After 33 matches, the Seattle Sounders will have one final go-around in 2025 regular season competition on Saturday when the team faces New York City FC at Citi Field on Decision Day.
“We're going to go and try to fight for the three points,” said forward Jesús Ferreira.
The No. 5 team in the West will take on their counterparts in the Eastern Conference in what will be a fierce match-up between two strong sides on Saturday afternoon.
Currently at 56 points, New York is still searching for higher playoff seeding while steering clear of dropping to 7th place, making this match a significant one for the Pigeons.
The Sounders are locked in as the 5th seed but remain determined for a win as they look to finish the regular season on a high note.
“Whatever team we put out there, we're not going to fly all the way to New York just to roll over,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer.
The Rave Green are in for a challenge given New York’s strong run of form at home this season with 11 total wins — the second most in MLS in 2025 behind Charlotte FC and Philadelphia Union (12). Additionally, players like Alonso Martínez are sure to bring the heat on offense; the forward currently has 17 goals in 29 matches.
But, the Sounders encapsulate something that has proven successful regardless of who is on the pitch. As shown in the team’s Oct. 11 win over Real Salt Lake, the Sounders’ depth and chemistry puts the team in position to compete against any team in the league.
“We have a group of guys here that are always ready for whatever the league might throw [at us],” said Ferreira.
Despite being without Cristian Roldan, Nouhou, Snyder Brunell, Georgi Minoungou, Obed Vargas, and Reed Baker-Whiting due to international duty, along with Albert Rusnák, who had a one-game suspension, the collective mindset the entire roster possesses granted them consecutive wins in league play over the last two weekends.
“I think we can trust everybody and [Schmetzer] can confidently say that he trusts everybody who he puts out on the field,” said fullback Kalani Kossa-Rienzi. “And it's a little bit cliche, but when we all do stand together and are able to get out there, we feel unstoppable.”
The goal is to emulate that on Saturday as the team looks to maintain momentum heading into the postseason.
“We have to start thinking like [it’s] playoff time and show that we're here for business,” said Ferreira. “We have to go out there and show what we can do.”
