Sounders Gear Up for Showdown Against San Jose in High-Stakes Heritage Cup Clash
The Seattle Sounders are back at Lumen Field, set to face off against the San Jose Earthquakes in what promises to be a defining clash in the 2025 MLS season. This isn't just any regular fixture — it's the continuation of the Heritage Cup, where both teams will don throwback jerseys in a nod to their historic rivalry. For fans, this is more than just a match; it’s a battle of pride, history, and form.
Head Coach Brian Schmetzer has made notable changes to his Starting XI for this match. Jordan Morris leads the attack, returning to the central striker role. He’ll be looking to capitalize on his speed and physicality against a San Jose defense that’s shown vulnerability this season. Jon Bell gets the nod at center back alongside Yeimar, a partnership that will need to be rock solid given San Jose’s attacking tendencies. Other new faces in the lineup include Reed Baker-Whiting, Pedro de la Vega, and Kalani Kossa-Rienzi — all stepping in to replace suspended or injured regulars like Jackson Ragen, Alex Roldan, and Paul Arriola.
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The Sounders are coming into this match on a four-game unbeaten streak, while the Earthquakes haven’t managed a win in their last four. Momentum clearly favors Seattle, but the team has to clean up some costly mistakes that have haunted them recently. They've conceded six penalties in their last six games — an unwanted MLS record they’d surely like to end tonight. Keeping all eleven players on the field and playing disciplined defense will be crucial.
San Jose, on the other hand, is a high-risk, high-reward side under Bruce Arena. They’ve scored 44 goals this season, powered by Cristian Espinoza and Cristian Arango — two players who can turn the game in an instant. But they've also shown defensive frailty, giving up three or more goals in five separate matches. This open style of play leaves them vulnerable, and the Sounders will be looking to exploit those gaps, especially with the pace of Morris and the creativity of Rusnák, who is fresh off a two-goal, one-assist performance against Colorado.
Both teams are also dealing with heavy injury and suspension lists. Seattle is missing several key players including Stefan Frei, João Paulo, and Nouhou, while San Jose is without VÃtor Costa and DeJuan Jones, among others. These absences will test the depth of each squad and may ultimately influence the flow of the game.
The stage is set. It’s a home game, a rivalry, a throwback night, and a critical opportunity for Seattle to keep their unbeaten run alive and assert dominance in the Western Conference. With playoff spots on the horizon and momentum at stake, fans can expect intensity, goals, and plenty of drama under the lights at Lumen Field.
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