The Seattle Sounders will put the finishing touches on their 2025 regular season today when they travel to CitiField to take on New York City FC. The Sounders are locked in fifth place in the Western Conference, but could potentially climb as high as 10th in the Supporters’ Shield standings if they win. NYCFC is effectively fighting for home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Here’s what you need to know:
Injury News
Sounders
OUT: Paul Arriola – Knee; Yeimar Gómez Andrade – hamstring; Ryan Kent – hamstring; Kim Kee-hee – Calf
New York City
OUT: Keaton Parks – Stage; Malachi Jones – Leg
Opposition players to watch
Alonso Martinez: The Costa Rican striker has quietly been one of the most prolific scorers in MLS over the past two seasons. After scoring 16 goals in less than 1,500 minutes last year, he has 17 this year. He thrives in space, using his speed to beat opposing defenders.
Max Moralez: Yes, the 38-year-old still pulls the strings at NYCFC. In fact, he’s enjoyed something of a renaissance this year, establishing himself as a starter and logging more minutes than in any season since 2018. His 11 assists lead NYCFC.
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Statistics to appear intelligent
16 — New York City has been one of the best defensive teams at home this year, allowing just 16 goals. That includes allowing just four goals in four games at CitiField where this game will be played.
+1.28 — This has been a theme this year, but the Sounders’ underlying numbers on the road have been pretty good. In fact, their expected goal difference of +1.28 is the fourth best among away teams.
Tactics to impress
- Although they are historically known as a team that likes to press, this year’s NYCFC team has been much more interested in possession. They want the ball more than anything else and are more interested in resting on defense. Forcing them to be active defensively could be key.
- This could be the second time the Sounders start a match with an attacking quartet of Albert Rusnák, Jesus Ferreira, Pedro de la Vega and Jordan Morris. If they can get this group going, the sky is the limit.
Matching Kits
Opposition Research
Opposition Scouting Report: New York City FC
We caught up with Hudson River Blue to get some insight.
Ranking
Other reading
Cristian Roldan understands that “timing is everything”
The Sounders midfielder discusses his bid for the 2026 World Cup squad.
Osaze De Rosario named MLSNP Pathway Player of the Year
The forward has scored 17 goals combined for Sounders and Defiance.
After a slow start, Jesús Ferreira has earned the trust of the Sounders
Ferreira has already set career highs in minutes and has become a staple in Brian Schmetzer’s lineup.
Cristian Roldan delivers his best USMNT performance ever
The midfielder had two assists in the 2-1 win over Australia.
The challenges in New York
The Sounders still have a lot to play for, even if positioning isn’t one of them.
More listening
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Jesús Ferreira has been much better for the Sounders than you think
