As the Seattle Sounders FC prepare to host the Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday, March 22, 2025, anticipation grows for both teams amid a challenging start to the MLS season. The match is set to kick off at 7:30 PM PT at Lumen Field and serves as a crucial opportunity for the Sounders to turn their season around while honoring some of the club's greatest legends.
The Seattle Sounders are struggling in the Western Conference, currently sitting in 10th place with just four points from their first four matches (1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses). Last weekend, they faced a disappointing 1-0 defeat at St. Louis City, where they struggled to convert possession into scoring opportunities. The Sounders controlled 66% of the ball but managed only one shot on target— a worrying statistic given their rich history of attacking play. This matchup against Houston is seen not only as a chance to earn three valuable points but also as an opportunity to honor the contributions of club legends.
The Sounders have historically performed well against the Dynamo at home. Seattle boasts an impressive unbeaten streak of 17 meetings at Lumen Field, with a record of 13 wins and 4 draws. However, despite this dominance, both teams find themselves languishing in the lower half of the standings, hoping to kickstart their seasons and avoid the deepening road of despair.
At the forefront of celebrations will be Nic Lodeiro, the former club captain and a vital player during his tenure from 2016 to 2023. Lodeiro played a key role in the Sounders’ triumphs, leading the squad to two MLS Cups and a Concacaf Champions Cup title, and he will be honored in a ceremony before the national anthem. This match marks his return to Lumen Field as he continues with Houston after making the switch.
Also in the spotlight is Jordan Morris, who will be recognized at halftime after breaking the Sounders’ all-time scoring record with his 87th career goal on March 8 against LAFC. Morris, however, is sidelined due to a hamstring injury he sustained against Cruz Azul on March 11. His absence will leave a significant void in the Sounders' attacking lineup as they try to recapture their scoring touch.
Furthermore, Cristian Roldan will be acknowledged for surpassing Zach Scott's appearance record as he takes the field for his 353rd game with the Sounders. Roldan’s career journey has mirrored the team's growth and aspirations, making him one of the pillars of the franchise.
As the injury reports for both teams continue to pile up, Seattle is missing several key players, including Paul Arriola, Yeimar Andrade, Pedro de la Vega, and Reed Baker-Whiting, while Nouhou and Obed Vargas are away on international duty. This leaves Sounders’ head coach Brian Schmetzer with limited options as he looks to field a competitive side against the Dynamo, who are equally struggling with critical absences.
Houston arrives in Seattle with only one point from four games, having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Real Salt Lake last weekend. Like the Sounders, the Dynamo find themselves in 14th place in the Western Conference, with no wins under their belt (0-3-1 record). Their current predicament, coupled with a lack of offensive form, has put their playoff aspirations in jeopardy.
The last encounter between Seattle and Houston on November 4, 2024, saw the Sounders emerging victorious in a thrilling penalty shootout after a nail-biting 1-1 draw. While past encounters emphasize Seattle's dominance, both teams know that past stats mean little as desperation grows in the present.
Kickoff this Saturday at Lumen Field comes with the stakes incredibly high. For the Sounders, overcoming the Dynamo is not just about points; it's about pride, history, and reviving hope for a season that began bleakly. Likewise, the Dynamo, desperate to find their form, view this game as a vital opportunity to rediscover their competitive edge.
Fans expect an emotional atmosphere filled with banners celebrating club legends as the clash unfolds under the bright lights of Lumen Field. With critical points on the line and the ghosts of past victories at their back, only time will tell if the Seattle Sounders can reforge their path to glory while the Houston Dynamo seeks to carve out a path from the darkness of the MLS cellar.
