder has two assists in 2-1 win over Australia.
What’s at stake in New York
The Sounders still have plenty to play for, even if positioning isn’t one of them.
More listening
|
Jesús Ferreira has been a lot better for the Sounders than you think
