While both teams had already clinched a playoff spot before MLS Decision Day, Seattle Sounders vs Minnesota United was a big match. The winner would not only guarantee a home playoff game but also finish second in the MLS Western Conference. With LAFC earning a bye from finishing first, the second-place team would earn the highest seed spot in the quarter-finals, guaranteeing a route to the semi-finals without facing Supporters’ Shield winners LAFC.
On paper, both teams looked fairly even throughout the game, but a header from Román Torres was enough to secure all three points for the Seattle Sounders. Find out exactly how the Sounders managed to overcome Minnesota United in this tactical analysis.
Lineups
Brian Schmetzer only made two changes to his side that beat San Jose in the penultimate match week of the MLS regular season. Román Torres came back into the lineup after Xavier Arreaga received a red card against San Jose. This meant that Kim Kee-hee remained in the centre of defence for the Sounders. Nicolás Lodeiro also made his way into the lineup after replacing Víctor Rodríguez. The side lined up in a 4-2-3-1.
Adrian Heath made four changes to his side that squeezed a point out of their match against LAFC. Chase Gasper returned to the lineup after being sidelined because of suspension while Ángelo Rodríguez, Ethan Finlay and Osvaldo Alonso made their way into the starting XI, replacing Mason Toye, Robin Lod and Lawrence Olum respectively. Minnesota United lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation.
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