The Seattle Sounders are gearing up for a critical match against Club Tijuana in the Leagues Cup, which could see them secure a place in the quarterfinals. A victory in tonight’s game would not only guarantee advancement but also potentially elevate them to the top spot in the MLS standings due to their impressive +8 goal difference.
With essential players likely seeing some rotation following their recent match against Santos Laguna, the Sounders are expected to field a strong lineup capable of delivering the needed result. Coach Brian Schmetzer’s squad remains confident despite the absence of Georgi Minoungou, who is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the previous match.
On the flip side, Club Tijuana enters this game after a recent 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids but has already been eliminated from contention in the Leagues Cup following a heavy 5-2 loss to the LA Galaxy. Tijuana, traditionally a mid-table team in Liga MX, will showcase their promising young talent, 16-year-old Gilberto Mora, who has been in impressive form, scoring in key fixtures including the MLS All-Star Game.
Notably, this match marks the first competitive encounter between the Sounders and Tijuana, with Seattle holding a historical record of 11 wins, 12 losses, and 5 draws against Liga MX teams in their MLS history.
In terms of injuries and absences, the Sounders will miss João Paulo, Jordan Morris, Paul Arriola, Stuart Hawkins, and Minoungou. The match is set for Wednesday, August 6, at 8 PM PT at Lumen Field, and will be broadcast globally via MLS Season Pass.
As the Sounders prepare for this pivotal showdown, there’s a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the team, and fans are eager to see if they can secure crucial points and momentum heading into the knockout stage of the tournament.