Ramsay upbeat despite Minnesota's Game 2 loss to Seattle

Eric Ramsay remains positive in Minnesota United's ability to qualify for the Western Conference semifinals, despite being forced to Game 3 by the Seattle Sounders.

Minnesota won Game 1 of the series on penalties after a 0-0 draw, but were caught out when they went to Lumen Field on Tuesday by a fast Seattle start.

The Sounders raced into a 3-0 lead by the 41st minute, but Minnesota fought back with two goals in first-half stoppage time, only to fall short in their comeback and concede a second Obed Vargas goal in the 86th minute.

Ramsay was quick to point out how impressive the team's attitude had been to respond to the early setback and is hopeful they can build on that performance back at home.

"With us [coming from behind], I now look forward really positively to Saturday," he said.

"I think the players will, and that is ultimately, if we weren't going to win Game 2, that is the consolation.

"We have home advantage, and playing at home in the Allianz, we'll certainly give ourselves the best chance."

Seattle snapped a three-game losing streak against Minnesota in league action with their victory earlier this week, and are hoping they can complete the turnaround on Saturday.

Head coach Brian Schmetzer is anticipating a response from Minnesota but is confident his side can pick up where they left off in Game 2.

"We understand that Minnesota are going to make tweaks," he said. "They're going to make changes.

"We have to be prepared for whatever they do and be able to follow up with another good performance where we actually find those moments to make plays."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Minnesota United – Robin Lod

Robin Lod scored his second career playoff goal on Monday, becoming the fifth player in club history to record multiple MLS Cup playoff goals.

The only Minnesota United player with more postseason goals for the Loons is Kevin Molino with four (all in 2020).

Seattle Sounders – Obed Vargas

In Game 2, Vargas scored two goals for the first multi-goal game of his professional career.

Vargas is the second player in MLS history to score multiple goals in a playoff game prior to his 21st birthday, joining the then 19-year-old Landon Donovan, who did so in 2001 for the San Jose Earthquakes against the Columbus Crew.

MATCH PREDICTION: SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN

Minnesota United and the Seattle Sounders combined to score six goals in Game 2, the most combined goals in a single match in the fixture’s history (all competitions).

There has been one total goal scored in the two matches hosted by the Loons in the matchup in 2025.

The Sounders earned their 26th all-time playoff win in Game 2, tying D.C. United for the third-most playoff wins by a single MLS club. Seattle sit behind only the LA Galaxy (51) and the Crew (29), and they are expected to close in on Columbus with a win on Saturday.

Minnesota scored twice on Monday, their fifth multi-goal performance in 11 all-time MLS Cup playoff games. Four of those have come on the road, with the only home instance coming in the 2020 postseason against the Colorado Rapids.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Minnesota United – 33.4%

Draw – 25.7%

Seattle Sounders – 41%