Seattle Sounders answer challenge to clinch playoff spot

Seattle Sounders FC have secured a spot in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the second time in their history, defeating LAFC 2-1 on Saturday to avoid missing the postseason for the first time since 2017. The victory also earned the Sounders the No. 8 seed, which will see them host Real Salt Lake in the Wild Card round on November 19.

Head coach Brian Schmetzer praised his team's resilience, saying they had a "locker room that has a lot of belief" and completed their goals set in a post-game accountability meeting. Despite finishing the regular season with a 12W-12L-10D record, Schmetzer believes his team has the potential to make a deep playoff run.