Seattle Sounders 2-1 Los Angeles FC: Schmetzer's side snatch playoff spot

The Seattle Sounders held firm to beat Los Angeles FC 2-1 and secure a place in the playoffs on Decision Day.

Seattle were at risk of missing out on the playoffs for just the second time in their history heading into Saturday's contest at Lumen Field.

The Sounders needed to beat LAFC and hope for other results elsewhere to go their way. And both requirements were fulfilled.

A first-minute goal from Albert Rusnak got Seattle off to a dream start, as he tapped in from Cristian Roldan's cutback.

Andrew Thomas had to make a couple of big stops to deny LAFC a quickfire equaliser, while Denis Bouanga fired wide and Armindo Sieb clipped the post.

And the Sounders made those reprieves count when youngster Sebastian Gomez doubled their lead with a deflected strike in the 31st minute.

Bouanga might have done better from close range early in the second half, before Thomas pulled off a superb save to thwart Son Heung-min.

Thomas was at it again when Bouanga danced to the byline and tried to squeeze a finish in at the near post.

Seattle's defence was finally breached when Eddie Segura headed home in the 81st minute, but Brian Schmetzer's team held on to secure eighth place in the Western Conference.

Thomas stands tall with RSL next

Thomas was Seattle's star man, making some truly excellent stops, with his save from Son a highlight.

He made seven saves in total, with LAFC having 24 shots, accumulating for 1.88 expected goals.

Seattle only had five attempts, worth a combined 0.53 xG, so they needed their goalkeeper to deliver, and deliver he did.

The Sounders finish the regular season with 12 wins, which is the joint-fewest they have managed in a 34-game campaign (level with 2022).

Next up for Seattle are Real Salt Lake in the wildcard match. They beat the LA Galaxy, who missed out on the playoffs.

RSL's win also meant a 3-1 victory for Minnesota United over the San Jose Earthquakes was not enough for the Loons to make the cut.

Portland Timbers finished in seventh on the back of a 2-0 win over Austin FC.