Brian Schmetzer acknowledges that if the Seattle Sounders fail to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs, they’ll only have themselves to blame, as they prepare for Decision Day with a crucial match against Los Angeles FC.
Heading into the final regular-season match, Seattle is in 10th place in the Western Conference, tied on points with both the Portland Timbers and the Colorado Rapids, who currently hold the wild-card spots.
The LA Galaxy, positioned seventh, hold the last automatic playoff spot but could still be eliminated. Meanwhile, LAFC, sitting in sixth place, has already secured their spot in the postseason.
After suffering a heavy 5-1 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps, which marked their fifth game without a win, Seattle must avoid a loss to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Even with a victory, they would still require help from other matches to sneak into the playoffs, leaving Schmetzer with many regrets.
“Personally, I dislike where we are,” Schmetzer stated this week. “We’ve made mistakes in so many games.”
“This is our current reality, and we’re focused on doing everything we can for a positive result on Saturday.”
Winger Paul Arriola echoed this sentiment, saying: “We’ve been reactive too often this year when we needed to be proactive and assertive.”
“This game will be about putting in the effort and trusting our experienced players who have been through tough competitions before.”
Final. https://t.co/CrTDMftpK6
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) November 1, 2026
LAFC, on the other hand, recently lost 3-1 to Minnesota United, and interim coach Xavi Tamarit has emphasized that the players’ performance fell short of expectations.
“The team has responded by training well this week. We’ve made it clear that anyone can have an off day,” he said.
“However, we cannot afford to repeat the low energy we showed in the first 15 minutes against Minnesota. At LAFC, that simply isn’t acceptable, and I believe the players agree.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Seattle Sounders – Dejan Joveljic
Joveljic, who previously played for LAFC’s rivals, the LA Galaxy, has scored five goals in 13 matches against them. He leads the Sounders this season with 13 goals from a total of 9.53 expected goals (xG).
Los Angeles FC – Denis Bouanga
Bouanga has netted 18 goals this MLS season, significantly outpacing the second-highest scorer on his team, Son Heung-min, who has seven. This marks Bouanga’s fourth consecutive season with at least 18 goals, a feat achieved by only one other player in LAFC history (Carlos Vela, 34 goals in 2019).
MATCH PREDICTION – SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN
LAFC has historically dominated the matchups with Seattle, winning 15 of 26 encounters (D4 L7). However, five of Seattle’s seven victories have come on home turf, including a 5-2 win when LAFC last visited.
Seattle desperately needs a win to avoid missing the playoffs for just the second time since joining MLS in 2009. Given LAFC’s current slump, following a third straight match without a win, Schmetzer’s team will look to capitalize on this opportunity.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Seattle Sounders – 42.2%
Los Angeles FC – 31.1%
Draw – 26.7%
Fan Take: This matchup is a pivotal moment not just for the Seattle Sounders, but for the competitive landscape of MLS as a whole. Fans should pay close attention, as the outcomes here could shift team dynamics and playoff strategies moving forward.
Source: www.soccernews.com
