Seattle visits San Diego with a slim chance to clinch a 2026 playoff berth: The Sounders need a win and help from other results. San Diego, five points below the final playoff spot, is fighting to keep its own postseason hopes alive.

By the Numbers
  • San Diego is on an eight-game winless streak and sits 12th, five points out of the playoffs.
  • Seattle is seeking its 17th postseason appearance in 18 years.
  • Albert Rusnák has 14 assists, tied for third in MLS and two shy of Seattle’s club record.
  • The teams’ all-time series is even at 1-1-1.
Yes, But

A loss would not mathematically eliminate San Diego, but would leave its playoff chances extremely remote. Seattle’s path is also uncertain: winning is essential, but the Sounders need other teams to drop points.

State of Play
  • Kickoff is Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. PDT at Snapdragon Stadium.
  • Paul Rothrock is questionable; Pedro de la Vega, Yeimar Gómez Andrade, Danny Musovski and Nikola Petković are out for Seattle. Elias Achouri is out for San Diego.
  • The match will stream globally on Apple TV; local radio coverage is available in English and Spanish.
Bottom Line

Seattle must take care of its own result and rely on the standings to break its way. San Diego needs points to keep a fading playoff bid alive.