It all comes down to this.
On Sunday, the Sounders host the San Jose Earthquakes on Decision Day (1:30 p.m. PT; JOEtv, YouTube TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS). There is plenty to play for this weekend, from playoff positioning to setting records to achieving milestones.
Here are a few things to know heading into SEAvSJ.
1. A point guarantees a postseason home match
There are dozens of positioning scenarios based on the results across the Western Conference, but simply put, a win or draw against the Earthquakes guarantees the Sounders a home match the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs. The optimal result is if FC Dallas draws or loses at the Colorado Rapids and the Sounders win, which would give Seattle a Knockout Round bye..
2. Records could fall
Goalkeeper Stefan Frei is a single save shy of setting a club record for most saves in a single season (112). With a win, the Sounders would claim the best half-season record in MLS history (14-2-1).
On the other side, San Jose forward Chris Wondolowski is one goal away from tying Landon Donovan’s MLS record of 145.
3. Milestones could be met
Frei is also four saves shy of reaching 500 saves with the Sounders and would become the first goalkeeper in club history to do so. With a start on Sunday, midfielder Cristian Roldan would become the first field player in club history to start all 34 matches of an MLS season and could become the first to surpass 3,000 minutes (He is 37 minutes shy). Regardless of the result on Sunday, the Sounders have secured the best record in MLS since joining the league in 2009.
Also of note, midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro leads all MLS players in game-winning assists by one and fouls suffered by six.
4. Potential return of injured players
Last week, Román Torres, Harry Shipp and Brad Smith didn’t travel due to injuries, but the trio could see some action this weekend. Torres seems the most likely to return as he practiced in full on Wednesday, while Shipp and Smith are expected to train soon. All three players could relied on down the stretch as the squad preps for another deep postseason run.
Midfielder Harry Shipp, left, has three goals and three assists in 19 MLS appearances this season.
5. Scarves Up!
Basketball legend Lenny Wilkens is set to do “Scarves Up!” prior to Sunday’s match. The former Seattle SuperSonics player and head coach has lived in the Seattle area for over 50 years and will be celebrating his 81st birthday at the match on Sunday.
6. Fan Appreciation
Since it’s the final home match of the regular season, there will be annual Fan Appreciation elements, too. The first 20,000 fans at the stadium will receive an exclusive Sounders FC smartphone ring stand holder, courtesy of Alcatel. The club’s 2018 Humanitarians of the Year will be honored pregame, including Frei and S2 forward David Estrada. Following the match, the players will make a lap around the field, handing out carnations and kicking soccer balls into the stands.
7. Paul Allen Tribute
The club will pay tribute to the life of late Owner Paul Allen, who passed away on Oct. 15, with a moment of silence prior to the national anthem. The team will also wear special “PGA” initial patches on its jerseys in memory of Allen, who left an indelible mark on both Sounders FC and the entire Puget Sound region.
