Deadspin: Dynamo aim to prevent Sounders from clinching a playoff berth in Seattle
Seattle has a chance to clinch
Seattle enters the match seventh in the Western Conference with 43 points, five behind fifth-place Houston, which has 48. The Sounders are 4-1-7 across their past 12 matches, while the Dynamo have gone 0-2-5 in their last seven.
Busy schedule shapes Seattle plans
The Sounders drew 2-2 at San Diego on Saturday after conceding a penalty-time equalizer in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time. They had been on course for three points before the late goal. Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer said playing three matches in eight days was “not ideal.” He said the team would need rotation while managing a demanding week against three top teams.
Houston seeks an offensive lift
Houston drew 0-0 with Minnesota United on Saturday. Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made five saves, preserving the point and recording his 11th clean sheet of the season. The Dynamo recently extended coach Ben Olsen’s contract through the 2027-28 season. Olsen has led Houston to its third playoff berth in four seasons, and said he was proud of the team’s progress and eager to build on its success. Houston’s defense has been strong, but Olsen likely wants the team to produce more offense as it tries to end its winless run.
Key points
- Seattle can clinch with a win and a Portland loss or draw against St. Louis City.
- Houston has gone seven matches without a win; Seattle has earned points in 11 of 12.
- Jonathan Bond made five saves in Houston’s scoreless draw with Minnesota United.
- Houston extended Ben Olsen’s contract through the 2027-28 season.