San Diego FC, running out of time in playoff push, clash with Sounders

Oct 17, 2026; Carson, California, USA; San Diego FC midfielder Anders Dreyer (10) kicks the ball during the second half against the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

San Diego FC desperately need a home win Saturday night to bolster their playoff hopes against a Seattle Sounders side that could clinch a postseason spot with a victory and the right results elsewhere.

After finishing atop the Western Conference in its inaugural 2025 regular season, San Diego (8-12-10, 34 points) enters the weekend in 12th place, five points below the playoff line, and winless in its past eight matches (0-4-4).

But San Diego coach Mikey Varas believes there have been signs his club could turn things around in its final four matches. The team probably needs at least 10 points to overtake the ninth-place Colorado Rapids or eighth-place Los Angeles Galaxy.

In particular, Varas thought San Diego deserved better from last weekend's 2-2 draw at the Galaxy, in which it held 64.7% possession and led 9-8 in shots on target.

"We have some guys hitting form at the right moment," Varas said. "And as a team, I think in the last couple of games, especially the last one, we're back really close to our best. And I think as a group, we're starting to hit form."

Anders Dreyer scored his team-leading 13th goal from the penalty spot early in that draw. Marcus Ingvartsen has 12 goals but has been relegated to the bench for San Diego's last two matches.

Seventh-place Seattle (11-10-9, 42 points) won four straight matches from Sept. 23 to Oct. 10 but has scored only once in its last two, a 1-0 loss at FC Dallas and a 1-1 home draw against CF Montreal.

If the Sounders make the playoffs, they will likely be one of the few teams in the field without a double-digit goal-scorer. Cristian Roldan and Paul Rothrock lead Seattle with five goals apiece.

After two underwhelming attacking performances, Roldan expects a tactical emphasis on getting more players forward Saturday. But he also knows it's possible to overcorrect.

"The minute you start committing a little bit more numbers in the attack, you start being more susceptible to counterattack," he said. "And when you're chasing a 1-0 game, the worst thing that can happen is conceding that second goal."