SEATTLE – A tense atmosphere brewed at Lumen Field as the Seattle Sounders faced off against Minnesota United in Game 2 of their playoff series on November 3, 2025. It took only three minutes for the home crowd to express their frustration when Minnesota”s goalkeeper, Dayne St. Clair, began time-wasting tactics immediately after learning he had been named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Teammate Joaquin Pereyra appeared to exaggerate an injury after a minor collision with Cristian Roldan, further irritating the fans.
Referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere had to intervene early in the match to calm tensions, signaling a reset between team captains. The Sounders, needing a win to stay alive in the best-of-three series, found their antidote in scoring, and Obed Vargas played a crucial role by netting two goals in the contest, helping Seattle secure a 4-2 victory and forcing a decisive Game 3 this coming Saturday.
The match is scheduled to air at 1 PM from Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota. By winning, the Sounders not only avoided being swept in the series but also denied Minnesota a perfect record against Seattle at home this season. Remarkably, the Loons were the only MLS team to defeat the Sounders at Lumen Field this year, marking a significant achievement since Minnesota joined MLS in 2017.
Seattle”s forward Jordan Morris initiated the action with a run into the box, which led to a corner kick after his attempt was blocked. Midfielder Albert Rusnak sent in a corner that was initially defended well, but it fell to Vargas, whose left-footed strike in the eighth minute proved too strong for St. Clair to handle.
As Minnesota slightly relaxed their defensive pressure, the Sounders capitalized with quick, intricate passing. In the 21st minute, Roldan won possession and crossed to Jesús Ferreira, who headed it to Morris. Morris tapped the ball past St. Clair, extending Seattle”s lead to 2-0.
Despite the scoreboard, St. Clair and his teammates continued their gamesmanship, prompting the 30,085 fans in attendance to roar with disapproval every time he touched the ball. The Sounders finally appeared to settle into their rhythm in the 41st minute, with Yeimar leading a buildup that resulted in a goal from Danny Musovski, who celebrated his career-best 17 goals across all competitions this season. However, Minnesota managed to respond quickly, scoring two goals before halftime due to defensive lapses from Seattle.
Loons forward Robin Lod intercepted a pass leading to a counterattack that was finished by Nectarios Triantis. Just four minutes later, another defensive error allowed Lod to score again, bringing the halftime score to 3-2 in favor of the Sounders.
In the second half, Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer made tactical changes, substituting right back Alex Roldan for Kalani Kossa-Rienzi. Tensions remained high, especially after a non-call on Musovski, who was fouled near the box. Schmetzer proceeded to replace Musovski with winger Paul Rothrock in the 66th minute.
Rothrock had a significant impact late in the game, winning the ball on the left wing and passing it to Vargas, who fired another shot, deflecting off Hassani Dotson for a goal in the 86th minute. Vargas celebrated by spreading his arms wide, mimicking flight as the fans erupted in cheers.
Schmetzer”s strategy of fielding two forwards paid off, particularly as Musovski”s standout season was partly due to increased playing time from Morris” injuries. Meanwhile, Minnesota”s coach Eric Ramsay opted to keep his starting lineup unchanged throughout the match.
