Seattle Sounders' Championship Dreams Shattered as Defending Leagues Cup Titleholders Suffer Stunning MLS Cup Playoff Elimination
The Seattle Sounders have built a reputation for delivering in crucial moments, and they nearly added another chapter to that legacy. However, the defending Leagues Cup titleholders saw their 2025 MLS Cup playoff journey end when Minnesota United's keeper Dayne St. Clair converted his penalty in the dramatic 10th round of the shootout.
Seattle had managed to force a winner-take-all Game 3 in their first-round best-of-three series following their Game 2 victory. The decisive match began promisingly with strikes from Albert Rusnák and Danny Musovski, giving them a commanding 2–0 advantage inside the opening eight minutes.
Came out swinging 🥊
Moose makes it TWO within 10 minutes played! 🫨 pic.twitter.com/hNfMVlyVan
However, the match took an unexpected trajectory from that point forward. Minnesota reduced the deficit in the 19th minute through Joáquin Pereyra before being reduced to 10 players when Joseph Rosales received his marching orders in the 41st minute.
Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage, the Loons remarkably turned the game around to lead 3–2 courtesy of strikes from Jefferson Díaz and Anthony Markanich—before Seattle's Jordan Morris found the equalizer in the 88th minute to send the contest to a penalty shootout, where Minnesota ultimately triumphed.
THIS IS POSTSEASON SOCCER. 🍿
Jordan. Morris. Equalizer.
3-3 in the dying moments in Minnesota! // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/wjWroVYDpq
Having secured the series victory, Minnesota advances to the Western Conference semifinals, where they will either welcome Portland Timbers at home or travel to face San Diego FC in a single-elimination clash to determine which side meets either Vancouver Whitecaps FC or LAFC in the Western Conference championship.
Anthony from his office.
It HAD to be him. pic.twitter.com/f66ITP7ewd
"For us to emerge victorious from a match like that is absolutely incredible," Minnesota manager Eric Ramsay reflected.
"The squad demonstrated an extraordinary degree of unity and determination and resolve to remain competitive, to take the lead, and then to bounce back from such a devastating blow of conceding so late, followed by all the emotional swings of the penalty shootout."
The Goalkeepers Decide the Shootout
Just before the penalty shootout commenced, Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer brought on penalty expert Andrew Rick to replace veteran goalkeeper Stefan Frei, but the tactical switch backfired when Thomas injured a finger on his initial diving save attempt, though he persevered through the pain.
Following several stops from both teams—including some assistance from the goalposts—along with psychological tactics from St. Clair, the shootout ultimately came down to both netminders taking their turns from the penalty spot. Thomas struck the crossbar, while St. Clair calmly slotted his effort home, propelling Minnesota forward in spectacular style.
Loon's-eye view 🎥 pic.twitter.com/siYMXumeP6
"I was confident stepping up to take it," St. Clair explained regarding his penalty attempt, noting that his previous spot kick experience might have dated back to age 13 when he played as a center-back.
"I believe in that instant—I don't usually hesitate, but I figured he wouldn't anticipate that stutter-step, and when you get that timing right, any disruption you can create...it felt strange because I still had to return to goal afterward."
Minnesota's Journey, Sounders' Early Departure
Minnesota's prospects appear promising moving forward. Despite questions surrounding Ramsay's high-pressing and possession-light tactical approach, they accomplished what was necessary to progress and now stand just three victories from claiming MLS Cup championship glory.
Simultaneously, St. Clair is radiating confidence in goal after claiming MLS Goalkeeper of the Year recognition earlier this week. With the team now entering a two-week international window, he aims to sustain that exceptional form while representing the Canadian national squad.
"My concentration has been unwavering," he commented about the series versus the individual accolade. "Working to advance us through this stage, and particularly for myself... the award becomes meaningless unless we progress beyond this point and secure that crucial second victory."
For Seattle, this marks their first opening-round elimination since 2021 and only the third occasion in the past decade where they failed to advance beyond the initial playoff stage. While Minnesota prepares for later this month, the Sounders must shift their focus to the upcoming season—despite coming tantalizingly close to reaching the Western Conference semifinals.