18 October 2025 at 22:00
Match Summary
Seattle Sounders defeated New York City FC 2:1. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by J. Morris 61′, N. Mercau 82′, J. Ragen 87′. 4 yellow cards were shown. New York City FC had 50% possession while Seattle Sounders held 50%. New York City FC had 14 shots (5 on target) compared to 9 (4 on target) for Seattle Sounders. Expected goals: New York City FC 0.65 — Seattle Sounders 0.84. New York City FC made 5 substitutions, Seattle Sounders made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty cancelled (Jordan Morris 27′).
Match Events
Key match events between New York City FC and Seattle Sounders — 3 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: A. Rusnak
assist: D. Leyva
Match Statistics
New York City FC had 50% possession against Seattle Sounders's 50%. New York City FC registered 14 shots (5 on target) while Seattle Sounders managed 9 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 9–6. Fouls committed: 14–9.
Lineups
New York City FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Pascal Jansen, while Seattle Sounders deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Brian Thomas Schmetzer.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for New York City FC is 7.04, compared to 7.05 for Seattle Sounders. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. New York City FC's highest-rated starter is N. Mercau (7.43), while Seattle Sounders's best-rated player is A. Rusnak (7.60).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of New York City FC have contributed 45 goals and 26 assists this season, led by A. Martinez (19G). Seattle Sounders's starters account for 33 goals and 28 assists, spearheaded by A. Rusnak (12G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
New York City FC deploy 4 defenders rated 6.94 on average, against Seattle Sounders's 4-man backline averaging 7.06. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
New York City FC field 5 midfielders averaging 7.12, versus Seattle Sounders's 5 rated 7.09. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
New York City FC start 1 forward(s) averaging 7.00, compared to 1 for Seattle Sounders averaging 6.91. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 55% for New York City FC and 49% for Seattle Sounders. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
New York City FC's starters have collected 55 yellow cards this season, compared to 27 for Seattle Sounders. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of New York City FC's starting XI is 27.1 (youngest: T. Gray (23), oldest: M. Moralez (38)), while Seattle Sounders average 28.5 (youngest: D. Leyva (22), oldest: S. Frei (39)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
New York City FC's starters average 29 league appearances each, versus 25 for Seattle Sounders. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: Pascal Jansen
Substitutes
Coach: Brian Thomas Schmetzer
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, New York City FC have recorded 3 wins, 1 draws and 2 defeats. Seattle Sounders show 4 wins, 2 draws and 0 losses from their last 6 outings.
New York City FC
Seattle Sounders
API data: 15 Mar 2026