The Seattle Sounders visit Minnesota United for the first time since being eliminated by the Loons in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. Minnesota’s 2026 season has been off to a rocky start under new head coach Cameron Knowles, with just one win in the opening four matches.
Brian Schmetzer’s Sounders lost more times to Minnesota last season than they had lost to Minnesota in the all-time series prior to 2025. Losing both regular season matchups before getting knocked out of the playoffs via penalty shootout at the hands of the Loons.
After a convincing pair of victories of the Vancouver Whitecaps in Concacaf Champions Cup action, the Sounders return to MLS play looking for a third straight clean sheet. The Sounders have won three of their first four MLS matches, only conceding in the match they lost at Real Salt Lake. The Sounders have outscored teams 10-3 in six matches across all competitions. Paul Rothrock leads the team with four goals in five matches and has scored in three straight games.
Photo Credit: Sandra Agbotse/Sounders FC Communications
Jesus Ferreira has not found the back of the net this season, but he has been a major factor in producing goals. Including MLS’ secondary assists, Ferreira has 5 assists in the opening 6 matches. Ferreira found Rothrock with a picture perfect pass in the Sounders’ last MLS match against San Jose.
Minnesota United is coming off an embarrassing 6-0 loss on the road against Vancouver. The Loons were down 4-0 by the halftime whistle, and conceded another pair of goals in the second half. The only bright spot was the debut of Colombian star midfielder James Rodriguez. Rodriguez is expected to make his first start for Minnesota this weekend.
Seattle’s own Jordan Morris is nearing a return from injury. In fact, Morris is no longer on the injury report at all. Schmetzer had alluded in last week’s press conference that Morris could make his return off the bench against Minnesota. Morris, the club’s all-time leading scorer, played just eight minutes in the season opener before leaving with an injury. The Designated Player was plagued with injuries in 2025, after a career-best year in 2024.
“(Jordan Morris) is on a time restriction. I’m gonna try and get him into the game if I can,” said Brian Schmetzer when asked about Morris’ availability and role in match against Minnesota.
The Sounders are spoiled for choice at the winger position. With a full healthy roster, Schmetzer has to pick two starters out of Paul Arriola, Paul Rothrock, Jordan Morris, Jesus Ferreira, Pedro de la Vega, and Georgi Minoungou. Paul Rothrock and Jesus Ferreira have been off to the best starts among the group, and will likely be the starters heading into the match in Minnesota.
Newest signing Antino Lopez may earn the start as well, with rotation being needed at the center back position on a short week. Lopez was signed to a first-team contract after his remarkable performance last weekend against San Jose.
“Consistency, (Antino Lopez) is a nice kid. Does his job,” said Brian Schmetzer about Antino Lopez, “I like guys who don’t have too many highs and lows. He’s very consistent in what he does.”
The Sounders will get some rest before their next match following the game in Minnesota. A designated international break gives the squad a chance to recoup after a long stretch of matches. The club will return to action against Houston on April 4th, before heading to Mexico to take on Tigres in the CCC quarterfinals.
Cover Photo: Jon Brennan / House of Sounders
