Minnesota United FC x Seattle Sounders

Sometimes, it’s just not your night. With a thin squad and a tough environment in Seattle, Minnesota United fell to the Sounders 2-0 in a stop-start match best left to the past. The Loons struggled to find their rhythm, while the hosts, though not spectacular, were good enough to secure the win. The game began with a collision between Devin Padelford and Alex Roldan just 10 seconds in, forcing both players off with head injuries. Jordan Adebayo-Smith replaced Padelford, causing a tactical shift to a 5-2-3 formation, pushing Sang Bin Jeong to right wing-back instead of his intended striker role alongside Bongokuhle Hlongwane.

The early disruption affected both teams, leading to a lackluster first 10 minutes. Seattle found their footing first, playing long balls over the top, but Minnesota's backline, led by Michael Boxall, initially held firm. Sporadic connections between Sang Bin and Bongi and the skillful play of Franco Fragapane offered brief moments of hope for the Loons. However, Seattle's quality shone through in the 28th minute when Albert Rusnák’s pinpoint freekick found Jordan Morris for a clean header, putting the Sounders ahead. The goal boosted the hosts, who grew more dominant with the support of their fans celebrating the club's 50th anniversary.

The second half went from bad to worse for Minnesota. Morris Duggan replaced the injured Boxall at halftime, and despite a brief period of improved play, the Loons failed to capitalize on chances. Caden Clark and Bongokuhle Hlongwane came close, but couldn't find the net. In the 57th minute, Paul Rothrock doubled Seattle’s lead by converting Léo Chú’s cross. The goal deflated the Loons, who struggled to muster a coherent response. Additional substitutes had little impact, and a reckless challenge from Moses Nyeman in the dying moments encapsulated a frustrating night for Minnesota United.

[Photography by Alejandro Sanchez Ochoa]