The Sounders weren’t supposed to suffer any consequences Saturday.
The club entered their road match against New York City FC locked into the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoff standings. So, the outcome didn’t matter.
Before 30 minutes could tick off the clock, the Sounders had a major setback.
Pedro de la Vega was carted off the Citi Field pitch in the 24th minute with an apparent knee injury. Seattle’s young designated player collided with NYCFC defender Tayvon Gray for possession of the ball and dropped to the ground holding his right leg.
The Argentine didn’t move as trainers hurried to his side and prepped his body to place on a stretcher and carry off the field. De la Vega briefly covered his face then gave a thumbs-up sign and clapped as the crowd cheered for him.
Saturday was just the second time this season that Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer has been able to start his trio of designated players together. Striker Jordan Morris (hamstring and shoulder), de la Vega (knee) and midfielder Albert Rusnák (hamstring, red card suspension) have mainly been unavailable throughout the season due to injuries.
Instead of the trio shining, it was Morris and Rusnák helping the Sounders pull off a 2-1 win in their regular-season finale.
“The injury took the wind out of our sails, but we regrouped at halftime,” Schmetzer said. “The main reason why we were able to win this game is because in the DNA of the Seattle Sounders is overcoming adversity. Figuring out ways how to be better than your opponent. That was a classic, gutty performance.”
The Sounders (15-9-10) will play Minnesota United FC (16-8-10) in the opening round. The Loons lost their season finale 2-1 against the LA Galaxy on Saturday.
Game 1 of the best-of-three series is in Saint Paul, Minn., time and date to be determined.
NYCFC (17-12-5) needed a win and other results to move up in the Eastern Conference standings. They’ll be the No. 5 seed and play fourth-seeded Charlotte in their opening round.
“Nobody wants to play us in the playoffs,” Schmetzer said confidently.
Schmetzer subbed winger Paul Rothrock on for de la Vega.
The midfielder, who signed in 2024, started 15 of his 26 MLS matches this season. De la Vega contributed four goals and five assists in league play. He’ll travel with the team back to Seattle and be evaluated upon return.
Seven minutes were added to the first half due to de la Vega’ injury, but the Sounders didn’t connect to create a shot on goal in the half. NYCFC had a strong look through a crowded box in stoppage time, but Sounders keeper Stefan Frei made a one-handed save to deny Justin Haak’s attempt.
“It was dead quiet when we came into the locker room,” Rusnák said of the scene at halftime. “We saw him right there at the door and it’s sad. It’s really sad. I was right there when it happened and by the look of it, you could tell it was something serious that just happened. Everybody is gutted for him.”
Morris played his seventh consecutive match Saturday. The club’s all-time leading scorer added another in the 61st minute when he headed home a free kick from Rusnák. Morris has 89 goals, through all competitions, in his career — five this year in MLS play.
Frei had to make three consecutive saves in the 67th, 68th and 69th minute to prevent an equalizer. Another was needed in the 76th minute but the Blues found the needed goal in the 82nd minute.
NYCFC midfielder Nicolás Fernández’s attempt deflected off Sounders defender Nouhou and into goal. But the revived crowd in Flushing, New York didn’t stay that way.
Sounders defender Jackson Ragen headed in the game-winner off a Danny Leyva corner kick in the 87th minute. It’s Ragen’s second goal of the season and Leyva’s fourth assist.
“Set pieces are going to be super important in playoff games that are super tight and probably decided by one goal,” Ragen said. “Both of our goals were from set pieces, so it’s good we’re finding that going into the playoffs.”
Rusnák’s return from a one-game suspension and Nouhou from international duty with Cameroon pushed Rothrock and defender Jon Bell to the bench. Although Cristian Roldan (U.S.), Obed Vargas (Mexico) and Georgi Minoungou (Burkina Faso) returned healthy from international duty, Schmetzer didn’t travel the players.
Minoungou also had to handle a personal matter.
“We tried to treat it like a playoff game,” Rusnák said of Saturday’s match. “But it didn’t feel like it, I’ll be honest. I’m glad that we built some momentum and we won (three) consecutive games in a row. This one being on the road, we’re going to start the playoffs on the road as well, so it’s good for us.”