Loons vs. Seattle Game 2: Highlights, Recap & Key Takeaways | [Year]

Loons Face Elimination in Seattle: A ​Playoff Preview

Minnesota United travels to Lumen Field on Monday night facing ⁤a critical Game 2 in their MLS Cup Playoff series⁢ against the Seattle Sounders. The loons hold a narrow 1-0 advantage ⁣after a dramatic penalty shootout victory last week in St.Paul,but the road ahead is challenging. Here’s a comprehensive look at‍ what ‍you need to know as Minnesota fights to‌ advance.

Match Details

* What: MLS Cup Playoffs,Game ‌2
* When: 9:45 p.m. CDT,‌ Monday
* Where: Lumen ⁢Field, Seattle, Washington
* How ‌to Watch: FS1, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
* How to Listen: KSTP-AM, 1500
* Weather Forecast: 46 degrees Fahrenheit, with a 40%⁣ chance of‍ rain.
* Betting Odds: Minnesota United ​(+400), Draw (+333), Seattle (-170)

Series Format & Current Standing

This is a best-of-three series. ​Minnesota currently leads 1-0 following their hard-fought win in the opening ​match.A Seattle victory on Monday⁣ will force a ⁤decisive Game 3 back in Minnesota this Saturday.

Recent History: A ‍Shift in Momentum

Historically, Seattle has dominated this matchup. However, Minnesota⁤ has flipped⁣ the script‍ in 2025,‍ winning​ all three regular season contests against the Sounders. Notably, the ⁢Loons secured their first-ever win in Seattle with⁢ a thrilling 3-2 victory on June 1st. This recent‍ success will undoubtedly⁣ fuel their confidence.

Team News: Loons Get a Boost

Minnesota is enjoying a ‍clean bill of health heading into this crucial match. Carlos Harvey, a versatile defender/midfielder, is available after recovering from a six-week absence due to a meniscus‌ injury. his ‌return provides valuable depth‍ and tactical adaptability for Head Coach Eric ‍Ramsay.

Controversy and Context from Game 1

A‍ contentious moment from the first leg continues to⁢ spark debate. ⁢Seattle defender Jackson Ragen openly admitted to a tactical foul – a push on Bongi Hlongwane – that went uncalled by the referee and ⁢VAR. ragen acknowledged it was a risk, but a necessary one to prevent a clear scoring possibility. This incident highlights the fine margins ⁢that often decide playoff games.

Tactical Outlook: Posession vs.Resilience

Seattle controlled possession in Game 1, boasting ‍a 69-31% advantage. They also ‌generated a higher number of expected goals​ (2.4-1.0), suggesting they created ‌more⁤ hazardous scoring chances. However, Minnesota’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, proved resilient.

Ramsay, ​however, disputes the narrative of a one-sided affair. He believes the game was ⁣more balanced than statistics suggest and emphasizes his team’s ability to frustrate their opponents.

Key Stats⁤ to‍ Watch

* ‌ Danny Musovski (Seattle): Led⁣ all players in Game 1 with an xG of 1.37, but was denied by St.Clair.
* Dayne st. ⁣Clair​ (minnesota): A finalist for MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, ⁢St. clair made three crucial saves in the first leg. His performance will be vital ⁣again on Monday.
* ‌ Possession: While Seattle dominated possession in ‍Game 1, Minnesota’s ability ‍to absorb pressure and counter-attack effectively will be key.

What to Expect: A Tight Contest

Despite Seattle’s expected offensive pressure, don’t anticipate a high-scoring affair. Minnesota’s defensive association ​and tactical discipline have been ⁣hallmarks ⁤of their success ‌this season. You can expect a physical, hard-fought battle with limited scoring opportunities.

Prediction

While Ramsay rightly points out ‌the complexities of the game, the pressure will be on‌ Seattle at ⁣home. They will likely find the back of the ⁢net,but Minnesota’s resilience and recent form suggest they won’t go down without a fight.Seattle‍ 2-1 – forcing a decisive Game 3 back in Minnesota.