The Seattle Sounders host Minnesota United on Sunday in the final match of the 2019 MLS regular season. Here is everything you need to know:
MATCHDAY GUIDE
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. PT at CenturyLink Field (TICKETS),
WHERE TO WATCH: The match will be televised on JOEtv, YouTube TV and Univision-Seattle.
WHERE TO LISTEN: The match will air on 950 KJR AM and El Rey 1360 AM.
2019 RECORDS AND STANDINGS: Sounders: 15-10-8 (53 points, 3rd West), United: 15-10-8 (53 points, 2nd West)
FORM GUIDE (most recent first): Seattle: WLDWL, Minnesota: DWDWL
ALL-TIME HISTORY: The Sounders are 4-0-1 all-time against the Loons, including a 2-0-0 mark at home.
PREVIOUS MEETING: The Seattle Sounders battled back to earn a 1-1 draw against the Loons at Allianz Field back on May 19. The hosts took an early lead courtesy of Ike Opara, with the center back redirecting a lofted free kick past Stefan Frei in the 26th minute. Seattle responded shortly thereafter, as Cristian Roldan smashed a wonder-goal from distance to equalize just before halftime. Despite playing on the road, the Sounders had two golden opportunities to secure the win, with Will Bruin striking the post twice.
WHAT'S AT STAKE: Depending on results Sunday, the Sounders could finish anywhere from second to fifth in the Western Conference standings for the 2019 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Here's a full breakdown of those scenarios.
ONE OF OUR OWN: Seattle Sounders Homegrown winger Jordan Morris has been in scorching form over the last three months. With his match-winning goal against the Earthquakes, the Mercer Island native has ten goals and seven assists in 2019.
CLEAN SHEETS: With the 1-0 against the Earthquakes on Sunday, Frei now has 75 MLS regular-season shutouts in his career.
MORE FREILSTONES: Entering the final match of the 2019 regular season, Frei has racked up 998 career saves across the MLS regular season and postseason. The Seattle ‘keeper is averaging 3.48 saves-per game this year, so he’ll likely break the 1,000-save mark on Sunday.
OZZIE’S RETURN: Former Sounders FC captain Osvaldo Alonso will return to CenturyLink Field on Sunday for the first time since joining Minnesota United in free agency.
BEST XI GIVEAWAY: The first 20,000 fans to show up on Sunday will receive a free Best XI poster by Seattle artist Keegan Hall.
MARATHON MAN: If Roldan plays at least 53 minutes against the Loons on Sunday, he’ll break the 2,500-minutes played for the fourth consecutive MLS regular season.
HISTORY TO REPEAT ITSELF: In five previous meetings, the Sounders have never lost to Minnesota United. The 1-1 draw at Allianz Field back in May was the first fixture in which the Rave Green failed to pick up maximum points. In two previous outings at CenturyLink Field, Seattle has picked up six points by a combined score of 5-2.
