The Seattle Sounders can clinch a playoff berth Wednesday by beating the Houston Dynamo and getting help from Portland’s result. Despite a 13-game winless streak earlier this season, Seattle controls its playoff fate and could climb as high as fourth in the Western Conference by winning its final three games. The Sounders are treating the matchup as a must-win, while Houston has already secured a playoff spot.

By the Numbers
  • Seattle’s midseason winless streak lasted 13 games.
  • The Sounders have three regular-season games left.
  • Houston is fifth in the West, five points ahead of Seattle.
  • The Dynamo are winless in seven straight and have one win in their last 12.
  • Houston’s all-time record at Lumen Field is 0-12-3.
Yes, But

Seattle’s playoff path is in its own hands, but a win alone won’t clinch a berth Wednesday: Portland must also drop points against St. Louis City. The Sounders’ remaining opponents are all above them in the standings, making the final stretch demanding.

State of Play
  • Jordan Morris is available against Houston after leaving Saturday’s game with hamstring cramps.
  • Paul Rothrock could return Sunday against Vancouver after weeks of training following a hamstring strain.
  • Yeimar Gómez Andrade’s outlook improved after a second opinion; he could return in 2-3 weeks.
What's Next

Seattle hosts Houston on Wednesday, then faces Vancouver on Sunday. Winning out could secure a playoff place and lift the Sounders as high as sixth—or potentially fourth—in the West.

Bottom Line

The Sounders have a chance to turn a troubled season into a playoff run, but there’s little room for error: Wednesday’s game is pivotal, and a win may still require help.